GOULD – Raymond Charles Douglas died peacefully at home on December 27, 2011. He was born on March 2, 1925 in Camrose, Alberta. Raymond is survived by his wife of 56 years, Hazel (nee McKenzie), daughters Linda (Dave) and Susan (Rob), and son Brian (Lana). He is also survived by his grandchildren Christine (Christopher), Jason, Keelan, Neva, Annika, Chloe; great-grandchildren William and Noah; nephews Roderick and Richard Murray, James Coy; brother-in-law Ian Murray; and cousin Pam Puley. He was predeceased by his older sister Muriel (Ian), who died in 1964.
After moving from Alberta to Vancouver when he was 7, Raymond lived with his family in a duplex in the West End in Vancouver. This is where he developed his interest in swimming, sailing and exploring on the North Shore Mountains. Following 2 years of service with the RCAF near the end of WWII, he attended UBC and completed a degree in Engineering Physics in 1950, which subsequently led him to the oil-patch in Alberta. It was there that he met his lovely tall wife Hazel, who was also working in the oil business. After marrying in 1955 in Calgary, they both left their jobs and started the Tall Girl Shop Ltd retail clothing store for tall women. Their expanding and successful business led them to Toronto, Ontario in 1986. In 2009, they retired to Victoria, BC to be close to family. Raymond lived a full life that included many adventures and travels. These included a solo motorcycle trip around the perimeter of the US in his early 20s, several trips with his family to Hawaii and the Caribbean, trips to Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Fiji, Bali, Thailand, and other exotic destinations. He sailed the Bahamas and Virgin Islands with his family in the late 70s on their 41 foot family sailboat. He had a lifelong passion for aviation and was an accomplished pilot flying small planes, gliders (SSA diamond badge), and model airplanes (built from scratch). He also enjoyed scuba diving, skiing, and swimming. He had a passion for several styles of music, and his love of music was passed on to his children who have gone on to become accomplished musicians.
A small private family gathering will be held this week, and a celebration of his life will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
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Jeannie H.
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Kathy Bewell Mrs Gould and Family
Well words can’t fully express my condolences to you at this time. After more than 30 wonderful years of work and friendship with such an amazing couple and their great family it is difficult to find words at this time.
I can only say you are in our thoughts at this time and I will remember all the wonderful memories of Ray that I was so fortunate to share. He truly was a remarkable man!Kathy Bewell
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Darlene Main Please accept my heartful condolences.
Darlene Main
Tallcrest Shoes #55 employee
1985-1999
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Doreen and Duane Williams Mrs. Gould and family please accept my sincerest sympathy.
After 33 years part time at Tall Girl and still at LTS, we met numerous times in Calgary. The last being the 50th dinner at the airport with Kathy and Rob, Duane and I. It was so interesting to hear the stories of the origin of Tall Girl.
Thinking of you at this very trying time.
Doreen and Duane Williams
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Julius and Lorna Dalinghaus Dear Hazel and family, our thoughts are with you at this trying time.
God bless.
Lorna and Julius.
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Karen De Lisle Dear Mrs. Gould and Family,
It is interesting that our paths crossed on Dec.19 at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. I remember Mr. Gould loved visiting Harbour Sq. Mall in Victoria because of Mr. Potato Head!
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My thougths are with you.May your memories comfort you.
Sincerely,
Karen De Lisle
I had the privledge of meeting Mr.Gould at a manager meeting in 2001. He was kind. Meeting Mr. and Mrs. Gould was an honor and dream. All my best to the Gould family. Jeannie #73 Tall Girl Shop Mall of America