December 4, 1927 – April 22, 2012
Regimental # 15188
Ray passed away peacefully at Mt. St. Mary Hospital on April 22, 2012 following a lengthy illness. Ray was delivered by his grandmother at Sec.32-Tp.34-Rge.4.-W.2 Sturgis, Saskatchewan in the family farm house. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Elsie Nelson, his wife Beverley, infant son (Bella Coola, B.C.), brothers Hilding and Norman and sister, Sadie. Ray is survived by his wife Pearl and his loving sons, Greg (Jennifer) and Ian (Tony). Also surviving Ray are 
siblings Lorraine (Jack Harder), Russell (Marie), Morris (Darlene), and Elaine (the late Bud Cook), and grandchildren Peter (Kathryn and great-granddaughter, Maia), Heather, Colleen, Pamela and Patrick. Ray will also be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and by Pearl’s family.
After leaving home, at the age of 16, Ray worked his way west, logging in The Queen Charlottes and Port Alberni before joining the RCMP. Ray was a proud member of the RCMP, serving in many small communities in B.C. and retired at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1974. In his formative years, Ray was often the only police officer in the community to depend on. A career with the Attorney General’s Ministry followed until 1988. He has remained active with the Victoria RCMP Veteran’s Association and with the Sons of Norway. Ray was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage. He was a skilled and determined man, stubborn and proud. He was a great friend to many. The family would like to thank all Ray’s friends and family for their support over the years, and to the staff of 8th Floor at RJH, and most recently the caring staff of Mt. St. Mary Hospital.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, 1400 Vancouver Street at Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3V3 on Saturday April 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those wishing to do so, contributions in Ray’s memory may be made to The Prostate Centre, 100 – 1900 Richmond Road, Victoria, B.C V8R 4R2. Condolences may be offered below.
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Sandra Fox
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Wayne and Sandy Shaw / Geraldine Nelson We are sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Although he will be missed, he will live in your hearts and memories forever. We will pass this on to Gerry.
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Bob Logie I served under Ray at Richmond in the early sixties. I had a lot of respect for him and admired him as a friend and an associate. At that time he held a Corporal’s rank and I am happy to see he retired as a Staff/Sgt which was well deserved. I lost track of him after I left Richmond.
I am sorry to have to say there don’t appear to be many like him in the Force today!
I met Bev and admired her very much.
Please accept my condolences to the family
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Lynn Spring My condolences to Ray’s family.
I met Ray in 1966/67 when I was a young Cst. at N.Van Det and he was a shift NCO. It was Members like Ray that gave the Force a good name and respect. He was a fine NCO and gave a lot of good guidance to new Members. Always a gentleman.
Rest in Peace Ray.
Fraternally, Lynn Spring R# 23946
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Harley deBruyckere “Those were the days my friend…” Terrace was the best of the good time and you made it so! Coach, Mentor. Whatever term is used today, I am proud to call you “Friend”!
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Dave Mackey So sorry to hear the news and my condolences go out to the family,
Ray took me in as a 16 year old in 1985 to live with him and Bev while I played for the Victoria Cougars. Moving away from home at that age was tough but Ray made me feel right at home. Those were fond memories for me starting out my hockey career and Ray couldn’t have been any more supportive. He kept an eye on me and made sure I kept on the right path and I thank him for that.
Fond memories for sure. You will be missed Ray!
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Fred Zaharia Ray & I have had some memorable times together since the early sixties. We hunted moose at Pemberton and shared very quality times at Sechelt while he was the Detachment NCO. Ray was a no-nonsence but friendly & caring member of the RCMP who was extemely proud of his work. Ray & his wife Bev and Greg & Ian visited my residence in Kelowna where a really funny situation took place. We had two cherry trees which had the fruit ripe & ready to eat which Greg & Ian feasted on. Subsequently one of them made a steady trip to the good old boys room. Ray will be missed by everyone who knew him – my full sympathies to Ray”s family.
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Richard M. Anthony,CD,Ba, Llb I was very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father,Ray,who I was associated with through our workplace at the Attorney Generals office. Ray and I became quite good friends during that time. I joined the AG’s as a Crown Counsel in 1976 and we worked closely together until his retirement in 1988. During that time we shared many lunches and coffees and often discussed the state of the RCMP,as my father was a retired Asst. Commr until 1954,and I was a brat of the force,as children of members were often called. I shall miss him,but he left us all with fond memories.Love to you all. Richard
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Gerry McRae Condolences Pearl and family for losing such a “character” from your midst.
When Ray and I were assigned to the same training squad in 1948, he became a strong image in my memory forever. He had the same effect on most anyone he met because he lived such an honest and truthful life. Thanks, Ray, for the way you lived.
15178 Gerry “Spike” McRae
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Ed Witherden My sincere condolences go out to Ray’s family at this time of bereavement. Ray was a squad-mate of mine when we trained at Depot and Ottawa in 1948/49 but we lost contact over the years. About two years ago, several of our old squad got together to celebrate the diamond jubilee of our completion of training and Ray and I continued that contact. He will be missed.
Ed
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Jean Marcellis To Greg, Tony and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a true treasure and a dear friend. I worked with him in the AG’s Ministry in the late ’70s and early 80’s, and was very thankful to have seen him again over the years, at various events. He always had a smile; always a twinkle in his eye; always wanted to know ‘how you were’. His values were second to none. Treasure the memories of your Dad in your hearts forever. I would very much like to be in attendance on Saturday, however will be out of town. May you be comforted ,remembering him for his love for his family. He thought the world of you all and was so proud of each of his family members. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean Marcellus (Burnett)
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John & Elsie Vetterli Sincere sympathy to the Nelson family at this sad time.
John & Elsie Vetterli
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Paul Roggeveen & Family Please accept our deepest condolences and know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!! We will always remember Ray for his wonderful assistance with helping us put on the surprise Wedding Anniversary weekend for our folks, waaaaaay back in 1989 – we were actually talking about this just a week or so before our Mom passed (April 3rd)………. Your Dad was a great guy and it was always a pleasure to see him!! He is going to be missed, but may it bring you some comfort knowing that he is out of pain, and is resting in a beautiful place. Paul, Marina, Linda and Greg
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David McCall My condolences to Ray’s family. He was a man of great integrity. I hope your fond memories of Ray will give you strength during this difficult time. Sincerely Dave McCall
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Jette Denluck To the Family of Ray Nelson, All our Deepest Sympathy. Ray was a Member at the Eidsvold ,Victoria Sons of Norway and very much enjoyed coming to as many events as he possibly could., Especially the monthly lunches.
When the Ladies Auxiliary were raising Funds for a new Hall stove, He helped out a great deal with personal donations, and also donated to the Sons of Norway Foundation in Canada.
On behalf of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and as Foundation Director for Eidsvold, Please accept our Condolences. Jette Denluck
Please accept our love and condolences to Ian, Greg and your families. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Ray Nelson. Regrettably, our families have been estranged over the years and we had not met Pearl or her loves ones but we are so very grateful to Ian for taking that chance to reconnect. My mother in particular would like Ian and Greg to know that she appreciated Uncle Ray’s kindness and support when our father Bud, Bev’s brother, passed away. May God welcome you with open arms Ray. With love Margaret Fox and family.