Obituary For Derek Anthony Ray
With absolute profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of
Derek Anthony Ray, beloved husband, step father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. Derek passed away suddenly on September 12th, 2022 at 44 years of age.
Derek was born in Beaverlodge, Alberta on March 22, 1978 to Dennis and Lil Ray. As a toddler , Derek was already showing signs for his life passions of fishing and outdoor activities as he caught his first fish at 2 years of age.
Derek Attended Beaverlodge Elementary School and Graduated from Beaverlodge Regional High School where he met most of his life-long friends.
In his school years he excelled at hockey in which he played for many teams. In 1995 he played centre for the G.P. Storm. Derek also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the cabin, fishing, riverboating, quadding, farming and on the trapline.
Following high school, Derek attended Vermillion College and completed the Diversified Livestock Program which took him to New Zealand to work; then back home to help manage the family Elk Farm. Soon after he joined his dad at D. Ray Construction Sand & Gravel and built it into the company it is today.
Derek met his wife Erin in 2003 and lovingly welcomed her 2 beautiful daughters Alexie and Kaylyn. Together they built a life, the business and a passion for traveling. Their travels took them many places but they made a second home and second family life in Hawaii. His passion for fishing led Derek to meet his brother in Christ, Pastor Sione Tilini who helped him discover his relationship with the Lord. Together they fished and Derek on occasion was quoted as saying ” I am a fishers of men”.
Derek’s nephew Cole was a son to him. If they weren’t running the elk farm, working at the “Pit” or “Glovers” they were fishing, quadding, laughing and hunting together.
Besides having no fear of anything, Derek excelled at almost everything he did, whether he was playing sports, managing the company or working on his property, his attention to detail accompanied by good work ethics allowed him to live “his best life”.
The loss of Derek lovingly known by many as D.Ray will have an everlasting impact on his family and friends near and far. He is with the Lord now.
Derek leaves behind to mourn his passing: Erin Ray(wife), Alexie (step daughter) & Jordan Lucas, Juniper Lucas (granddaughter), Kaylyn Donohue (step daughter), Dennis Ray (father), Lillian Ray (mother), Pauline Norton (step-grandmother) Tina (sister) & Dallas Bennett, Kaden Bennett (Nephew), Talia Bennett (niece ),Christie Ray (Sister), Cole Ray (nephew), Tammy Ray (sister) & Grant Cox, Kade (step- nephew), Neven (step-nephew), Eric Elms Sr.(father-in law), Dawn (sister-in-law) & Royce Hanson , Carter Hanson (nephews), Reed Hanson (nephew), Derek (brother-in law) & Paulette Elms , Sara Elms (niece), Ryder Elms (niece), Eric Elms (brother-in-law),Emily Elms (niece), Jesse Spensley (brother ) and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.
Derek was Pre-Deceased by; Mel & Isabel Ray (Grandparents), Edna Champagne (Grandmother), Ralph Norton (Grandpa), Matt Hainsworth (brother-in-law), Hilda Elms (mother-in law), David Miller (childhood best friend) and numerous aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 24th, 2022 at 1:00pm, St. Mary Catholic School Gym in Beaverlodge, Ab 100, 103 St. Beaverlodge, Ab. Snacks and refreshments to follow in the Gym.
Memorial Donations can be made to Stars Air Ambulance in memory of Derek by clicking the link under his picture.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bearcreekfuneral.com
Services
24
Sep
Celebration of Life
01:00 PM
Saint Mary Catholic School 100 13 St Beaverlodge, AB
T0H 0C0
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Derek Anthony Ray 22/03/1978 12/09/2022..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta