Wilf Ray

July 11, 2021
It is with much sadness and deep sorrow we announce the passing of this legendary man, Our Father, Wilf Ray. Dad took his last breath peacefully as the sun shined brightly early Sunday morning July 11, 2021.
94 years, Wow Dad, you had an incredible life. An amazing journey filled with lights, camera, microphones and action. Fulfilling your dreams and accomplishing all you set out to be and do.
From running the Kit Kat Club in North Vancouver at a young age of 14 to becoming the all night disc jockey on CKMO in 1944. Leading to your own Gospel radio program which you did live, first on CJOR, then CJJR-FM, and later on CKBD faithfully, every Sunday evening for 48 years. Making you one of the longest running broadcasters in Canadian radio.
Meeting your soulmate and wife, Marion Jane of 62 years. Giving your wedding vows in front of 10,000 people at the PNE in 1954. Having a successful career in the Real Estate profession and owning your own office known as "Wilf Ray Enterprises".
During that era, you became great / best friends with J.P. and a new door was opened. New chapter for you in the 60's, serving as Director of Corporate Communications. Saving one of today's wealthiest Canadian billionaires.
When he was facing bankruptcy in 1971, it was your tenacity and professional public relation skills. Your expertise, devotion, loyalty and undying friendship that got the job done. Reclaiming and receiving the only financial opportunity back then, which today that Empire has been built from, known as the J. Pattison Group.
In your spare time you did things like running the sound booth at the Coliseum for the Vancouver Blazers hockey team which is now the Vancouver Canucks. Being the founder and president of the Lebanese Society in the Lower Mainland.
Also, the official spokesperson of the Heart and Stroke Foundation for many years and serving two terms as an Alderman in Maple Ridge. Also, very involved with Rotary and Kiwanis club, just to mention a few.

You had the powerful ability to public speak anywhere anytime. Your words flowed fluently and flawlessly. You were called upon many many times to host, toast, tell a joke or say grace. These, just to mention some of your life's highlights and successions which you had many.
Your amazing life took you all over the world meeting dignitaries and debutantes, presidents like Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Meeting actors and actresses, singers, entertainers and sports personnel. Knowing your broadcasting career was being squeezed you changed things up and became part of the lower mainland's actors union while being in your 70's.
Moving your family to Maple Ridge from West Vancouver in 1981. A new chapter once again. You picked up where you left off with Real Estate. Not wanting to hinder your Councilman duties nor wanting a conflict of interest, you joined NRS in Port Coquitlam for a few years. Many folks would remember your vehicle with a model designed house on top parked at the corner of Lougheed and Westwood Ave. Your advertising skills were brilliant. It wasn't long after, you started up The RAY TEAM in R.E. and were joined by your daughters.
Your life was very colorful and exuberant, you succeeded in everything you did.
More importantly, you took your role as our Dad and Grandfather very serious. Providing, caring, teaching and showing us life.
Expressing unconditional love to us all and that family and friends were most important to cherish.
Not that we were secondary in anyway, but your faith in God and your dedication and devotion to your heavenly Father was your #1 priority. Known as the""RADIOMAN FOR GOD""!! Your favourite passage of scripture is Romans 8:28 "And as we know that in all things God works for the good of those who Love him, Who have been called according to his purpose."
It is our faith you instilled in US and we have grown to know ourselves, that we are at peace and comfort knowing wholeheartedly you are now at your heavenly home and at the foot of Jesus. Reunited with your Wife Marion, predeceased by Grandsons Bradley and David Jr, & Parents and those before you.
As you told everyone who crossed your path..In your words...Dad "May the rest of your life, be the best of your life"!
We will miss you Daddy, our forever HERO, you were the very best to us. You will be lovingly treasured and remembered by your 3 Daughters, Sharon, Robin (Kevin), Leeann. Sister Eleanor 8 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephew and his loyal best friend & companion TINO. Dad's 4 legged Son.
DAD...We will be forever and eternally grateful for you.❤❤❤❤
Big shout out to the irreplaceable Doctors, Nurses, and caregivers at Mission Memorial Hospital. Outstanding compassion and skills. You made our experience easier and treated our father with such grace and tenderness. Bless you all.
There will be a celebration of his life..Open House. Saturday September 11th, 3-6pm
Where: 8869 Neale Dr. Mission.