Obituaries

Raymond Ricard Jr.

After a lengthy illness it is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond Joseph Gerard Ricard on Friday March 13th, 2026 at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 60 years.

Ray was predeceased by his parents Mary Benedicta (Lambert) Ricard and Raymond Joseph Laurent Ricard; Grandparents Elizabeth & Joseph Lambert, Marie & Joseph Ricard; Step-great-nephew Jordan Stoll and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Left to Cherish Rays memory; Siblings – Russell (Carol) Ricard, Denise (Redge) Watt, Gene (Kathy) Ricard, Nieces & Nephews – Dominique (Mark), Marc (Wendy), Jenna (Lane), Chris (Kristin), Robyn (Justin), Raelyn (Nicole), Jarrit (Kat), Kaitlynn along with numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins extended family and friends.

Ray was born in Hudson Bay, SK on Aug 24th, 1965. He was raised on a farm in Etomami near Hudson Bay with his parents, two brothers and a sister. Ray graduated from High School in 1983. During his High School years, he participated in track and field, volleyball, fastball, chess club, drama, curling and intramural sports. His love of sports continued throughout his life and was a huge fan of Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Oilers.

Ray attended Steinbach Bible College in Steinbach, MB where he was granted a Diploma in Biblical Studies in 1992. In 1994, he received a diploma of Business Information Systems from Herzing Institute in Winnipeg. He later returned to Steinbach Bible College where he then graduated with a Bachelor of Religious Studies with a Major in Church Ministry in 1998. Throughout his religious study career, he was fortunate to have met and made a long-time friendship with Pastor Harry Friesen who was an inspiration to Ray.

Ray spent time in Chicago, Illinois doing mission work and in November of 1995 Ray went to Covington, Kentucky where he was a helper at the Fairhaven Rescue Mission, a shelter for needy and homeless men. Ray found solace in helping these men go from homelessness to achieving a better life with a job and a home. Ray had said he felt like he belonged there because when he saw the men he had previously helped on the street, they would approach him to ask how he was doing. He said it felt like he made a difference. Ray always saw the best in people and helped anyway he could to make someone’s day brighter.

In 1998, Ray started his first Healthcare related job in Steinbach at El Dad Ranch which was a restorative justice program that housed males with intellectual disabilities. His role was to show these individuals what a positive, supportive network looked like and help them gain an appreciation for the value of obtaining and sustaining a regular job. Approximately 10 years later, Ray then was employed at WASO (Work And Social Opportunities Program). This program involved innovative work, life, social, recreational, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Some of his responsibilities were similar to that of healthcare aides, helping with transport, facility maintenance and at times finance support.

Prior to the deterioration of his health, Ray was active in sports, attended sports events, enjoyed movies and going swimming. He also had a very active social life. Due to his health issues and being diagnosed with cancer in 2019 he went from working in a health care sector to living in one. In January of 2020, Ray moved into Deer Lodge Center (DLC) in Winnipeg. While at DLC Ray was the Co-Chair of the Resident and Family Council where he was a representative for his floor to help foster communication between DLC, residents, and their families. While at DLC, Ray raised over $26,000 for the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation to renovate its outdated courtyard into an accessible therapeutic space. He raised the money by growing out his hair and beard for over a year. He truly loved the DLC community and made many meaningful friendships with staff and residents in his final years.

A Celebration of life will be held at the Wojciks Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB on Saturday April 11th, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Officiating the service is Pastor Brian Brglez. In accordance with Ray’s wishes, a celebratory gathering and spreading of his ashes will take place Saturday August 29th, 2026 at 2:00pm on the Ricard Farm in Hudson Bay, SK with family and friends.

In Ray’s memory donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Canada or any Charity of your choice.