Raymond Edward Madden (Ray), age 86 passed away peacefully November 21, 2019 at The Hamlets at Vernon after a lengthy battle with dementia. Ray was born in St.Walburg, Saskatchewan to Ed and Helen Madden (nee Roosdahl). He is survived by his loving wife LaReine (nee Gervais) of 65 years, and sister Myrna. Dear father to Lindsay (Barbara), Shelley (Jim) and Colleen (Dave), and grandfather to Ryan and Jennifer.
Ray grew up on a farm in Bright Sand Saskatchewan in a creative house, where they built things from nothing, made their own fun, and family and neighbours were important. He spent his career in Regina as a land surveyor for the Saskatchewan government. He was proud of his part in staking accurate northern boundaries, working from remote tent camps that migrated with the survey progression. There were many tales of bears, frost biting cold and general hijinks. He retired in 1987, and moved with LaReine to Vernon BC in 1989.
He was an avid golfer and curler. He liked to create: whether it was wine or art, cultivating a garden or crafting inventive items from his woodworking shop. He loved to hunt, camp, fish, and tell stories. He was also a dancer; he and LaReine waltzed and sashayed through many an evening and through life together. Ray was generous, a regular volunteer at Vernon curling events, always interested in others and ready to help family, neighbours and strangers.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Hamlets at Vernon for their loving care and support over the last couple of years.
A celebration of life is planned for summer 2020.
Donations to The Alzheimer Society in honour of Ray's life would be welcomed.
Arrangements in care of Vernon Funeral Home, 250-542-0155.
Vernon Funeral Home