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.
15 Responses
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.
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.
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
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
“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”!