|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WACH, Raymond Stanislaus (Ray) - It is with saddened and broken hearts that we have to announce that Raymond Stanislaus Wach, 79 years old of Halifax passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023 and is now with the Lord.
Ray battled a courageous battle with cancer for seven years before Alzheimer's challenged him in his last five years of his life. Ray never complained and lived every day with a smile on his face and never stopped being the kind, wonderful person he always was.
Ray was born in Grotniki Poland 04/44/1944. The son of the late Alekander and Wveronick Jakubczak Wach.
Ray came to Canada at age 4 with his mother and siblings. Their father arrived later from the army to make a life in Canada. His sister; Mary (Edward), brothers; Edward, Henry (Margaree), Alex all of Saint Catherine's Ontario.
Ray later met his wife Crystal Faber, they were happily married for 38 years until Crystal passed away suddenly at age 59. Together they had four children who cherish and will never forget their amazing father, son; Duane of Grand Prairie, Alberta, Darryl (Inge) of Lake Echo, Danny (Jenna) Grand Prairie, Alberta, daughter; Jennifer Macumber and partner James Stewert, Sherwood Park, Alberta, grandchildren; Morgan, Haley, Emerson, and Max. They all made good lives for themselves because of their parents. They were very proud of all their children. And the lives and careers they had.
Five years after Crystal's passing, when Ray didn't think he'd find love like that again he met Donna Crowell who was so very special in his life.
He loved her dearly. Ray will also be missed by Donna's daughter Tammy Crowell who thought the world of him and the relationship he had with her mom after her husband's passing. Ray loved his two other 2 grandchildren Jenna and Kaitlin.
Raymond started his career in the Royal Canadian Navy. He later changed over to the Air Force. Ray first sailed on the Bonaventure, and later flew off it in the Air Force. Ray logged over 5100 flight hours during his career. Ray nicknamed (Zoomie) was a navigator during his Air Force career. He was one of the best at his job and took pride in doing it. He enjoyed many competitions. One of the most memorable was when his 407 Demon crew Won the 1975 Commonwealth, anti-submarine warfare competition. Ray flew in the Sea King helicopter, Tracker and Argus AS 10. Ray's rank was Master Warrant Officer, also known as Petty Officer, first class. He spent 27+ years in the service. He travelled the world and lived from BC to Nova Scotia during his career.
After retirement from the military he helped manage service stations, served as a commissioner where he finally retired in a management role with them.
Besides his family who he always put first and loved more than anything. He loved fly fishing, his favourite pastime or any type of fishing really. He also loved hiking and camping. He loved the outdoors and animals. He volunteered as a Scoutmaster for many years. He travelled and towed trailers with sprint racing Canoe and kayak for his children and athletes across Canada many times for the Orenda canoe club. Another great family of people he very much enjoyed spending time with. He loved to garden and was a green thumb when it came to growing the biggest Scarlet runners and crazy amounts of beans which grew from them.
Ray took pride in everything he did. He loved the one he was with, and was always reminding us what really matters in life. He was the most kind and gentle person you’d know.
I like to thank my brothers and sister for supporting Darryl (Inge) from afar. Your chats and texts went a long way during our dads fight. We shared many stories of his children, family and memories.
Ray was a resident of the Oceanview Manor for the first part of his journey. Then continued his remaining part of his life at the Maplestone Enhanced Care facility. I would just like to add how special this place was for Ray, there couldn't have been a better place to care for this special man. Thank you to all the nurses, caregivers, volunteers and doctors. They went the extra mile to make it easier for all who loved Ray so much. It truly is a special place with people who really care so much. Ray loved them all, Thank you.
Also, like to say once more. Thanks to Donna for loving our father. You gave him every day a reason to live and fight another day. Your commitment and love for Raymond will not be forgotten. All the Wach family thanks you and has a special love for who you are to us and what you did.
In lieu of flowers donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Terry Fox Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s society. (Atlantic Funeral Home)
Ships served in:
|
