We have just lost "one of the best" and I was proud to call him my friend.
Ray and I have known each other for a long time - Blaine and Dean were just little. Ray worked for me as a painter in his spare time. His work was always second to none. He became my regular painter and did many, many jobs for me. I had a construction job in B.C. and Ray and his crew even came out to work for me. He was painting a wall with a roller as I came by to see what he wanted, one of his crew were edging along the floor. As we were talking Ray continued painting the wall, I watched as Ray's roller came down the wall, closing in on his partner doing the edging, he kept going, painting right onto his partner's shoulder, and back, never missing a beat, Ray kept right on talking and painting - he had a great sense of humor.
When Ray retired from the fire department and got settled on his new acreage, he began a new career in the horse industry. He called on me to help design the layout for his corrals and to help build the fences and put in his watering system. I helped him get started with his horses and as his interest and determination grew, I suggested he take riding lessons. He was dedicated and became a great rider and competitor in the cutting horse arena. We went to Ponoka to watch him compete on his palomino horse, who was the most beautiful palomino I have ever seen. We watched from the stands as he competed and were so proud of his accomplishments.
Ray was a master at everything he did; we rebuilt his Ferguson tractor together. His knowledge of engines, unlimited; his patience unending... he was a great guy to work with. He had quite a gun collection. I learned a lot from Ray about guns, he taught our grandson how to shoot; he was a great teacher, thorough, and very safety minded. He even gave my wife a fancy little rifle of her own.
Ray and I had a lot of fun together over the years and he is truly missed. I have lost a true friend.
Rest in Peace Ray and may the Cowboy Gods reunite you and your Palomino.
Rick Shaw
