Obituary of Wray Charles Heywood
Please click here to view the livestream of the service
Wray Charles Heywood passed away in the early morning of December 1, 2022, at the young age of 73. If you knew him, it was likely as Rusty.
Born on October 2, 1949, in Eston, Saskatchewan, the family moved to Rouleau when he was four where his dad, Curtis, ran Heywood Lumber. The family lost Curtis to a car accident a few short years later, an experience that formed the empathetic and understanding man Wray was.
Wray lived. He traveled by bike, car, train, and plane and left an impression on people all over this world. He took photos, drank beer, and told stories throughout Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and all over Canada & the US. He always had a great time in the snow on skis and snowmobiles and on ice playing hours upon hours of hockey,but he was happiest in the sunshine wearing the least clothing allowable.
A man of many talents, his first profession as a machinist brought him to Hart’s Machine Shop, then as a co-owner of Western Power Transmission, then into the lumber business as a part owner of Westrum Lumber. He “retired” at 51 but proceeded to work for and help out a long list of friends and family, including getting his 1A license at the age of 60 to haul grain. He always had the tool, part, or knowledge you might need to fix something, his things always organized and labeled with his initials.
Wray was loud, boisterous, crude, and a bit of an ass at times. His laugh ricocheted throughout any space he occupied. He was also reserved, considerate, understanding, and caring.
He quietly did more for others over a lifetime than any one of us ever realized.
He excelled at being idle - watching people, water, birds, sports, the markets, and emailing his long list of friends. He pretended to be a curmudgeon but was always willing to help the next person. He’d hate how many nice things are being written about him here, he’d say it’s just what you do. Eldora Beach will especially miss him, not only because he was always willing to provide backup beer or rum in a shortage, but because of his contributions to the community. He helped so many and contributed so much of his time to improving the place he loved.
You had to be on your toes around Wray. We’ll all forever be watching over our shoulders waiting for him to crack a joke or catch us messing up something he thought he’d already taught us to do properly.
Wray was so proud of the family he created with Lorraine, his wife of 45 years. He documented and shared everything his kids Sabrina and Brett did. He encouraged Sabrina’s travel and adventure and loved nothing more than listening to Brett play music.
Predeceased by parents Curtis Heywood, Shirley Diminyatz, and stepfather Dave Diminyatz. Wray leaves behind his wife Lorraine (née Mullie); kids Sabrina (Ehren) and Brett; sister Brenda (Dan) Hagley; special nephew and nieces, Curtis (Verlee) Hagley, Darcy Sattler, Page (Matt) Slaven and their children, and numerous other nieces and nephews, sisters, and brothers-in-law.
Wray had so many plans for the future and was not planning to leave this world any time soon, but after a diagnosis of gastric cancer in July of this year his health deteriorated quickly. While his body failed him, his mind never did - he was sharp and witty until the end.
A celebration for Rusty’s life-well-lived will be held at the Rouleau Community Hall, 113 Main St, Rouleau, SK on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Please join us for stories, laughs, and live music. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hockey & Hearts. Make cheques payable to Town of Rouleau, c/o Hockey and Hearts, Box 250, Rouleau, SK, S0G 4H0.
To view the livestream of the service please click on the link above which will be available on the day of the service.
