RAYMOND SMITH

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Marilyn and family...so sorry to read of Raymond's passing. I have let Phyllis know as well..he was the family historian and I learned a lot of family history from him. Wish we had known and been with you on the 6th. Certainly thinking of you all. Sincerest sympathy Sharon (Smith) Leslie - Posted by: Sharon Leslie (cousin) on: Jan 20, 2013

• Many decades ago I met Ray through my Dad as they were fellow Numismatists. I remember my Dad describing Ray as a really "nice kid" and that he was. Although Ray was very large in stature, he was very soft-spoken and always a true gentleman. Shortly after meeting Ray, he married Marilyn and they became inseparable. Ray and Marilyn operated Crossroads Stamp and Coin and Ray was the most honest and fair individual anyone could meet. Sometimes his honesty was to a fault and Marilyn could often be heard saying, "OH, RAYMOND!" while shaking her head after he was overly generous in a transaction. That memory still makes me smile. Ray, Marilyn, my daughter Teddi and I spent many fun hours playing weekly poker games at Walter's house. When I was ill, Ray lifted my spirits by emailing jokes everyday. He had a quirky sense of humour which I loved about him. Ray will be missed by all who knew him. Teddi and I send our condolences and best wishes to Marilyn, Marty, Jamie and Cherryl and all of Ray's family and friends. Good-bye my friend - enjoy that big poker game in the sky! - Posted by: Viv Makwich (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2013

• i came to know ray at car shows which ray and marilyn frequently attended. i looked forward to seeing them both at the shows. i enjoyed talking with ray. he was always friendly and interesting to talk to. i will miss him and marilyn at the car shows. - Posted by: briqan thompson (friend) on: Jan 01, 2013

• Ray was a friend of my late brother-in-law, Art Grieve. They met regularly at BK until Art's passing. Over those years, my family, Laurie, James, Kim, would drop in on the BK guys, when in town, for a short visit, even after Art died, and, even after their dad, Doug(Art's brother) passed away this year. They enjoyed meeting with Ray, as did we, when we dropped in occasionally, when Art was still with us - Doug and I appreciated Ray's ongoing concern and contact during Art's illness. Ray was a sensitive, caring man. My condolences to his family - he will be missed. Sincerely, Liz Grieve - Posted by: Liz Grieve (Aquaintance) on: Dec 31, 2012

• During the 1950 flood, our family bungalow on Maplewood Avenue had 19 inches of water over the main floor. We spent that entire summer relocated to my grandmother's home on Kylemore Ave. I was about 11 years old during that time and I met Ray Smith, who was nicknamed 'Smitty.' Ray and I had like interests. We would play catch with baseballs that we retrieved when a baseball player would hit a home run over the wall of Osborne Stadium. We would watch baseball games there. Other times we would read and trade comic books or play cards together with other pals. Ray went to Lord Roberts School and I attended Riverview School, so a lot of our time together was during summer holidays. We soon would end up at Churchill High School and would spend some time together with a group of after school friends at Kerr's Restaurant, on Osborne Street. Neil MacPhail, Bob Prest, Ken Kirby, Jim Kerslake, Hugh Oxholm, Ray Mott, and a few very nice young ladies, also students, would often grace our tables. A lot of good humour and fellowship was had over cokes and burgers. Ray and I would become members of the 'Clutchers Hot Rod Club' as we enjoyed the 'rods and custom cars' and travelling to the drag races outside of Fargo, N.D. Ray had a terrific 1955 Chevy Bel Air V-8 that was just in mint shape. He had no intention of entering same into a drag race. There were double dates, beach picnics, weiner roasts, and various gatherings. Ray was always a soft spoken and interesting fellow. He amassed a large stamp collection, and enjoyed music. Ray, Neil MacPhail and Ray Mott were mates in the RCN Reserve and spun yarns about their travels at sea. I was an Air Cadet, preferring the air to the sea. As often happens, Ray entered into married life and as his responsibilities grew we would see him less. Ultimately most all of us married and had children and some of our good friends moved away from Winnipeg. I retired from the Winnipeg Police Service in 1987 and moved our family directly to White Rock, B.C. Just beforehand, I ran into Ray's mom at the Fort Rouge Legion and she brought me up to date about Ray and his wife and family and the Stamp and Coin Shop they had. Bravo, on a life well lived, Ray. On behalf of our family, we wish to offer our condolences to Marilyn and all the Smith family. - Posted by: Richard Hickling (old friend) on: Dec 31, 2012

• I knew Raymond (Ray) for a few years in the late 1950s. We attended Churchill High School together. A generous and good hearted friend who had time for everyone. We served in the naval reserve for a few years. Ray and I did one summer cruise at the same time, on board the HMCS Portage. - Posted by: Neil MacPhail (Churchill High School days good friend) on: Dec 30, 2012

• Ray was a friend of my uncle art. They hung out at the Burger King for years. When my uncle art was alive I would come to town and head to the Burger King to find uncle art and chat with the burger king guys especially with Ray. I enjoyed meeting you Ray. I know you will be missed. My condolences to the family. Laurie Ringaert - Posted by: Laurie Ringaert (Aquaintance) on: Dec 30, 2012