RAMON (RAY) CLIFFORD BURRON

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

• What a beautiful service, yesterday, in tribute to Ray! We relate to and understand Lisa’s comment about Ray being more than a father but also her best friend. People often connected in a ‘best-friend’ manner with him. It seems that certain things in life are simply ‘a given’ – and regularly seeing Ray in the foyer of Calvary Temple on Sundays was one of them. You come to expect it and appreciate it. It represents not only his identification to the fellowship of believers and church body as a whole, but to his unwavering commitment to the Lord. I can’t remember a time when Ray wasn’t actively involved in some capacity of church ministry - whether as a greeter, an usher, a teacher, a department head, or a Board member (and I’ve attended CT all of my life!). We always found it amazing – if not downright amusing – that, somehow, in a church the size of Calvary Temple, Ray consistently managed to locate Ben – whether in the balcony, the basement or the main sanctuary – and most convincingly persuade him to assist with communion. Particularly endearing was Ray’s German salutation to Ben as “Bruder”. That meant a lot. For truly he was. Over the years, we have appreciated Ray’s positive disposition and optimistic approach to life’s challenges. Regardless of the situation – or perceived degree of difficulty – Ray’s solutions-based ideas and focus always prevailed. In reflecting on their long association, Ben, as a corporate recruiter, trainer and consultant, recalls an appreciative business relationship with Ray. (So sorry, we missed connecting in his office 4 weeks ago.) Apparently a wide range of conversation was covered from the time Ben found the person with the skills and equipment to start Ray’s Mattress Factory, to acquisition and divestiture discussions, as well as hiring other employees and training them. Ben also learned much from Ray’s ‘heads-up’, ‘in your face’ engaging management style and business acumen… like how to deal with governmental agencies, suppliers, advertising and more. What a marvelous, full life. What an incredible impact on others! It will be missed. Please accept our deepest condolences! Lynne & Ben Hoeppner P.S. Others have called to relate experiences going back to teen-years. The influence of ‘Taking a Stand’ and being a leader continues to bear fruit. - Posted by: Lynne & Ben Hoeppner (Friends) on: Dec 12, 2014

• Kim & Lisa, sorry to hear of your father's passing. I have many many fond memories of him, but particularly remember how he loved to laugh and always had a story to tell. Blessing to you and your families. - Posted by: Karen Beggs (Family Friend ) on: Dec 11, 2014

• Norma, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the coming weeks. Your loss is great. Ray established himself as a solid Christian believer and leader. His generosity is legendary. He blessed my wife and I many years ago and we have never forgotten. There are many places dedicated to the glory of God that have been erected by Ray's generous donations of lumber and supplies. Great is his reward in heaven. He was humble and kind. We all shall truly miss him. Laurel and Roy Kemp, Spruce Grove, Ab. - Posted by: Roy and Laurel Kemp, Spruce Grove, Ab. (friend) on: Dec 11, 2014

• I first met Mr. Burron less than one week before his passing. I was visiting a few area businesses as part of my networking efforts as the PC MLA candidate for the provincial riding of Radisson where Burron Lumber is located. He was very supportive and encouraging of my efforts, offering to put any size of sign I wanted to in front of the business. He even agreed to attend a fundraising breakfast with me this past Monday. He was hoping his wife Norma would be well enough to attend too since, as he said with a twinkle in his eye: "She's getting quite old, you know". When he failed to show up for the breakfast on Dec 8 I was surprised and frankly, a little disappointed. Little did I know he had passed on a few days earlier. In the hour we had been together, it was evident to me that Mr. Burron had a deep and abiding faith in God and a strong love for family, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. He was humble. He was humorous. He was generous and gracious. A true gentleman. I am humbled and honored that I had the opportunity to meet him. Like everyone else, I wish I could have had more time with him. But his work here is done. Now we can only hope to follow faithfully in his footsteps. James Teitsma PC MLA Candidate for Radisson - Posted by: James Teitsma (PC MLA Candidate for Radisson) on: Dec 11, 2014

• I have rented the "cabin on the water" beside the Burron's cabin at Manhattan Beach for many years and have always looked forward to both Mr. & Mrs. Burron's cheerful greetings and smiles when I am at camp. This year I told him how much I've enjoyed the "Classics til Dawn" portion of CFAM, sponsored by Burron Lumber and always thought about him when it comes on the radio. He gave me a Big Smile:) My heartfelt sympathy to the family on hearing this news today. May you know the peace of God that passes understanding in the days, weeks, and months to come! He will be missed! - Posted by: Trisha (Manhattan Beach Camp Neighbour) on: Dec 11, 2014

• We met Ray when we came to be on the Pastoral staff at Calvary Temple in 1980. From the beginning he welcomed us and treated us with great respect and kindness. He always had words of encouragement and support for us along with his characteristic broad smile. We look forward to seeing him again in the splendour of Heaven. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to Norma and the whole family. - Posted by: Gary and Jab Beesley (Friends ) on: Dec 11, 2014

• I first met Mr. Burron in junior high school; he was my math teacher and I can still remember some of the funny stories he used to tell the class. Later on, when he started Burron Lumber I was looking for a summer job and he hired me for four summers in a row until I finished college. I will always remember Mr. Burron for the respectful way he treated me, the staff at Burron Lumber and all the advice he gave us over the years. My sincere sympathy to the Burron family. - Posted by: Jose Bettencourt (Friend ) on: Dec 10, 2014

• My sincere condolences to Norma, Lisa, Kim as well as all family members. My time spent with Ray, whether a phone call or in person, will always be memorable and cherished, he was truly a great man, husband and father. In many ways, Ray had been a mentor to me, quite often referencing his beliefs and life's lessons to others, I will miss our occasional conversations. May God bless his family. - Posted by: Dino Zappi (Friend) on: Dec 10, 2014

• A friend told me about him at least 30 yrs ago and I have just kept up with what was happening in his life. And O yes, if the Lord took him home on a Sunday it was doing good on the Sabbath. - Posted by: Jake Sduerman (An unknown friend) on: Dec 10, 2014

• One Sunday, Ray leaned over me to ask my husband to serve at the Communion Table. I whispered back to Ray, "Why didn't you ask me?" Ray's eyebrows lifted, and he said, OK, c'mon. Another woman was also serving that day and Ray told me later he thought I might feel uncomfortable being the only woman and the first woman to serve Communion so he'd asked another woman. Today, it is common, but it wasn't then. Thanks to Ray. We are praying for you Norma, Kim and Lisa, as we celebrate Ray's reward. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done! - Posted by: Erma Bergen-Glowasky (church friend) on: Dec 10, 2014

• Growing up in Winnipeg my family and I attended Calvary Temple where we met the Burron Family. Ray Burron was always very nice and helpful to my family. He and his mother always made sure we had Christmas presents and birthday gifts. They also sponsored our trips to camp each summer. Those memories I will always cherish. I am 54 now and no longer live in Winnipeg but will always respectfully remember Mr Burron. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Julietta Hill (Friend) on: Dec 09, 2014

• Ray was a wonderful man. My family stayed in one of his rental properties when I was young and he would always take time to greet us and chat for awhile when he stopped by from time to time. He was genuinely interested in our family's well-being and always asked about my dad's health and about my sister's progress whom he knew had moved away to live life in the USA. He always called me "Gerry" with such gentleness. I won't forget that. - Posted by: Gerry Adams (Friend) on: Dec 09, 2014

• Ray had quite a sense of humour! - Posted by: Dr. William John Hewett, Doctor of Chiropractic (Friend from college days at United College.) on: Dec 09, 2014

• Auntie Norma, Kim, Lisa and Families, our deepest sympathies go out to all of you at this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Uncle Ray will be missed. Take Care! Big Hugs! Love Tracy Walld - Posted by: Tracy Walld (Great-Niece) on: Dec 09, 2014

• Dear Norma. As you go through life's greatest SORROW the loss of someone you love. May your faith in your God sustain you bringing you comfort today, courage for tomoorrow, and hope in your heart always. For there is grace that is sufficient and mercy that endures forever. With deepest sympathy and prayers Bruno Hintz - Posted by: Bruno Hintz (Fellow Church Member & Friend) on: Dec 09, 2014

• Ray. Your friendship will always be remembered and your spirit and good humour. Rest in peace with God. Renate Gardy & Robbie Schjerning - Posted by: Renate ( Schjerning ) Gardy (friend) on: Dec 09, 2014