Raymond Gilbert Braid
December 19, 1954 – January 29, 2021
On January 29, 2021, at the Stonewall and District Health Centre, with his devoted wife Judi at his side, Ray passed peacefully into the arms of his maternal and paternal grandparents, his parents Gilbert and Muriel, brother Brian, brother -in-law George, mother and father-in-law Peter and Ann, sister-in-law Bernice, brothers-in-law Walter, Norman and Allan.
Ray was raised on a farm in Lilyfield, MB. He attended his early school years at Rosser and High School at Stonewall Collegiate. Ray spent his entire career employed by Clarke Transport, starting as a city driver and later working his way up the chain to Branch Manager.
In March of 1978, while two young ladies stood in line at the Hanger 22 a group of young men made room at their table. That is how we met. After numerous trips to the washroom to “check him out” I thought ok, maybe. Through out the evening, trying to figure out my strategy, it dawned on me, my brother’s social tickets. I sold the table of young men tickets and thought if he shows up it’s meant to be and if not, well, I got rid of the tickets I was supposed to sell. He did show up and the rest is history.
We were married on May 19, 1979. We welcomed into our lives our greatest accomplishment, daughters (Punkie) Kristen in 1981 and (Nik) Nicole in 1983. Ray was a devoted and loving Father. His girls were his pride and joy. He spent many hours driving to Ukrainian dance lessons and recitals, music lessons, basketball and volleyball games. He rarely missed any. The Saturdays I had to work the girls got some tight and twisted ponytails but he always did his best. That devotion was shown when our grandson Logan joined our family. Papa and Logan spent many hours tinkering in the garage. They scoured the back-road ditches looking for Logan’s perfect backyard Christmas tree. That became their tradition until Log was 17.
Ray was known as Papa Ray to his extended family grandchildren. Although miles kept us apart, he loved seeing them when we could.
Ray and I lived our life on our terms. We travelled extensively to anywhere that took us to enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether it be our winters in Nevada, exploring Death Valley, just being present in the desert watching wild donkeys or riding an 1880’s train to the Grand Canyon, hiking Zion Park in Utah or canoeing Lake Metigoshe. Driving the backroads of the Interlake to watch the eagles soar or our many trips to the Rockies. Our summers were spent camping the beautiful parks of Manitoba and North Dakota.
Ray fought a valiant battle, first with a stroke in 2012 and now cancer in 2020.
I choose not to dwell on his illnesses but to share his memory with those he left behind, our daughters Kristen, Nicole (Brent) and Logan. Our extended family, my daughter Jackie (Travis), their children Sydney, Taylor, Cashton and Wyatt. Ray’s sisters Marlene, Beryl (Norm); brother Robert (Debbie); sisters-in-law Jan (Bud), Angie (Ron), Donna; brothers-in-law Merv (Mary) and Gerald, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his fur baby Sophie. Morning treats will never be the same.
On Mountains high where eagles fly. Find Peace in the arms of the Angels you will be forever in our hearts. Rest well, my Love. You deserve it.
A private Family service will take place.
For our love of animals and the many pet’s we rescued, in lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Human Society in Ray’s memory. 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3.