Obituary of Raymond William McBride

RAYMOND WILLIAM MCBRIDE It is with sadness that the family of Raymond William McBride announces his passing on Monday, March 18, 2013. Ray passed peacefully in his sleep at his home, William Albert House. Ray was born April 28, 1925 in Prince Albert, SK to William John McBride and Mildred McBride (nee Newton). He had three siblings: Gordon (deceased in WWII), Margaret Gordon, and Garry. Predeceased by his wife Louise in 1997; second wife Anne in 2011; brother Gordon in 1944; daughter Sharon McBride Bridge in 1996 as well as numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray is survived by four children: Donna (Randy) Archibald, Karen McBride (Reverend Blair Dixon), Glenda McBride (Alan Hickey), Gordon McBride (Sue Allen); six grandchildren: Ashley Louise Hickey, Leia Bridge (Brett Richards), Elese Archibald, Haig Archibald, Alicia Reschny (Trent) and Becky Petersen (Brent); and six great-grandchildren: Isak, Maura, Jonah, and Elijah Petersen; and Paxton and Grace Reschny. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and by his treasured Filipino family: the Cadermas, the Culigs, and the Pascuas. Rays life was centered around his family and always doing what he could for his community, province and his country. He joined the Air Force right after high school and trained as a pilot. After the war, he worked for the Saskatchewan Government as a member of the Provincial Audit Team in Regina. It was in the legislative building that he met Louise Theresa Wagner, whom he married November 30, 1947. They had five children, four girls and a boy. They lived in Regina until early 1953, when they were transferred to Prince Albert where Ray worked as Chief Accountant with the Construction Branch of the Department of Natural Resources. In the early 1970's, Ray took a transfer back to Regina where he worked for the Department of Tourism in the areas of audit, budgets, and administration. He served as Director of Audit and Director of Administration, retiring in the early 1980's. After retirement, Ray and Louise enjoyed time at their beloved cottage at Emma Lake and renovated it so that they could live there year round. Ray loved the north, the bush and especially trees. In the 1990's they began to spend a portion of every winter in Victoria, BC. Again, they made many friends among the people who wintered in Victoria. Louise and Ray celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November of 1996. Louise died in May of 1997, just a few weeks after returning from their winter vacation in Victoria. Ray married Anne Davidson (McCallum) on October 22, 1998. They enjoyed several years together, living at the cottage at Emma Lake, Victoria, and Nanaimo. They returned to Regina when Ray's health began to deteriorate and soon moved to William Albert House. Anne passed away in January of 2011 A Service of Remembrance will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date. Blessed will be his journey. Ray and his family are very grateful for the professional and loving care provided by Wendy, Shirley and the staff of William Albert House. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Ray's private caregivers: Yvonne, Starla, Courtney, Chelsea and Jenny. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com