Raymond Preston Finlay

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond Preston Finlay on

December 8, 2024 with his loving family by his side.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Margaret of 69 years, his daughter LaVerne (Dan) McCuaig of Kamloops, BC, son Delbert (Jean) Finlay of Logan Lake, BC. Also survived by his grandchildren Christine, Nicholas (Amanda), Mitchell and Lance (Kathryn) and his great grandchildren Josephine, Maximus, Gabriella and Ayla. Ray was predeceased by his son William Earl in 1977 and his son Mathew in 1964.

Ray was born on a farm near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, the second oldest of 11 children. He left the farm at the age of 14 to make his own way in the world. Ray went to work in Virden, Manitoba and after several years met the love of his life, Margaret Black. Ray and Margaret married in 1955 and for several years moved around between BC and Manitoba working in different occupations. In 1966 Ray and Marg brought their young family to Merritt BC in the Nicola Valley and Ray went to work as a miner. He worked underground at Craigmont mine until the mid 70's then worked at various mines in the Highland Valley until his retirement in 1997. Ray spent several years coaching his sons in minor hockey in Merritt and his teams won several tournaments over several seasons.

Ray and Margaret spent many summers travelling back to the Prairies in their motorhome to visit family and friends. Ray was especially proud of his home and yard taking great pride when the neighbors would comment on how immaculate his yard looked. Ray was known as "The King of Castillou" as he spent hours keeping the sidewalks and roadways cleared of debris for his neighbors. Ray loved his garden and loved to spend time nurturing it every year. He believed in the term "don't fence me in" and never had fences in the front or back of his property. The drawback over the years was the local deer population feeding off his pride and joy.

Ray loved to play the guitar. Whether "jamming" at family get-togethers, playing with his band at the Seniors Center in Merritt or strumming by himself at home, he always enjoyed playing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf (and unlimited mulligans) and especially loved playing pool at his home or at his sons with his children, grandchildren and friends. Ray was very competitive and wouldn't let you stop playing until he won the rubber match. He loved playing crib and Wii Golf.

Ray was fortunate and blessed to live in his home until a short period before his passing. Ray's family are very grateful for the care Ray received at the Nicola Valley Hospital and wonderful staff there, for the years of care he received from his family physician Dr. McLeod of Merritt, BC and for the care he received from Dr. Shawna Suchiya and the staff at Ponderosa Lodge, where he lived for his last few weeks before passing.

A Celebration of Ray's life will be held in the Spring of 2025 at his son's property in Logan Lake, BC.