February 24, 1927 – November 6, 2012
Wray left us to sing with the angels and dance with the stars. He died peacefully, November 6 at Glacier View Lodge with his beloved wife Beverley Howden by his side.
He is also survived by his brother David (Jean) in Coquitlam; sister Margaret (Tommy) in Ontario; brother-in-law Shig in Kamloops; sons Clark (Barb) in Ontario and Eric (Jo Ann) in Yellowknife; daughters Louise in Nanaimo and Elaine (Doug) in New Westminster. Grandchildren Rachel (Ken), Shane (Raylene), Kyle, Donavin, Rebecca, Richard, Missie, Kenny, Trevor and Lauren. Great-grandchildren Anna, Rosie, Ryan, Stephanie and Jonah.
Wray was predeceased by his father Herman, mother Lucy, sister Doris, son-in-law Mike, first wife Isabelle and second wife Dot.
Herman Wray Carlberg was born at Seton Lake, B.C. and grew up in New Westminster. He joined the army at an early age, serving as an artillery instructor and as a paratrooper. Places Wray was stationed included Shilo, Winnipeg, Toronto, Petawawa, Truro and Victoria. Discharged in 1963, Wray moved to Nanaimo where he worked for B.C. Ferries, until he retired - first as a deck hand then as an officer and for most of the years as Captain.
Wray loved many things – first came his family. In earlier years activities included golfing, painting and fishing (for pleasure and commercially). He was a very good swimmer, was a lifeguard and had his pilot’s license. He enjoyed travelling – Disneyland and Las Vegas were two of his favourite destinations. He was a staunch hockey fan (Canucks of course!). In his later years he derived much pleasure from singing with the Evergreen Choristers and dancing regularly until June 2011 at the Friday night Evergreen Seniors dances.
Wray was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and a Shriner (including the Nanaimo Sabres Drill Team).
Wray, we’ll miss you, Sweetie Pie, will always love you and have fond memories full of love and laughter.
A Celebration of Wray’s Life will be held at D’esterre House, 1801 Beaufort Ave, Comox on Sunday, Dec 2 at 2 pm. After Wray’s service there will be singing and dancing followed by a Potluck at 5pm to also celebrate with Beverley. Its her birthday.