March 27, 2021
1936-2021 ~ On Saturday, March 27, 2021, Ray Beaver, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great- grandfather, slipped from our world and joined his wife Marilyn.
In his lifetime, Ray saw huge shifts in technology and wanted to be part of that wave. His childhood started without electricity or running water in Southbank, but he went on to help manufacture the Canadarm for NASA's Space Shuttle.
He was an early adopter of technology, starting his career with the Royal Canadian Air Force, working on the DEW line, then in manufacturing and electronics. His career spanned GTE Lenkurt Electric, Spar Aerospace, AES Data and Raytheon.
After meeting the love of his life, a young nurse named Marilyn, they wed, started their family and criss-crossed the country following the leading edge of technology production jobs.
At retirement, they moved to Edmonton to be closer to the grandkids, though the word retirement is not quite accurate. They balanced a bit of part time work, some volunteer and community service, a wee bit of travel, but mostly, enjoying get-togethers with family.
Ray will be missed by sisters Lois (Gordon) Bishop, Doris Hussey, sons Michael (Theresa), and Shawn (Chantal), daughter Shannon (Greg), grandchildren Colin (Sabina), Stephanie (Adam), Erin, Kayleigh, Darren, Bentley, Aguilera, Portia, and great-grandchildren Nathanael, Alexandra, and Emilia.
Ray was predeceased by his wife Marilyn (2014) and brother Albert (1960).
Cremation has taken place. A private interment service will be held in Penticton in the summer, when Ray will be laid to rest with Marilyn. Donations to The Canadian Cancer Society.
"When my work here is o'er, and trials come no more, on that great day I'm going home, to live for evermore."
-Hank Williams