RAYMOND BRUCE TODD

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RAYMOND BRUCE TODD

Raymond Bruce Todd, 83, passed away quietly on August 26th at the Boissevain Health Centre after a lengthy stay in hospital, with family by his side.



Raymond was born April 8, 1940, to parents Claude and Jessie Todd in Cartwright. He attended school there. After leaving school he has various jobs including as a carpenter's helper, garage, help, and bridge building crew.



In 1962 he decided to take a trade and chose plumbing. He started with Bradley Plumbing in Deloraine in 1963, and received his Journeyman papers in 1969.



In 1964, Raymond and Donna (nee Harris) were married in Cartwright United Church, and lived in Deloraine. Thereafter they moved to Oak River, Virden, and finally to Brandon in 1966. There, he worked for Barr Repka Plumbing, and in 1975 moved with the company to Kelowna. The prairies called them home, and they returned to Deloraine and formed Todd's Plumbing and Heating in 1976.



While living in Brandon, their two daughters, Michele and Bonnie were born. They were the smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes. Nothing was too good for them. Always Daddy's girls.



Raymond enjoyed a good time and family time. Purchasing a small camper in 1971, they enjoyed many trips camping, fishing, and enjoying friends around the campfire. RVing was always a popular pastime for the family, and trips to Alaska and The Maritimes were exceptional times for Ray and Donna.



When grandchildren arrived Ray enjoyed spending time with them. It was hard to tell who was having the most fun - Grandpa or the grandchild. He loved watching his "boys" playing baseball and hockey, and his "girls" playing softball and skating. Great memories.



Ray spent time with his family and supported all their activities. He had many friendships that grew with working together on projects and carried over to personal projects while always learning something new or suggesting a better way with each other of completing something. New ideas were always shared. life with Ray was always exciting and full of laughs and good times.



In 2009 he was diagnosed with cancer and fought back, but a few years later he suffered with cancer again. He downsized the company and did small jobs for a few years, but his health declined and he finally retired. On March 28th he broke his hip in a fall, and after the operation of pinning his hip was not successful he was hospitalized until his passing.



Raymond is lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna, of 59 years; daughter Michele (Shaun Cory) and grandsons Jeremy and Connor; daughter Bonnie (Bill Unrau) and grandchildren Jennie and Joshua; brother Lorne (Wendy); nieces Vicky (Percy Bellows) and family, Lisa (David Smith) and family, and Debbie Todd and family; great-nephew Jesse Todd, and many cousins.



He was predeceased by his parents, infant brother Stanley, sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Rod Playfair, nephew Chris Todd, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.



The Memorial Service, held in Deloraine United Church on August 31, was officiated by Rev. Heather Sandilands and Pastor Geoff Unrau; Cathy Day, choir, and soloist Melanie Lang singing "These Hands" all performed a very comforting service. A time of fellowship and sharing memories was held at the Deloraine Legion with the Legion Ladies auxiliary and the United church ladies catering the reception. Urn bearers were the four grandchildren. Raymond was interred at the Cartwright Cemetery. Particular thanks to Paul Smith for his guidance.

Rest in peace, dear husband,

Dad, Grandpa

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 18, 2023, Nov 18, 2023