May 24, 1930 - August 4, 2024
Ray passed away quietly on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in Delta View Enrichment Center with his daughter Cindy by his side. He had spent the last 2 1/2 years there being well cared for as his dementia illness advanced. He is survived by his 1st wife (mother of his children) Marian; daughter, Cindy; son, Rick; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Ray's oldest daughter, Vera predeceased him in February 2023.
Ray was born in Chilliwack, BC to Bert and Marg Dolman. He was the 2nd oldest of 6 children and is the last of the 6 to pass away. They all squeezed into a tiny house on Wellington Street that is still there today.
Growing up in the 40's was a challenge, and they made the most of what they had. Ray had his own horse and loved the rodeo. In 1946, he participated in the Chilliwack Gymkhana with his close lifetime friend Bob Campbell. In those days he was called "Red Dolman" because of his bright red hair. The stories he told of all their shenanigans they were involved in and the fun times they spent on the Barrett farm were such fun to listen to. In his teen years, Ray was quite a scrapper, and that tenacity helped make him successful as an executive in the retail meat industry later in life even though he only had a grade 9 education. He was known to many in the meat industry as "Dog Bone".
His lifelong passion for fishing took him on many adventures throughout his life. His favourite saying was "Fishing is life.......Don't screw it up!"
Ray loved Chilliwack and 20 years ago decided to "come home" to Chilliwack from Langley. He built a beautiful home in Webster's Landing that was his pride and joy. He lived there as "Mr. Ray" to the neighbour kids until going into the care facility in February of 2022.
Ray will be taking his final resting place in Chilliwack Cemetery where many of the Dolman family have been laid to rest.
Miss you everyday!
Love you.... love you Pops!!