Obituary of Raymond (Ray) Francis WOHLFORD

August 3, 1932 – Carruthers, Saskatchewan
May 6, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

“Spread my ashes on the roots of a Mountain Ash tree, so that I can nourish its branches and leaves. Then I will dance in the sunlight.” ~Ray

Ray’s life was much that of the tree in the children’s book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. He lived his life nourishing those around him with his fruit, branches branches and shelter. It is a story of big-hearted love and kindness.  Ray took great joy in supporting and watching others bloom.

Ray’s roots were born in the Saskatchewan prairies which gave him the foundation for his wholesome ways.  He loved immersing himself in nature, drawing spirituality and healing from it. He was raised by his parents, Myrnia and Frank Wohlford, with his siblings Lavina Wohlford, Noreen How, Beth Hall, and Clayton Wohlford (all predeceased).

With deep pride, love and joy, Ray nurtured his own large family with his greatest love and much adored wife, Joanne (nee Malinowski); children, Lavina Gilliland (Bill), Patricia Gorman (Chris), Daniel (Corrinne), Michael, and Annette Propp (Joel). Ray also took under his wing his sister-in-law, Elsie (nee Malinowski) and her very young family after the sudden death of his close friend Bob Gorsline. Elsie and Bob’s children are: Brian (Sheree), David, Cara Lea, and Darlene Trenchuk (Jared). His grandchildren brought him endless smiles and laughter: Rory and Sage Gilliland, Kieran, Michael, Jennifer and Allison Gorman, Olivia and Jocelyn Wohlford, Malcolm and Quincy Propp, Madison, Alexisa and Jayden Gorsline, Jeremy and Brenden Trenchuk. Ray also leaves behind his dearest and cherished friend of seventy years, Frank Tipper.

Ray was a farmer, trapper, electrician, artist, music lover and adventurer.  He loved the farm and being on the land and in nature. It remained a part of his essence for his entire life.  Eventually, he left the farm for Edmonton where he worked in various industries before becoming an electrician. The call for electricians in California took Ray and Joanne on an adventure at the beginning of their life together and was where they started their family. After returning to Calgary, Ray started his own electrical business, Edray Electric then Proton Electric. In his later years, Ray took an art class with his young grandchildren and became a prolific artist. 

Ray’s most important careers were those of a husband, father, grandpa, uncle, son, and friend.  Though soft-spoken and shy, Ray touched everyone he met with his gentle and quiet kindness.  He was generous is every way.  He loved and cherished everyone around him and them in return. He said often he has had a wonderful life and gave thanks for everyone in it.

It is now time for Ray to return to his roots and for his soul to soar. Rest in peace, your work is done. You are so very loved.

A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join the mass streamed live at https://st-peters.ca/live-stream/ on the day of the Funeral Mass. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the mass will be posted below by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ray Wohlford’s memory may be made directly to Wellspring Calgary, https://wellspringcalgary.ca/invest-in-our-future/donate/.

In living memory of Ray Wohlford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event. 
Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.
We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.