He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, husband and soul mate. His big affectionate hugs, friendship, and shenanigans will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ray is survived by Joyce, his loving wife of almost 60 years; children: Ken (Vanessa) Blackmer, and Donna (Brent) Peterson; grandchildren: Dustin (Shelby) Peterson, Tristan (Mackenzie) Peterson, Trey Blackmer, and Mackenzie (Hayden) McLeod; great-grandchildren: Weston, Tripp, and Dex; siblings: Peggy (Randy) Plomp, Tom (Willa) Blackmer, Kim (Rob) St. Peter, and Mike (Noreen) Blackmer; in-laws: Marlene (Ed) Makel, Connie MacMillan, Jean Oswald, Jim (Fanny) Chapman, David Belisle, and Val Kurtis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Raymond Paul; his parents Jim & Thelma Blackmer, siblings: Linda Belisle, Jim Blackmer and David Blackmer; in-laws: Leon and Immaculate Chapman, Janis MacMillan, Anthony Price, Alistair MacMillan, Arthur Oswald, and Linda Blackmer.

Born on July 11, 1944 in Lethbridge, AB, Ray was the eldest of eight children born to Jim and Thelma Blackmer. He grew up on the farm east of Coutts. He completed High school at Erle Rivers in Milk River, going on to Mount Royal College in Calgary for post-secondary studies. Ray returned to the family farm and then married Joyce Chapman, the love of his life in November of 1965. They raised their three children on the farm before moving to the acreage south of Milk River in 1987. He knew how to live life to the fullest and was always up for an adventure. An affectionate man with a big heart, Ray would do anything for his family and was a pillar of support. There was no ball game, or hockey rink too far. He was his kids and grandkids biggest fan! He had a “Fantastic” outlook on life and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

A Viewing will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:00 P.M., with a Prayer Vigil to follow at 7:00 P.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Ray will be laid to rest in the Milk River Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ray’s name may be made directly to the Milk River Cemetery Fund.