We Remember

PUTNAM, Raymond

It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Putnam announce his passing on December 4, 2020 in Kelowna BC at the age of 79. He was taken much too soon by the Coronavirus. Ray will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Patricia, and his daughters Lisa (Tim) and Kristy (John). His grandchildren Phoebe, Mia and Freya, had many nicknames for him (Pappa, Poppy, Popsy, Popsicle) and will cherish the time they spent with him.

Born September 22, 1941, to Gertrude and Hunter Putnam, Ray grew up on a farm outside of Bowsman, Manitoba with his siblings Mel (deceased), Don, Isla and Bruce. Ray graduated from the University of Manitoba with a BA in 1964 and an MBA in 1968.  He spent much of his career in Toronto, ON and Montreal, QC with the Dale Carnegie organization as an instructor and franchise owner.  He and his team won many sales awards over the years. Ray retired in 2002, and they moved to Kelowna, where he and Pat could be closer to family, spend more time on the golf course and less time shovelling snow. Retirement did not slow him down. He devoted his time to helping his family, friends, neighbours and community.  As a friend observed, Ray woke each morning thinking: “What can I do today to make life better?”  Committed to his passions, he volunteered on the executive boards of Shadow Ridge golf course, COPS photographic society and SORCO (a raptor rehabilitation centre). He also contributed to the Kelowna Rockets hockey team for 10 years as Communications Coach. One of his proudest achievements was assisting in the bid for the 2004 Memorial Cup.

Ray will be remembered as someone who took a genuine interest in everyone he met. He loved talking to people and getting to know them. He was one of those guys who, if you met him, you felt like you knew him all your life. He was smart, funny and had so much love in his heart. His kindness and generosity were felt by many, but the centre of his enormously giving heart was devoted to his entire family.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on SATURDAY AUGUST 14 2021 AT 4:00 PM.  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter. If you would like to honour his memory, donations can be made to help the rehabilitation of owls and other raptors at SORCO, sorco.org/donate.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Help the rehabilitation of owls and other raptors at SORCO in Ray's memory. Link: sorco.org/donate

 


 


Condolences

  • Grant Putnam says:

    Pat…..so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. It was very interesting to meet last year and learn of our family connection. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Grant Putnam

  • Merran Regan says:

    Pat, Lisa, Tim, Kristy, Phoebe, Mia, what a lovely tribute to Ray, husband, father, grandfather. I remember him with great fondness, he was kind and funny. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will look for photos of his visit to Australia and send what I can. I can’t imagine how difficult this Christmas is for you all, I am thinking of you and sending love and hugs to you all. May you cherish your memories of Ray. Xxxx Merran and Murray Regan

  • Steve & Donna Chadwick says:

    Pat, We are shocked and saddened by Ray’s passing. Far too soon. A wonderful, lovely man and helpful neighbour. Your many memories together and the family you created will hopefully sustain you in this difficult time. Take care of yourself. Our thoughts are with you. Steve & Donna Chadwick-Silver Place neighbours.

  • Lynn Yule says:

    Pat, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rays passing from Covid. You and Ray were such great members at Cops, always so welcoming, helpful and truly caring about his fellow members. I will be thinking of you. Treasure the lifetime of good memories shared together. Hugs Lynn Yule

  • Sandi Stang says:

    Pat, I am so sorry to hear about Ray. It was such a shock to everyone. Ray was a ‘true gentleman’, and was loved and appreciated by everyone. We will miss him a lot at our photo club. He was so willing to help in any way he could, He was friendly, encouraging and had a gift to make people around him, feel comfortable.. Pat, you and your family are in my prayers as you go through this very difficult time. May you feel peace and comfort.

  • Sandy Howard says:

    Kristy and family, I’m so very sorry to hear this news. Your dad seemed to have been a very loving, funny and kind soul. Treasure your wonderful memories. Hugs to you my dear friend. Sandy

  • Janice Bourne-Collard says:

    Dear Pat,
    Although it’s been many years since I’ve seen you and Ray and the girls in person, it’s been wonderful to reconnect online and “see” you all and follow your travels and adventures. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ray’s passing and I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of the times that I spent with you all in Magog make me smile and laugh.
    Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and the family,
    Janice

  • Ian and Karen Hanna says:

    Pat, so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. You two are role models for many couples, including us. I’m inspired to read how Ray continued to live with such curiousity and generousity through his retirement (though clearly not retiring!) years.
    All the best,
    Ian and Karen Hanna

  • Danielle Ladouceur says:

    My deepest condolences we had the greatest husbands they were taken away too soon. Stay in touch via message or email Pat

  • Dolores Kroupis says:

    Pat so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
    Dolores Kroupis

  • Tammie Plouffe says:

    Pat, sorry to learn of Rays passing.. I hope you are comforted by wonderful memories of your life together and the love of your family and friends during this difficult time. Thinking of you, Tammie

  • Sue Ferguson says:

    Pat, I’m so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing due to the coronavirus. I’m just gutted for you. You and Ray were an example of a loving, happy marriage – they type of one I always hoped Rusty and I would be blessed to have. I’m so sorry Ray was taken from you so soon and so cruelly. Hugs from us both.

  • Ann and David Ryan says:

    Pat we are so very sorry and saddened to hear of Ray’s sudden passing. Ray was a lovely person who lived a remarkable life and we wish you peace and comfort at this very difficult time.

  • Barbara Gollert says:

    Dear Pat: My condolences to you and your family. Although it’s been many years since we’ve been in touch, I remember you fondly from our Levi’s years in Toronto. How tragic to loose your soul mate of 57 years in this way. My heart goes out to you Pat. May Ray’s memory be a blessing.
    Barb Gollert

  • Stephanie Bradshaw says:

    Pat, I was so saddened to hear of Ray’s hospitalization with COVID, and subsequent passing. It was a total shock. I’m sending virtual hugs, and hope the memories you have made together bring you peace, strength and comfort. My sincere thoughts are with you.

  • Dave & Sally Fuller says:

    Memorable time spent with Ray and Pat – a Viking River Cruise and a short time together in Az – were happy times and we had hoped for more. Our condolences to Pat and family and our hugs
    (virtual) to all. 🙏

  • Wayne Alguire says:

    Pat, I am so saddened to hear this news of Ray’s passing. Truly you were kindred soul mates and lived life boldly, generously, and with great purpose. Thanks for being such an inspiration. May you enter your next chapter with enduring memoires of joy that stir you to keep living with great resolve and hope.

  • Donna and Carole says:

    Pat and family,
    Donna and I are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may your memories give you strength at this time.

  • Clair Jantzen says:

    Patricia and family: my heart reaches for you all as you’ve had to let go of this gem of a man. Ray was loved by many, but most dearly by you. It was a joy to get to know you and to serve your family at a difficult time. Peace to you all. Clair and Rachel Jantzen

  • Debbie Thompson says:

    I remember Uncle Ray and his young bride starting out their life together. So full of promise! And their lives bore out those ambitions. They were as lovely the last time I saw them together in Kelowna as they were way back then. I was very saddened to hear the news passed along by my mom. Mom said that Pat will miss Ray terribly, and I know that is true. “Auntie” Pat, please know that my memories of you and Uncle Ray are special and enduring. May you find as much peace as the world can offer during this time of loss.

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