Norman Ramsay Low

Norman (Ray) Ramsay Low

November 22, 1924 – September 29, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father Norman Ramsay Low, who died peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Morgan Place Care Home in Surrey BC. He was 100 years old. Norman, who usually went by the name Ray, was born on November 22, 1924 in Elbow, Saskatchewan. He was the seventh of nine children born to Scottish immigrant and homesteader William Low, and Bertha (Rolen) Low from a Swedish immigrant family. He grew up on the family farm helping with livestock.

The family moved to BC during the ‘dirty thirties’ to escape the drought on the prairies and settled on a farm in Aldergrove. Ray graduated with an engineering degree from UBC in 1949 and worked as assistant chief engineer for a mining company in Death Valley, CA. He then moved to Venezuela for seven years working as a gas engineer before forming his own company contracting oil and gas pipelines and refineries. He told many fascinating stories about trekking into the Amazon basin and looking for diamonds. He moved back to the USA during the 1958 revolution in Venezuela.

Ray had a lifelong desire to travel to Hawaii, and on his first trip in 1958 he met his bride-to-be Arlene Anderson. They were married in 1959 and had two daughters while he worked for Honeywell as an engineer in Los Angeles, CA.

In 1968 Ray moved the family back to BC and worked as a self-employed mining consultant for two years, while at the same time arranging the purchase of a 1300 acre property near Hope, BC with his brother Don. Their plan was to develop a recreation resort which they named Sunshine Valley. While Don ran the office in Vancouver, Ray did the surveying and construction of cabin sites, roads, recreation facilities and installation of utilities.

Known for an adventurous spirit, a fun and energetic presence, resilience and perseverance, he kept a youthful spirit well into his 90s. Ray loved his family, and especially looked forward to Low clan reunions. He was well-travelled, took an interest in world affairs, and had a great sense of humour. In 2006, he lost his beloved wife of 46 years to cancer, and soon after retired upon completion of the sale of Sunshine Valley.

Ray moved to an independent suite at Elim Village in 2016 which he enjoyed until spring 2025 when it was necessary to be transferred to a full care facility. He had been in good health until the last couple of years, and after a long decline he succumbed to old age. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Ray was a devout Christian his whole life, and had a strong belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He looked forward to being with his Lord and loved ones in heaven.

He is survived by two daughters Bonnie Hall (Ray) and Becky Low (Lee); three grandchildren Bradley (Nicole), Robert, and Kenneth; sister Margaret, sister-in-law Joyce, and many nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his wife Arlene, five brothers, two sisters, and their spouses.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 3:00pm, at Elim Village, Harrison West Chapel, 9015 160 St., Surrey BC.