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Obituary of Raymond Collin Whetham McNiven
October 7, 1930 – Regina, Saskatchewan
December 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta
Ray McNiven, beloved husband of Mavis McNiven, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 94 years. Ray will be sadly missed, but we take comfort in the peaceful nature of his passing.
Ray was born in Regina, SK, on October 7, 1930. He was a “Hound” at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, SK, under Pere Murray—whom Ray had a special bond with. Notre Dame is where Ray became an avid sportsman, and hockey became a large part of his life.
In 1951 Ray was recruited by the Dynamiters to play hockey and he moved to Kimberley, BC, where he met Mavis. They were married in 1953. After spending 68 years in Kimberley, Ray and Mavis moved to Calgary, AB, in 2019.
Ray’s time at Notre Dame laid a strong foundation for excellence in all that he did and accomplished. As an entrepreneur, along with Mavis, he opened Regalanes in 1961 and eventually expanded to add Regal Cinema.
He was dedicated to the community and passionate about politics. Ray was very active at the municipal level in Kimberley as an alderman/councilman and campaigned in many provincial and federal elections.
Ray loved the outdoors and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He took them on many camping trips, spending summers at the cabin in Wasa Lake, BC, and going to all the parades within driving distance. Ray and Mavis both loved to travel, camp, entertain, and golf.
Ray was predeceased by his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Darrin, parents, Neal and Elizabeth, brothers, Jack (Patricia), Donald, Edward, and Stewart, and son-in-law, Wayne.
He is survived by the love of his life, Mavis, his brother, Lawson, his children, Rhona (Robin), Karen (Brian), Colin, and Patricia (Patrick), as well as fifteen grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
A private family service will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Calgary, AB.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ray’s family here.
In living memory of Ray McNiven, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.
