Raymond Joseph Shiels

Eastend, Saskatchewan  -  Calgary Alberta 

Raymond passed away suddenly at the Peter Lougheed Hospital surrounded by family on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the age of 87, after a short but intense fight with pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonia. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sophie of 65 years; children, Marlene Shiels (Darcy Oviatt) and Gary (Alex) Shiels; grandchildren, Jeff (Leah) Gilbert, Amanda (Nino) Ugarelli and Paula Gilbert (Jesse Mawson); and he was the proudest great-grandpa to William, Colton, Amarra and Isla.  He is also survived by his brother, Tom; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Bob; sister-in-law, Maryanne Shiels;  mother-in-law, Mary Gajida;  sister-in-law, Alice Shostak; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Marie Shiels.

He was born in Eastend Saskatchewan, where he grew up on the family farm with his parents and twin brothers, Ed & Tom. He moved to Lethbridge where he met and married Sophie in 1953. Ray decided to move his family to Calgary in the early 60’s to follow his dreams of being his own boss. He was an entrepreneur who met many challenges successfully and he worked hard and had a strong faith to make everything come true. He was a kind, humble and compassionate man with a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he used either in his businesses or while volunteering. Sophie worked right beside him in whatever venture he took on and they were a powerful team.  Ray had many occupations in his lifetime, each very unique, but he took on the challenge and mastered it and always made it look so easy, even though we knew it wasn’t.   

Mom and Dad did go on a couple of adventurous vacations to Mexico, Disneyland, Hawaii and Poland. They would have loved to have travelled more, but their health became an issue and kept them grounded at home. This past year had been a very challenging time, especially for Ray. There was so much going on in his life that it was overwhelming at the best of times. He handled it with strength and dignity while still being there for us to lean on and to most of all support his wife, who’s daily health was never predictable. He came to terms with the fact that he would have to leave his precious home with all his wonderful, dependable neighbors, that we can’t thank enough, and had to move somewhere that we knew would be safe with loving, caring people who would look out for him. 

We would like to thank everyone from Sage Hill Retirement Residence and for Ray #1 for being a good friend and making the transition easier for Dad. Also for the wonderful care they provided to him while he resided there. 

He was only at Sage for a few months, and we could see that he was deteriorating rather quickly. He started to have several falls and the last one was serious enough to be admitted to hospital. Over the weeks that turned into months, he had only one wish and that was to be back with his Sophie. We all tried hard to make that happen but realized that as much as he wanted this to happen, we had to face the fact that he just didn’t have the strength to fight and his body was worn out. 

On September 27, 2018 we said Goodbye to a wonderful man, who will leave a huge hole in our hearts and will be missed and never forgotten. We know he was met by family and friends who welcomed him with open arms, and along with all his furry babies.  We can be at peace to knowing there are others who love him and are taking good care of him until we meet again. 

A Funeral Service will be held at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 2828 - 19 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3V8 on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm.  Those wishing to to pay their respects may do so from 1:30-2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lung Association, Alberta and NWT, PO Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2 or Crohn’s and Colitis, 3100-246 Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8.