Rayal’s Obituary
Rayal Hamel, better known as Ray, has passed away in Edmonton on February 11, 2021. Ray was born on September 3, 1953 in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
He is survived by this wife Cindy, sons Steve (Amber, Alexandra, Damien) Hamel and Dion (Amanda, Austin, Jenna) Hamel, brother Marcel (Theresa), brother Brian and numerous nephews and nieces. Ray married his first wife Gail in 1973 and had his two sons respectfully. He worked in several jobs at the time, but started his first band called Midrange with his first wife . They played together for several years and then he moved on to create the touring band known as Slick. They travelled through Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, playing as a show band which featured music from the fifties, ZZ top and top forty rock. The band disbanded in 1984, and Ray became employed at an emergency medical technician working in Two Hills and several reserves in the area. In 1984, Ray met his second wife Cindy and from there, it’s history. They created a duo called Lady and the Tramp which was later changed to Gypsie Gambler. After several years on the road they settled in Fairview (Alberta) in 1989, where Ray took two years as a marine mechanic, then created a small coffee newspaper called the Hyena Review which was distributed around the Peace Region. His music was never far from his heart and with several close friends formed the nonprofit organization called Fairview Community Radio and gathered youth together to learn music. From there, with help of the Blue Sky Community, he helped start the first Bluesfest in 2000 to help raise funds for the community. He designed and helped build the stage in 2006 that is now a part of the Blue Sky Community where they now host picnics in the park with local musicians. He built his own home studio and started to write and compose songs. In 2003 he played the main stage at Peace Fest with local talent in the area, the group played original songs at the event. In 2006, he and wife Cindy moved to Peace River, to run Greyhound for the next three years. Ray continued to reach out with many people and play at local bars and events in the area.
Throughout Ray’s life he has mastered many vocations and has worked in almost all of Canada. From the Arctic Ocean to British Columbia to as far east as Quebec. Ray has worked in various fields, from masonry, oil, pipelines, logging, and mining, to working the Lakers on the Saint Lawrence Seaway. However, the most beloved job and hobby that Ray continued to live with passion was his music. From entertaining the crowds, to writing, composing, and playing his own songs, this passion has been lifelong. Anyone who knew him knew that Ray had four loves in his life: music, his wife, and his kids.
Up until his passing, Ray continued to help others with the gift of music; he never stopped learning about innovative ways to create and teach others about sound and the technology of music. He will be remembered for his quick wit and overall happy outlook on life. No matter what the situation, Ray always found a positive side to it.
Memorial Donations in Ray’s name may be made to:
Kidney Foundation (kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Make-a-Gift)
Diabetes Canada (crm2.diabetes.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=2841&mfc_pref=T&2841.donation=form1&s_promoCode=categorythree&set.DonationLevel=4261&set.Value=7500&set.ShowHonorFields=false&clientId=dummyclientid#_ga=2.254278856.1912720088.1613808333-dummyclientid)
Read More
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rayal Hamel September 03 1953 February 10 2021..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Fairview, Province: Alberta