Ray Herrick

Ray Herrick passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Rockyview Hospital. He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 64 years, Arlene (nee Haw); his children, Darrell (Lorrie) Herrick and Dawn (Dave) Krahn of Calgary; and his grandchildren, Paul (Devon) Herrick, Alyssha (Travis) Herrick, April (Cassidy) Braun, and Avery Krahn. He leaves behind a great-grandchild, Annemarie Herrick, who always brought him great joy.

Ray is also remembered by his brother, Lloyd (Wendy); as well as his sister-in-law, Elaine Herrick. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Marie; his sister, Vera Butcher and her husband, Ron; his brother, Glen Herrick and Glen's wife, Mary Lou; and most recently, his brother, Wayne Herrick.

Born in 1940 in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, to John and Marie Herrick, Ray lived on the family farm until moving into town at the age of 8. In 1959, he met Arlene Haw on a blind date. They married in 1960 then moved to Calgary in 1961 and were proud homeowners by 1966.

During their years in Calgary, Ray worked as a mechanic for Gulf Oil then moved over to Petro Canada service stations. He also worked for Calgary Health Region. Always a resourceful and hard worker, Ray was known for his mechanical skills and his adeptness in fixing, building, and developing. His hands were gifts, and his ability to figure out how things worked made him a trusted problem-solver and creator.

In March of 1990, Ray was offered the opportunity to manage the Petro Canada station in Didsbury where he was employed until the station was permanently closed. But retirement wasn’t really for Ray, and he continued to work part-time at the Didsbury Golf Course and then hauling propane around the countryside for Feeg’s. He and Arlene spent 34 happy years in Didsbury and made many cherished friendships there.

Outside of work, Ray was involved with the St. Andrews United Church and the Calgary Patriots Swim Club. After moving to Didsbury, Ray joined the Men’s League at the golf course, became involved in the Lions’ Club, and was on the Chamber of Commerce.

Ray and Arlene liked to stay active, and whether that meant bowling, square-dancing, cross-country skiing, canoeing, biking, golfing, curling, or more recently, aquacise at the local pool, they were always together. They also enjoyed playing games and cards, taking turns hosting their friends or visiting their homes.

A man with a love for adventure, Ray found happiness in camping and the outdoors. Whether parked at Red Lodge, traveling to BC, or journeying to the Maritimes, Ray reveled in the freedom of the open road and the quiet magic of nature. He was always up for a drive, if for no other reason than to see what might be happening around the next corner. Those trips created countless cherished memories with Arlene and the whole family.

Ray’s life was defined by his strong work ethic, his humour, and his deep love for his family. Only a phone call away, he was always available to help in whatever capacity he was needed. Ray touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and ingenuity that will be cherished for generations.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by anyone lucky enough to cross paths with Ray Herrick. May he rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bergthal Mennonite Church, Township Road 310, Didsbury on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ray’s name to the Didsbury Aquatic Centre or the Didsbury Municipal Library, as follows:

Aquatic Centre: checks can be made out to Town of Didsbury, Box 790, Didsbury AB, T0W 0M0, in Memory of Ray Herrick

Didsbury Library: checks can be made out to Didsbury Municipal Library, Box 10, Didsbury AB, T0W 0M0, in memory of Ray Herrick