March 24, 2025
Bob passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, after 86 years of a wonderful life.
He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind Carol, his beloved wife of 63 years; his sons, Brett (Trudy), and Robin (Lisa); daughter, Cheryl (Jason); 11 grandchildren: Adam, Matthew, Leah, John, Tori, Becky, Dylan, Jeff, Cade, Jamie, Darby, and Talli, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by grandson, Dylan, his brother, Doug, and sister Nancy.
Bob was the third child born to John Bunyan Ray and Alice Ludtke in Kamloops, British Columbia. He was raised in a log cabin within the wilderness territory of Wells Gray Park. Today, the Ray Farm stands as a designated Heritage Site. Trapping, guiding, farming, and homesteading was a way of life for the Ray Family.
With his mother and siblings Bob left Wells Gray at the age of seven to go to East Blackpool. That winter his father passed away. At the young age of thirteen Bob followed his pioneering and adventurous spirit and left his home to work in the sawmills up in the Caribou. It was up in the Caribou where Bob was given a share of the sawmill he worked at.
Bob eventually moved back to Clearwater and met his wife, Carol. It is where Brett and Robin were born. Cheryl was born when the family moved to Blue River, here Bob worked in construction and started his welding career.
In 1968 Bob and Carol moved their family to the Elk Valley, settling in Sparwood. He was part of the construction of each of the new mines.
Afterwards, Bob went to work for East Kootenay Steel and on his own. In 1980 he and Carol purchased East Kootenay Steel and changed the name to Rayco Steel.
Bob was a hard worker and loved to provide for his family. No job or project was too difficult for him to undertake, and his handshake was his guarantee.
He loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, anything that the Elk Valley offered for activities.
Bob was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His hard work and generosity helped with the construction of the local Chapel.
Bob loved each member of his family and loved spending time with them.
He will be dearly missed.
A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Elk Valley Hospital for their wonderful care of Bob.
Memories & Condolences shared at cherishedmemories.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
