Raymond Ray David James Brown

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond David James Brown with family at his side as he took his final flight after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

Leaving to mourn his passing is his wife Darlene of over 48 years, daughter Jackie (Dave), son Stuart (Jane), his sisters Elaine (Allen) and family, Marilyn (Al) and family and brother Keith, brother in law Jim (Avis) and family, his grandchildren Derek, Nicole, Delaney, Ryan and Lauren whom he was so very proud of, and many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and a niece.

Raymond was born on November 1, 1942 in Unity, Saskatchewan. He joined the military in the spring of 1962 while attending the University of Saskatoon. Ray and Darlene married in September 1964 and began their tour of military postings that included Moose Jaw, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Toronto, Winnipeg, Trenton, Regina, Edmonton then back to Winnipeg. Lieutenant Colonel Brown, flew many aircraft, but the highlight of his career were his over 5000 hours on the Hercules and his time as Commander of 435 Squadron in Edmonton and leading Op Nile – a famine relief mission in Ethopia. After 31 years of loyal service to his country he retired from the Air Force and started a new career at Transport Canada where he continued to fly until 2005.

He was an avid golfer and curler. He enjoyed travelling with Darlene and spending summers at the cabin fishing, boating, entertaining and just enjoying life. He loved to putter around in his shop doing woodworking, but his favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren in their sporting events and other activities.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to a cancer charity, or other charity of your choice. A service will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home – 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, on Wednesday, March 27th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.