Huel, Raymond

September 2, 2024

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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of RAYMOND JOSEPH ARMAND HUEL, Professor Emeritus, on Monday, September 2, 2024 at the age of 86 years after a brief illness.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Laureen, his sons Henri (Cara), Charles (Susan), and Rene (Christine), his sister Alice Huel, grandchildren Isabelle, Tristan, Juliana, Anika, and Noah, as well as great-grandson Bo Henry and his yet to arrive sibling, who Raymond would loved to have met.

Born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, September 14, 1937, Raymond grew up on the south Saskatchewan prairies. Raymond married Laureen in 1965 while continuing his studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina. There he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Honors and Masters of Arts degrees in History, before moving to Edmonton to obtain his Doctorate of Philosophy in History from the University of Alberta. Upon graduation Raymond moved his young family to Lethbridge where he spent his career teaching, researching, and writing at the University of Lethbridge until his retirement in 2003.

The surrounding mountains and prairies were a very special place where Raymond and his family enjoyed photography, skiing, climbing, hiking, and many other activities. The yearly Christmas tree trip will be a special memory to the entire family. As an avid member of the Chinook Outdoor Club and the Alpine Club of Canada, Raymond climbed some of the most iconic peaks in Canada.

Our family will gather for a private remembrance, a public celebration of life will be announced in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please make a kind contribution to a local cause of your choice.

Raymond Huel -- teacher, scholar, colleague, photographer, outdoorsman, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A life well-lived. It was a privilege to have known him for over 50 years.

William (Bill) Baker, September 6, 2024

Dear family of Ray Huel, Ray was a terrific colleague in the History department (I arrived in 2002). I also enjoyed frequent conversations with him in the coulees. I always learned something about the outdoors and region from Ray. When I used to cycle across the river to the University I recall, with some humour, that if I ended up behind Ray on his bike I would try peddle with all my might to pass him. While 18 years older than me, Ray's stamina was clearly unparalleled especially for a scholar dedicating considerable hours to research, writing, and publishing, and writing. He leaves a legacy of extraordinary and nationally influential scholarship. His work will continue to inspire. my condolences to all Ray's loved ones.

Carol Williams, September 6, 2024

Dear Laureen and Family, I was saddened to see Raymond’s obituary yesterday, and Ann and I send our deepest condolences. I first met Ray when he joined the Chinook Outdoor Club and over the years shared his company on many a hike, climb or cross-country ski. He was always a most interesting companion, knowledgeable, amusing and friendly, and his love of nature and the great outdoors was obvious. Rest in peace, old friend.

Geoff Bradshaw , September 6, 2024

Dr. Huel was my professor for a couple of history courses during my years at University of Lethbridge. I am saddened to read that he had passed away. A great man. RIP.

John Ramotowski, September 6, 2024

I was very sorry to hear of your loss. While we rarely worked together at the University of Lethbridge, I would often chat with Ray. He was consistently warm, courteous and interesting; a gentleman.

Peter Haney, September 5, 2024

Dear Laureen and family, We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Ray was a wonderful colleague and mentor to me when I joined the history department. I have so many memories of our time teaching and working together, especially the lunches shared over the years. Ray had a story for everything, and in turn there are many stories about Ray. Sometimes Ray presented a slightly gruff exterior, but it was a front because he was the most supportive of colleagues, generous of his time with everyone, kind and thoughtful, and so accomplished as an historian. He was so proud of his family, and would share news of the boys progress over the years. Nancy and I will always remember him welcoming us to Lethbridge.

Chris and Nancy Hosgood, September 5, 2024

I was saddened to learn of Ray’s passing and wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family. Ray was one of the first people I met when I joined the Department of Geography at the UofL in the summer of 1990. He was warm, welcoming, always approachable, and completely genuine. While working on lectures for one of my courses, I would sometimes seek Ray out for his perspective on a historical event. His door was always open, and he always came through. He was a great colleague and a fine man.

Tom Johnston, September 5, 2024

My prayers and sympathy to the Huel family. I knew him as a Professor and as the father of my students. May you all find hope and peace in the love shared with you .

Esther Lambert, September 5, 2024

So sorry for your loss Henk sending prayers to you and your family

Vicki and Doub, September 5, 2024

Laureen, Henri and family I am so very sorry to hear for the passing of Ray. He was such an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly difficult time.

Alberta Willison, September 5, 2024

Dear Laureen and boys, Carla and I were very saddened to learn of Ray's passing. Ray and I were next door to each other in the history department and shared many good times together. When I was in Lethbridge last year and had lunch with him, he seemed fit as a fiddle. I will miss him. Carla and I send our deepest condolences to you.

Ian Newbould, September 5, 2024

My condolences to Laureen & family. Knew Ray from working at the University of Lethbridge, & later as a neighbor. Would see him going past my place, mornings, noon & afternoons, wondering if he was enjoying his photography pastime. Will certainly miss his friendly, & interesting chats.

Pat Anderson, September 5, 2024

To the loved ones of Dr. Huel; I am truly sad for your loss. I was one of Dr. Huel’s history students from 1993-1996. He was a brilliant professor who shared his knowledge of French Canadian history in the most inspiring ways. Dr. Huel is remembered by me as a kind, professional, and genuine family man. I am so happy to have met him and learned from him.

Rose-Marie Nyberg, September 5, 2024

I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Huel’s passing. Growing up in Lethbridge, he seemed to me to be ageless. He was a remarkable scholar & outdoorsman. Your family is in my thoughts at this difficult time. Mary

Mary Greenshields , September 5, 2024

Huel, Raymond

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