Obituary
Major Raymond E. Sommer CD RCAF Rtd
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Edward Sommer in Penticton, British Columbia on April 5, 2022 at the age of 83.
Predeceased by wife Phyllis, brothers Kurt and Heinz, and parents Albert and Hulda Sommer. Lovingly remembered by best friend and life partner Patti Craig, sisters Ruth and Erma (Emil), children Liana (Paul), Paul (Lori) and Dwayne, grandchildren Jacob, Will, Caitlin, Danica, Tayah and Calissa, and great grandchildren Tristan and Artemis.
Born December 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta, Ray was always proud to say he was the first of the family born in hospital. He grew up on the family homestead in New Serepta, Alberta, with his four siblings. In 1947 the family moved to Chilliwack, BC, where they operated a dairy farm. Following graduation from high school, Ray moved to the lower mainland and joined the RCAF as an officer cadet in 1958. After transferring from pilot to navigator training, Ray obtained his wings in Winnipeg, Manitoba in May, 1960. Ray flew as an operational navigator for ten tours of duty and served as staff officer for three tours. Among other types of aircraft, Ray’s career included tours on Argus (anti-submarine warfare), Albatross, Buffalo, Labrador, Caribou (search and rescue), Cosmopolitan and Hercules (tactical, transport and rescue), accumulating just under 11,000 hours of flight time, 7,700 hours of which was on the Hercules. He also served as a staff recruiter in Halifax and Ottawa, and was commanding officer of the recruiting centre in Vancouver. He attended several staff schools, including the RAF staff College in Bracknell, Berkshire, UK, in 1978. Ray flew on operational missions to Saigon late in the Vietnam War, and served in the conflicts in Bosnia (1991), Somalia (1992) and the Gulf War (Desert Storm 1990-1991). Ray claimed he had visited just about every continent and major country. He retired in 1996 after 35 years with the RCAF.
Ray always maintained an interest in sports. He curled with the Summerside Club, sailed and was Commodore of CFB Trenton Yacht Club. And of course, he golfed wherever he was stationed, including The Royal Berkshire Club in the UK. His proudest boast was 29 holes in one at Pine Hills Golf Club before he had to quit playing. Ray cross country skied, collected coins and read extensively. Throughout his life, Ray demonstrated a love of music and singing. He was a member of many base forces choirs, and also sang in a number of other choirs, including The Belleville Ontario Choral Society, The Melody Bells Senior Choir, Viva Choralis, The Golden Echo Senior Choir and the Southwood Songsters. Ray was a member of the Penticton United Church choir and served on the board of the church for many years. He was an executive member of the National Association of Federal Retirees for several years and served as Regional Director for eastern BC for three years.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held later in the year, to be announced. Donations in Ray’s memory can be made to Moog & Friend Hospice or to a charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Raymond Edward Sommer December 8 1938

April 5 2022..

everden rust funeral services & cremation

Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique

death notice Raymond Edward Sommer December 8 1938

April 5 2022

mortuary notice Raymond Edward Sommer December 8 1938

April 5 2022