Raymond John Wazney

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Raymond (Ray) Wazney of Pinawa, MB, on Monday, August 12th at the age of 85.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Carol of 57 years, daughter Brenda (Brad), son David (Jenn), and five precious granddaughters Breanne, Kristen, Jenna, Avery and Evalina.

Ray is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Bob) LaFontaine, sisters-in-law Marge Wazney, Janis Clark and Cheryl Chown, brother-in-law Ken (Carmen) Chown, several nieces and nephews and their families.

Ray was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Katie Wazney, his brother Victor, brothers-in-law Wayne Clark and Ron Chown, and infant nephew Darren LaFontaine.

Ray was born in Selkirk on November 17, 1938, and was raised in Garson. As a child, Ray was an altar server and enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. After completing his schooling in Garson and Tyndall, he attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) in 1964. After working briefly in Alberta, Ray started at AECL in Pinawa in July 1965, where he spent his entire career, retiring in 1993.

Ray met the love of his life, Carol (nee Chown), while they were both living at the Kelsey House in Pinawa. They married on July 8, 1967, and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Ray and Carol raised their family in Pinawa and later loved having their grandchildren come to visit, sometimes for weeks at a time in the summer. 

Ray was an immensely proud and supportive father and grandfather. He attended as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities as he could, including hockey and curling games, and dance and music recitals. 

Ray was very active in the Catholic church community in Pinawa, teaching catechism with Carol for many years, serving as the RCIA coordinator, and assuming various roles on the pastoral council. 

Ray enjoyed a very active retirement. He volunteered for several years at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre and was also involved for many years with Spiritual Care visiting at the Pinawa Hospital. Ray loved to golf and was always trying to perfect his golf swing. He also curled for many years. Ray and Carol took several trips together and especially enjoyed their trips to the Holy Land and Cuba.

Ray was a gentle, humble and kind man. His Catholic faith was important to him and this guided everything he did in his life. He loved his family endlessly and prayed daily for their health and well-being.

The family would like to thank the EMS crew who attended the late-night call as well as the amazing staff at Sobering Funeral Chapel who helped with so much. Thank-you also to Father Luke for his support and guidance. 

Funeral Mass will be on Monday, August 19 at 1:30 pm, preceded by the Rosary at 1:00 pm, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 37 Burrows Road in Pinawa. A public luncheon will follow at Wilderness Edge Retreat and Conference Centre. A private family interment will occur at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. 

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com