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PITCHER, Raymond Bertram

It is with deep sorrow the family announces the passing of their beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, Raymond (Ray) Pitcher, on Monday, November 7th, 2016, at 91 years of age. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Violet (Vi), to whom he was married for 72 wonderful years; his son Laurence Pitcher (Gail) of Nanaimo, and their sons, Colin and Dylan Pitcher (Cheryl) of Victoria; his daughter Terryl Fischer (Pete) of Nanaimo, her daughter Robyn Aboud (Quinton) of Victoria, and her son Kelly Aboud (Shaunna) of Calgary, Alberta, and their girls (Ray’s Great Grand daughters), four year old Hadleigh and one year old Lennon Ray, named for him. Also surviving are his two sisters, Doreene Dannatt of Lethbridge, Alberta, and Elaine Pitcher of Dauphin, Manitoba; his niece Judi Johnston and nephew Don Johnston and their families. In addition, he will be missed by all of Vi’s family (his in-laws) who admired and loved Ray greatly.

Ray was born in Roblin, Manitoba on March 1,1925 to Lola and Harry Pitcher. He and Vi were married August 29, 1944 in Dauphin where he was raised. At the time they were wed, he was serving in the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He began his career with the Canadian National Railway, starting as a telegrapher, then advanced to being a Station Agent in Sheridan, Makinak, and Swan Lake, Manitoba, before being promoted to management duties, first in Thunder Bay, Ontario, then Winnipeg, and finally in Montreal, Quebec. He and Vi moved their family many times and as a result, they have good friends from far and wide, and have fond memories of all the places they have lived in our wonderful Canada.

Ray retired in 1984 and they moved from Montreal to their dream retirement city, Nanaimo, BC. Ray volunteered with many organizations over the years; church groups, curlers, legions, square dancers, and schools. In his younger years he skated, curled, camped, hiked, and square danced for 26 years. He enjoyed watching his favourite sports on T.V., but always, always, his first passion was reading. He was never without reading material at home. Ray was a gentle, loving, family man. He and Vi have enjoyed living at beautiful Berwick on the Lake for the past 3 1/2 years, surrounded by caring good friends. It will now be Vi’s refuge. We want to thank Dr. Schwarz and the staff at the hospital for the care and compassion they showed Ray.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2016 at The First Memorial Funeral Services at 1720 Bowen Road.



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