Ray Holcomb took off his beloved, well-worn Tilley hat for the last time on December 17, 2023, at a youthful 84 years. He is missed a whole bunch by many.

He had only one regret in life: one evening while taking care of his ill wife, Betty, he served her baked beans mixed with wieners for dinner. Luckily, their marriage survived for 57 years despite his lack of culinary judgment on that occasion.

He didn't live an average life and excelled at many things in his varied career: Military Police Officer in the Air Force, law clerk, real estate agent, Captain in the Air Cadets (and mentor to many girls and boys), Liberal Party volunteer, to name a few. He travelled extensively and met his Bajan sweetheart in 1966 while living in Barbados.

He had an extraordinary talent for power naps, photography, calligraphy and dozing off in any place he sat. He had a great fashion sense. In the 1970s, a favourite outfit was a gold chain, powder blue jumpsuit and navy blue suede clogs (we have the photographic evidence). He left behind an impressive Beanie Babies collection that has found loving homes.

Those left with loving and warm memories of him are his significant other, Betty, sisters Dorothy and Ruth, children Anne-Marie, Michele, Craig and Frank, daughters-in-law, Mary Jane and Karen, grandchildren (human and furry), Stephanie, Benjamin, Madeline, Balin, Ollie and Oreo and granddaughter-in-law, Shannon.

In his honour, we will continue to "drive defensively," his parting advice to any visitor as good-byes were said.

His funeral and Celebration of Life will be held in June 2024. Stay tuned. It's going to be WILD.