It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dad’s sudden passing at the age of 73 years. Terrance Eldon Ray passed away peacefully in his own home on Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Terry will be remembered as being a loving husband to the love of his life Wendy Ray (nee McNeil), for 50 years, an amazing father to his children Terrilene Ray (Cameron Scott) and Kimberly (Timothy) Bennett; and proud grandfather to his two grandchildren Jamie and Sydney Bennett.

Dad was born on January 28, 1948, in Beaverlodge, AB, to Muriel Ray (Lightfoot) and Robert Ray. He was the first of three children.

Dad and his family moved to Grande Prairie at a young age, and he was well known in town as being quite the wild one in his teen years, until he met our mom at the young age of seventeen. Mom and dad were married in 1970, and two years later, they started their family when they welcomed two girls.

Dad had many careers over the years, but his work did not make the man, dad’s biggest joy in life was his family! He quickly became the man that let his children “rule the roost”; anything they wanted, they got. Mom always said, “You girls have your dad wrapped around your little finger” and she was right!

We were blessed with being a close family. There were numerous fishing trips, camping trips, hunting trips and movie nights. There were Christmas Eve’s and graduation parties, all of which usually ended in the whole family laughing so hard we were in tears. He was the man that quit his job to look after his daughter after her car accident. He was the devoted grandfather that shaved three times in one morning so his granddaughter would not be scared of his beard, and proudly showed off his grandson to anyone he met. He was the husband that referred to his wife as “Babe” and “the old boot”, but was the best friend and husband you could ever ask for.

Dad could be found chatting up all the ladies outside his apartment, “going for coffee” at the local casino, and grabbing Timmies for an outing, all while giving us a hard time and a good chuckle when they called for a chat. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, his ball caps, his humour and his love for his family.

Terry will be terribly missed by his sisters Marilyn Lightfoot and Darlene Withers; sister in-law Joan Best; he will be fondly remembered as Uncle Terry by his nieces and nephews: Raelin Lightfoot, Craig Lightfoot, Twyla Bauman (nee Withers), Tanya Millar (nee Withers), and Heather Best, as well as their spouses and children.

He was predeceased by his mother Muriel; father Robert; Muriel’s second husband James Lightfoot; and brother in-law Keith Withers.

Dad may be gone from our daily lives but will be with us in all we do. We loved him dearly and his legacy lives on with us all. As per Dad’s wishes, there will not be a service in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke of Alberta (#144 – 5241 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, AB, T6H 5G8).

Condolences may be sent by visiting

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-01-31
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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