Obituary of Raymond Mitts

Ray was born March 21, 1935 in Toronto, ON to Dennison and Lillian Mitts. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 5, 2013 at the age of 78. Ray grew up in Toronto with his brother and three sisters. He was the middle child, and thus the center of attention and the apple of his Mother's Irish eyes. Ray was baptized as a baby. Ray spent his days pursuing many interests and professions which led him to Hay River, NWT. It was there that he met his bride, Elnora Olsen. She was visiting a friend up north, and word got out in a small community that a beauty queen was in his midst. Being the innovative man that he was he sought out a reason to visit the Nurses' Residence and the rest is a 47 year history. Ray and Elnora were married on March 18, 1966 in Trochu, AB, and resided in Hay River, NWT until 1974. During this period, they welcomed three children into their home; a son, Steven and two daughters, Rhonda and Sharelle. While they were "Up North", Ray experienced many unique endeavors. To name a few: he ice fished for long periods of time on Great Slave Lake in -50 °C weather with his brother Ron; he competed in the Arctic Winter Games in Sharp Shooting and brought home a Silver Medal; and he sang for the Queen in 1970 with the Hay River Centennial Choir. Ray and Elnora departed the North in 1974 and eventually settled in Terrace, BC. It was there that Ray had the opportunity to teach his children the love of the outdoors. Camping, skiing, fishing, hiking, bike riding, and a drive in the country were typical weekend activities. Of all of these activities, Ray was the happiest with a fly rod in his hand, a trout on the line, and his family surrounding him with a picnic lunch! In 1981, the Mitts family packed up their belongings and made the long trek to Camrose, AB. Elnora's family was located in this region, so family gatherings were abundant. During the growing up years for the family, Ray beamed with pride with every success, medal, graduation ceremony and personal achievement for each of his three children. He was pleased about the choices each of his children made: the pursuit of knowledge and education, who each chose to marry and spend their life with and most of all, to live their lives faithfully for the Lord. As Ray supported each of his children in their endeavors, he observed their commitment to Christ, and watched each child be baptized as a young adult. He made the decision to be baptized for the second time to illustrate his commitment and devotion to Christ as an adult. Ray was extremely involved in church activities, gave liberally of his time and expertise to family and neighbours, and was well respected in the community. Rather than focus and expand on all the career choices - Fisherman, Hunter, Mechanic, Businessman, Salesman, Carpenter - that Ray has endured and excelled at over the years, one should look at his character. Ray was not defined by the job itself, but rather by a job well done. Ray was the perfect example of dedication and completion of each and every task at hand with diligence and pride. He was a man who put his family first - before himself. Ray didn't put much stock in success as defined by fame and fortune, but rather striving to do his best in all that he did with honesty and integrity. When Ray retired he enjoyed plenty of camping trips with Elnora, helping his children with their own building or renovation projects and spending time making memories with his grandchildren. Despite loss of independence and most of his physical abilities due to Parkinson's Disease, Ray still maintained his position as the godly leader of his family that he dearly loved. He taught his family to think before one speaks, and choice words can make a world of difference. He taught his family to serve others - without the need for recognition. He taught his family to be creative - and use the independent abilities that God had given each one. He taught his family to finish what they start, and a strong character is built on the final product. Most importantly, he taught his family that the only thing that really matters in life is a right relationship with God. He will be remembered and cherished by his wife Elnora Mitts of Camrose, AB; his son Steve (Cheryl) Mitts of Camrose, AB; his daughters Rhonda (Leo) Zimmerman of Camrose, AB; and Sharelle (Gregory) Wiebe of Stony Plain, AB; brother Ron (Grace) Mitts of Hay River, NWT; sisters Marlene Chapman of Stouffville, ON and Elizabeth Price of White Rock, BC; five grandchildren: Raelene and Kaitlin Mitts, Hope and Josie Zimmerman, and Connor Wiebe; and a host of relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Dennison and Lillian Mitts; his sister June Beaucage; his two brothers-in-law Sam Beaucage and Wes Chapman; and grandson Brendan Wiebe. Thank you for joining the family today, in celebrating and honoring the life of Raymond. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from Century Meadows Baptist Church with Pastor Ed Lehman offciating. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Stollery Children's Hospital.