Reinder "Ray" Jacob Oldenburger

Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Opa, Brother, Uncle, Friend

Ray passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, October 31, 2022 at the age of 80 years.

Ray was loved by many including his loving wife, Joni, children Nicki (Karl), Jackie (John), Rae-Ann (Fred), Kaylee (Josh), Cory (Tammy), Christine (Ken), and Rob (Rachelle). He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and friends. Ray was also a father figure to many others. He treated everyone equally, with genuine love and care, regardless of whether they were connected by blood or not.

Ray was born in Holland on July 14, 1942. Along with his parents and siblings, he immigrated to Canada in the spring of 1954. They arrived in Halifax and then travelled by train to Lethbridge, and settled in Picture Butte, Alberta.

Ray was the proud owner of his own company - Ray's Industrial Maintenance. He enjoyed his work with heavy equipment repair and was a go-to welder for many companies, considered an expert in his trade. There was no job too big or too small.

He loved to connect with people of all ages and would spend many hours in conversation about tools of the trade. He always encouraged those around him and readily pitched in to help when needed.

Even as he neared the end, Ray never lost his sense of humor. He was always quick to make a joke - be it about his leg (or lack there of), running away (while he was bedbound), or the extra support he needed for day-to-day basic care. His candid approach to everyday living was appreciated by the many lives he touched.

Special thanks to all of those who provided care from the Jack Ady Cancer Center, Chinook Regional hospital, CBI Health, AHS Raymond Homecare, and Bayshore Homecare Solutions.  Ray took the time to get to know the care staff, ensuring to call them by name, taking the time to connect and learn their personal history. Without their support, his final wish to be at home would not have been possible.