August 26, 1930 - October 27, 2021
Raymond John Rogers passed away peacefully at his home in Courtenay after a courageous battle with cancer Wednesday, October 27th, 2021.
Ray was born August 26th, 1930 in England and came to Canada at the age of three, predeceased by his parents Rees and Blodwen, eldest daughter Dianne, brothers Fred and Norman and his first wife Doris. He leaves behind his loving wife Elsie, daughter Lesley (Steve), sister Iris, stepsons Tim (Linda), Warren (Annette) grandchildren Amy, Chad, step-grandsons Adam and Ben, great-grandchildren, great-great-granddaughter, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ray grew up in the Comox Valley, was an outdoors man in work and in life. He was a cadet in the Royal Canadian Air Force, later held the rank of Flying Officer and served with the Primary Reserve. His career was with the Fish and Wildlife branch as a Conservation Officer for 32 years, he was stationed in Victoria, Courtenay and Campbell River. He was a self-defence instructor. He also assisted with research work in Northern B.C. he ran the patrol boat out of Campbell River for many years and enjoyed the life his chosen career offered.
Ray and the love of his life Elsie spent many happy years camping with friends at Comox Lake, Kitty Coleman and Kin Beach. They travel extensively in BC, Alberta, Alaska and had the pleasure of traveling across Canada with friends and also traveled to England and Denmark to spent time with family there.
Ray was a Life Member of the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association, first joining the Association as a junior member in 1943. Working with the Association members both here in Courtenay and in Campbell River he was instrumental in putting together a number of projects designed to benefit fish and wildlife populations and was totally dedicated to the conservation aspect of the Association.
He was noted to all as a generous, witty and dedicated man who always had a smile and a story. He was known to many family members as "Bunka", he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
A private graveside gathering will be held by his family at a later date.