RIP Major Carl Norman Ray

Major Carl Norman Ray, eldest son of Isaac and Gladys (nee MacKenzie) Ray, born July 22, 1928 in Bad Heart, Alberta passed away at the QE II Hospital, with family around him, on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 after a lengthy and hard fought battle with cancer.



His over 30 years of service included service with the Royal Canadian Electrical/Mechanical Engineers during the Korean War and upon his return spent the balance of his service time with Canada’s elite force Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.



He had many interests which he pursued but first and foremost was his great love for his family. His career path provided a means to open the world to his family and to teach the appreciation of its beauty and adventure in the many different forms it takes. He was a wonderful teacher.



He is survived by his wife and love of his life for more than their 55 years of marriage, Hilda Leona (Burton), his children Elaine (Todd), Valerie (Kim), Alexandra (Rudy), Michael, Norma (Joel), his grandchildren Stefan, Joy, Matthew, Jordan, Lucas and great grandson Nikolis. He is also survived by his sister Betty Marie Curran, his brother Earl Lester Ray and a great many nieces and nephews. He loved, inspired, supported and his presence will be missed so very much even though he will always be in our thoughts, hearts and souls. We will feel his arms around us, the kisses on our cheeks and hear the whispers in our ears. We hope that, along with others that have gone before him that he was met by his 4-legged loves, which he always shared morning toast with over the years, covering him with their wet kisses and keeping him company and reminding him of what a remarkable man he is and one that can never be forgotten.



We would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the QE II who did their utmost for his treatment care and comfort; they were wonderful.



The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry will be holding their 100 year anniversary celebration in Ottawa next year which he had full intention of attending. Even though he will not be able to attend it in person, his spirit will be there with his comrades and friends as they parachute one last time in its honour and celebration.



By his request, there will be no memorial service and an internment with family gathering will take place at a later time. Email condolences may be sent to: hilda.ray@ns.sympatico.ca



The following poem was a favorite of his and all that know and love him know that it epitomizes this brave, proud and dignified husband/father/soldier/friend and gentleman:



Soldier

I was that which others did not want to Be,

I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to Do,

I asked nothing to those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of Eternal Loneliness…… should I Fail,

I have seen the face of Terror, felt the stinging cold of Fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments Love.

I have Cried, Pained and Hoped …. but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best Forgotten.

At least some day I will be able to say that I was Proud of what I was…..

A Soldier