Raymond James Taylor
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Ray passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2022. The immediate family had a chance to speak their goodbyes to him and share their love and memories.
Ray was born in Claresholm, Alberta on March 17th, 1947 to Jim and Dorothy (Brown) Taylor. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Dorothy; in-laws, Art and Helen Patterson; brother-in-law Jack Patterson, sister-in-law Cathy Patterson and nephew Brian Taylor. He leaves to mourn his wife of 53 years, Judy; daughter Debbie, son-in-law Patrick French, and their children Danica, James and Peter; son Dean, daughter-in-law Jennifer Houslander, and their children Kate and Matthew; daughter Leanne, her partner Don Blake, and her children Kyle and Quinn. He leaves his sisters Patricia (Al Orosz) and Marion (Jim Holman), brother John (Caroline), brother-in-law Bob Patterson (Nancy), sister-in-law Joan Patterson and many nieces and nephews. Ray also leaves countless friends, military and civilian, from all over the world.
Ray met the love of his life, Judy Patterson in the spring of 1968 and they were married in the fall of that year. They had a wonderful life together starting in Germany and ending in Moose Jaw. Their oldest daughter Debbie was born in Germany in 1970 and Dean and Leanne surprised them in 1972 while they were posted in Cold Lake. They were blessed with seven grandchildren who loved and respected Poppy with their whole beings.
Ray had an amazing career in the Canadian Armed Forces retiring after 37 years of service in 2002 as Lieutenant Colonel. After beginning with the Queen’s Own Rifles in 1967, Ray joined PPCLI in Germany. After his return from Germany, he remustered to the Security Branch and was posted to Cold Lake then Trenton as Base Security Officer. Ray spent many years based in Ottawa in the Privy Council Office and at Canadian Forces Headquarters. His next posting was as Intelligence Liason Officer in London and then he was back to NDHQ in Ottawa and Staff College in Toronto. His next big move was to Winnipeg, as the Air Command Intelligence Officer. His career concluded in Washington, DC where he served as Chief of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Liason Office and was awarded the Legion of Merit (Officer), by the United States for his service.
Ray, Judy and their children lived in many areas of Canada and the world throughout his career. Although he was never posted to, or lived in Moose Jaw, he chose to retire here. Moose Jaw was close to his heart, having never lived anywhere else for as long. In their retirement, Ray and Judy laid down roots in the community, and started to travel and cruise to even more wonderful places and met many lifelong friends.
Special heartfelt thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses and care aides who gave physical and emotional support to Ray and his family over the last six months. He loved joking and teasing all of his caregivers and looked forward to seeing them every day.
A Celebration of Ray’s life will be held at Zion United Church on Friday, May 20th, 2022 at 3:45pm. Reception and fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Royal Canadian Legion, Moose Jaw Branch #59.
“My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace”
In living memory of Raymond, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain, Funeral Director.
