From the Vancouver Sun, August 6, 2021
STONEHOUSE, Raymond Russell
October 23, 1944 – July 16, 2021
Ray passed away on July 16, 2021 in the presence of his wife, Susan.
Ray was predeceased by his son, Ray Jr. in December of 1992.
Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan, and sisters, Doreen, Ruby, Gail, Judy (and husband Gerry), and brothers Ron and Rick.
Ray lived a life full of sports. As a ten year old, he began boxing and became very good at it as some of his opponents can testify to. In 1969 he purchased a 1969 Z28 and began racing at the track in Mission. He won many races and was soon approached by Wolfe Chevrolet, where he had purchased the car, who wanted to sponsor him. And the “Wolfe Hound” was born. Ray went on to win races in Mission, at the racetrack on Vancouver Island and in Seattle. He then decided to compete at the “Winternationals” in Bakersfield, California, where once again he was the winner. He was approached to turn pro but decided that the lifestyle would not blend well with being married and raising a young son.
Ray became involved with hockey at the North Shore Winter Club when his son began playing. Ray Jr. played “A” level hockey with his father at his side for many years. Ray became involved with Junior Hockey when he managed the North Shore Winter Club Flames Jr. B team which was moved to Maple Ridge in 1994 and became the Ridge Meadows Flames. The Ridge Meadows Flames went on to win many championships, the best of which was the Keystone Cup in 1997-1998.
In 2005, Ray had his first stroke and after selling the team to new owners and recovering, the PJHL asked Ray to help manage the league as Vice President. He became President of the League later on and after suffering a second stroke in 2019 he took a step back and became the Senior Advisor to assist the new Commissioner.
Special thanks to the Pacific Junior Hockey League for filling Ray’s life with mostly wins. He hated to lose.
Ray spent 40 plus years doing what he loved and he was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, but because of COVID, the ceremony has been scheduled for a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Burnaby Winter Club, 4990 Canada Way, Burnaby, on Monday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m.
