With great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ray Morgan on Dec 26, 2013 after a long fought battle with illness.
Ray was pre-deceased by his mom, Elsie Morgan; grandparents, Norman and Frieda Huddleston; and close friend and cousin, Barry Woods. He goes on to join many lost friends, family and a few good friends who got into trouble together or got each other in trouble and laughed about it... “partners in crime”.
Ray was born in the Comox Valley on Feb 26,1955. He fell in love with his surroundings and continued to call the Valley home for the duration of his life. He was married at 25 and together with his wife Sherry, raised two children Rod Morgan (Taryn) and Becca Gurney (Jef) both of whom he was extremely proud.
Ray loved his family and deeply appreciated the time he spent with them. Ray had an adventurous and at times challenging life, with many hobbies and interests. Motorcycles, particularly his Harley Davidsons were a great passion of Ray’s. In his late teens he ran with a local chapter of the Tribesmen. He loved the exhilaration of roaring down an open highway. However, with a growing family, Ray gave up the open road to build a home and provide a comfortable life for them.
At the young age of 17, Ray began working in the forestry industry. He worked all up and down the coast, becoming one of the best fallers in all of BC. He even tried his hand at horse logging, buying a big beautiful Belgian named Jake. Jake would follow Ray around the fields like a big dog, his muzzle almost resting on Rays shoulder.
Ray was always quick to lend a hand where he could, happy to help others whenever anyone needed a tree trimmed or taken down or firewood cut or turkeys to be dressed or a nasty plumbing job that needed fixing. He most always would devise a well thought out solution to any dilemma that might arise.
Ray loved being out in the bush exploring and had an avid interest in the history of the mines and the immigrants that came to work in them. Ray enjoyed combining two of his passions, searching for pieces of history and being out amongst nature. At as young an age of twelve, Ray could be found off hunting for artifacts including old china, bottles and pots made by the Chinese. As an adult Ray continued to enjoy hunting for artifacts with the help of his metal detector and was able to compile quite a large collection of old coins, flatware, and other objects of interest. His other passions included; model airplanes, compound bow shooting, pencil sketching, fishing, hobby farming or fixing up a batch of moonshine. He was even happy with watching some of his favourite cartoons!
Ray was well liked and loved by all who knew him. Never one to complain about his ills, he had a quick smile, a quirky sense of humour, an infectious laugh, and a big, kind heart. He was a very quiet, private man, who enjoyed spending time alone and enjoyed the quiet solitude and peacefulness of being out in nature. Ray requested no service. He will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the forest that he loved so much.
You may be gone, but you will always be a presence in our lives. Lucky are those who had the privilege of knowing you. We will miss you always and love you forever.
Xoxo,
Sherry, Rod and Becca.
We would like to thank Dr. Woldnik, Dr. Silcox, the Home Care Unit, emergency, 3rd floor, intensive care and palliative care nurses for your genuine compassion, kindness, proficiency and competency not only for Ray’s comfort but towards his family. You are all greatly appreciated.
If anyone would like to make a donation in Ray’s honour, please do so to a recipient you feel passionate about.