May 8, 1940 - August 8, 2019
It is with great sadness the family of Ray Stormo announce his passing on Thursday, August 8th 2019 from cancer. He defeated the disease twice before and believed he could do it again, but that was not to be. Ray was born on May 8th, 1940 in Vancouver B.C. He grew up in Port Alberni after moving there at the age of two. He moved to Campbell River with his family in 1969.
Ray was of the "old school': tough, resilient, a hard worker and family provider. He was always optimistic, never idle and was known for his very dry sense of humour. Although not too demonstrative, he was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed being known as "Papa Beach".
He was happiest when he had a power saw or a bowling ball in his hand, extremely proud to be a faller who absolutely loved his job. In his mid fifties he and three others formed Leeson Lake Falling Contracting. He continued in his profession until age sixty two which is a rare age for a faller to retire. During his career he also took his turn at commercial fishing for a few years, however realized his true passion was in the forest. Never forgetting he was a faller his power saw was never too far away for the remainder of his life just in case a tree 'needed' to come down.
After retirement Ray could be found at the bowling centre perfecting his game. He bowled in 3 leagues and spared in a 4th until his illness forced him to stop. In September of 2018 he came very close to his elusive 300 starting with 10 strikes in a row, then leaving one pin with his next ball. He never forgot that game.
He was a devoted sports fan. He could be found in the arena watching his grandchildren play hockey or following the Blue Jays and Canucks and never giving up hope that his teams were going to 'make it' each year.
He is survived by and will be missed by his wife Sheila: son Ray (Kristi) Stormo and their children Alysha, Tristyn, Matt and Mike Stormo, son Don (Gail) Stormo and their children Miranda Rye and Jeremy Stormo, daughter Teresa (Rick) Kretzschmar and their children Sarah Hindmarsh and John and Julia Kretzschmar and nine great grandchildren. Brother-in law Gil (Joyce) Germain, sisters-in-law Lue Carlos, Elaine Hentges and Mag Bowen. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Lottie Stormo, his sister Mildred Nelson and his brothers in law, Hal Germain, Len Carlos and Ray Hentges.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St Patricks Catholic Church, 34 South Alder Street, Campbell River BC on Friday, August 16th at 11 am.
In lieu of flower donations may be made to Cancer research.
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