Obituary of Raymond Adelard St. Hilaire

July 30, 1949 - St. Boniface, Manitoba

February 7, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Raymond ‘Ray’ St. Hilaire, beloved husband of Linda St. Hilaire (nee Baldwin) of Calgary, AB, laid down his sword and shield after a valiant battle on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the age of 74 years.

Ray was born in St. Boniface, MB on July 30, 1949, becoming the second eldest of six siblings. He moved to Calgary, AB in the early 70s where he started his lifelong career with Canadian Customs. During this time, he found the love of his life, Linda, and they were married in 1973. After his retirement in 2007, he enjoyed traveling to Arizona with Linda and their dog, to escape the cold and snow. 

Ray will be remembered for many things, including his love of the outdoors. He spent most of his weekends and summers in the forest camping, fishing, quadding, and enjoying the sounds of a crackling campfire while admiring the sunset.

Ray was born with exceptional artistic abilities. Anything Ray put his hands on would turn into a beautiful masterpiece. He created stunning stone and slate mosaics (thank you Sam McPeek), majestic stained-glass windows (a skill he taught to his daughter Michelle), welding and wrought iron art, and woodworking and decorating, to name only a few. His abilities and gifts were endless. 

Ray valued his leisure and sports over the many years of his life. He developed lifelong bonds and friendships with people from his volleyball team and curling league. Curling was more than a hobby to him; the sound of bonspiels shall reverberate through Ray’s home forever. He loved riding his motorcycle, as it was an easy excuse to get together with some true friends. 

While his family has said goodbye to a powerful pillar, many people also lost a friend and loved one. Ray was a rock to many, a witty jokester to some, or a beacon of kindness and support. He may also be known as a stubborn pain in the neck to others, but that was Ray. He provided us with what we needed to make us strong. Other times he carried us, helping to build ourselves back up, making us stronger and more resilient - like him. 

Besides his loving wife Linda, Ray is survived by his two daughters by birth, Nicole and Michelle St. Hilaire; his daughters by choice, Laurel Williamson, Danielle McKay, Victoria Witt; granddaughter Reason St. Hilaire Martin, siblings, Gil, Claudette, Lionel, Leon, and Noel; numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and a vast extended family.

Ray was predeceased by his son Darcy, brother Robert, and parents, Albert and Laurette St. Hilaire.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Ray and Linda’s home (the address will be available at the service or by contacting Michelle). 

We will be celebrating Ray’s life, his achievements, and the end of his pain and suffering. Guests are invited to dress comfortably, bringing stories and memories of Ray with you.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is asking for everyone to take a moment to stop and tell the people you care for that you truly love them. Bury the hatchet with someone you are at odds with. Go out and help a friend or neighbor, with Ray in your heart. These actions will bring more joy and positivity to this world. These actions are priceless.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ray’s family here.

In living memory of Raymond (Ray) St. Hilaire, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.