Raymond Canuel

Ray Canuel sadly passed away from esophageal cancer on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at the age of 87.

Ray was a very proud husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Left to mourn are his loving wife, Doreen (Brown); his children,  Geoff (Kathy), Tim (Farah) and Marlene Lavin (Rick); his grandchildren,  Christopher (Mel), Keaton, McKenna (Kaden), Jordan (Amanda) and Meg (James); plus several cherished great-grandchildren.  Also left to mourn is his best friend and brother, Alphonse of Vernon, BC.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Anne Canuel from Armstrong, BC; and 13 of his 14 siblings, Aurise (Soman), Helen (Pement), Vicky (Platt), Jean (Smith), Tena (Woolner), Clem, Clarence, Madge (Cushing), Louis, Ann (Hanson), Louise (Bennett), Cliff and Olive (Poncelet).

Ray was born near Edmonton and at a very young age moved with his parents and 14 siblings to Armstrong, BC. Ray attended the red brick school in Armstrong with Mrs. Sidney as his first-grade teacher. Ray met Doreen in 1958 and had their first date at the drive-in in Enderby on October 31st. He could never tell us what movie was playing. Ray always said as soon as he saw Doreen, he told his friend Dennis that he was going to marry that girl. He always loved to go for drives around the Armstrong area to relive his childhood memories.

Ray’s main hobby was work. He was a hard-working man who always had something on the go. He loved hunting, fishing, going for wood, puttering, moving stuff around so Doreen couldn’t find it and in his later years he enjoyed watching TV when his body would not let him putter.

Ray was self-employed throughout most of his life. He ran the Vernon Airline Limousine from Vernon to the Kelowna Airport, Ray’s Airfreight and lastly ran the ground handling services at the Kelowna Airport until he retired. He was very proud to work at the airport and told many stories about his time there. Ray and Doreen travelled a fair bit once retirement hit. They drove several times across the USA and Canada, up to Alaska and did many, many fishing trips – all that came with stories of shenanigans. 

Ray was kind and generous to all. He never hesitated to help a friend or relative in need. Our home was always open to family and friends. As a family, we had lots of laughs and good times over the years. He taught us important lessons like we were ‘not born in a barn’; we did ‘not own the electric company’ and ‘money does not grow on trees’. We kids always had numerous nicknames for him – all which he took with a laugh. He was the best dad ever.    

Ray would be upset if we did not THANK all who came to visit him when he was sick, sent flowers, cards and well wishes. He truly felt blessed, loved and often said he had the best life. 

Ray’s wish was to be cremated and interred in Armstrong, BC close to his beloved parents.