Obituary of Raymond William George Hibberd

Raymond W. G. (Ray) Hibberd died at home on January 4, 2005. After a two-year battle with cancer, he met death with courage and good humour. Ray was born on December 24, 1921 in Gillingham, Kent, and served with the British Army from 1939 to 1946. After the war, he commenced a long career with Thos. Cook & Son Ltd. (later Thomas Cook Travel), immigrating to Canada in 1950 to help man the company’s Montreal office. While it was difficult to leave extended family and friends behind, Ray never regretted this decision, always taking pride in his Canadian citizenship and extolling the educational and professional opportunities available in his adopted country. Ray moved his family across Canada a number of times to undertake different assignments with Thomas Cook, including almost twenty years as Manager of the Calgary operations. He was always dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards and, in the 1970’s, took an active role in initiatives to regulate the travel agency industry in Alberta. Over the years, Ray participated in the activities of a number of service and industry organizations, including Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary and was a charter member of Skal. Following retirement, Ray devoted many happy years to the improvement of his golf game. He developed enduring friendships amongst the regulars at the Maple Ridge Golf Course. Ray is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Kathleen (Kay); daughters, Jennifer and Barbara; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; as well as an uncle, Washington, and numerous cousins. He will also be sadly missed by his in-laws, the Ford family of Loughton, Essex. At Ray’s request, no formal funeral service will be conducted. Ray’s family will hold a vigil at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, January 13, 2005, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friends who so desire are invited to drop by, during that time, to sign a book of condolence. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. No flowers please. In living memory of Raymond Hibberd, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.