It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our dear husband, dad, papa and brother, Raymond Blais on May 4, 2024, from Myocarditis.
Ray was predeceased by his father and mother John and Venice, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Walter and Kay Sulyma and his brother-in-law Clifford Sulyma.
Ray will be forever loved and remembered by his beloved wife Sandra; daughter Kathryn (Jeff); grandson Luke; son Derek; granddaughter Danella; and brother Richard (Marilyn).
Ray attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School, Munroe Junior High and Miles Macdonell Collegiate. Upon graduation, he began his lifelong career in May 1968 with the Department of Highways for the Province of Manitoba. He enjoyed his career very much, especially all the people that he worked with and all of the extensive travelling he did within Manitoba. Ray retired in April 2006 as a Manager of Aggregate Resources for the Materials Engineering Branch.
While working there he met the love of his life, Sandra. They discovered that they both lived in EK and began to carpool to work in his “Blaze” Orange 1970 Roadrunner. During their drives across the city, they became best friends and quickly fell deeply in love. They married on October 4, 1974, in St. Alphonsus Church and began their wonderful 50-year marriage a few blocks away on Pleasant Bay. There, they created a loving home for their children, Kathryn and Derek. They became part of the Pleasant Bay community, joining in on block parties, neighbourhood watch programs and helping neighbours with anything. Ray’s children attended St Alphonsus Elementary School, just as he did. He joined various boards and committees for the school and was a proud founding member of the St. Alphonsus Galas, which still continue to this day.
Ray’s love for his family was unmatched. He would do anything for us. We were always “first”. Family trips within Canada, to California, the Black Hills, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Arizona and the Caribbean will never be forgotten. When grandchildren Luke and Danella were born, his love for them was over the top. Many sleepovers, time spent together in the workshop making Christmas decorations, building forts, playing cards and board games were all immensely enjoyed.
Ray had a passion for antique restoration and for collecting vintage model trains. It was the ‘thrill of the hunt’ for Ray as he would come home with a new train to restore almost weekly. He was a Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan and a huge Winnipeg Jets fan and could be found pacing in his Den while watching the games on TV in his full Jets attire. Ray had a love for gardening. He loved beautifying his yard with Hostas and many flowers. He cultivated and propagated Canna Lillies that he generously gave away to anyone who would appreciate them. He also was a self-taught carpenter and he used these skills to frequently update and repair not only his home and yard but that of his family, neighbours and friends. He was careful, methodical and meticulous in everything he did.
Ray built lasting relationships and impacted more people than we can ever know. He was wise, strong, kind, humble and generous. He never complained or asked for anything. He was solid as a rock. He treated everyone he met with kindness, love, and respect. Ray’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His warm smile and kind eyes touched the lives of many and his memory will be cherished for years to come. There are no words to describe how much he was loved and will be missed.
Our family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the doctors, the nurses and the support staff of the Cardiac Care Unit at the I.H. Asper Institute. We cannot say enough about the care, the compassion and the dignity that Ray received while he was there.
Cremation and interment have taken place. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the 5th Floor, Intensive Cardiac Care Unit of the I.H. Asper Institute, in Memory of Raymond Blais. Phone: 204-237-2067 or www.stbf.ca
Ray, you will always be in our hearts
Forever in our memory
Thank you for loving us compassionately
