Ray was born on the family farm to Arnold and Marie Schaan. He was the second eldest of six children. Ray grew up in MacNutt, SK. When he was of age he moved to Fort St. John, BC. He was a milk man for a while and had a few other jobs before he started working for the gas company on December 20, 1965. Though the company changed names several times over the years, Ray devoted 39 years with them. He retired May 31, 2004 from what was then Altagas Utilities Ltd. He had many titles along the way. Manager in the Southern District and lastly Construction Crew Chief in the Drumheller District. Along this journey he formed many special friendships with his co-workers and bosses. Ray retired to Trochu, AB in the summer of 2004 where he resided until his passing. He would often be seen taking his usual couple of miles walk about town, stopping to talk with anyone he came across. Ray's valiant fight with cancer spanned five years. He passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday night. When Ray reached Heaven there were four special friends sitting at the gates waiting for him. Roo, Munchkin, Jessie, and Jasper. Together they would have found the perfect fishing hole. I can see the five of them sitting on the banks of the river sharing a big bowl of ice cream. Ray is survived by his wife of 46 years Bonny, son Paul, daughter Jaime, son-in-law Guy Martel, and granddaughter Christine. Extended famiy: sister Judy (Bob) Parkinson; brothers Ron (Irene), Keith, and Neil (Wendy); brother-in-law David (Cheri) Payne; sister-in-law Teresa (David) Gibson; brother-in-law Mike (Pam) Payne; sister-in-law Marian (Rodger) Buckland; sister-in-law Trudy (Rick) Flint; and mother-in-law Gloria Payne. Also numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends. Ray was predeceased by his parents Arnold and Marie, father-in-law Ernie Payne, brother David, and nephew Ricky Payne. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Three Hills Palliative Care Center, or to a charity of choice. We extend a special thank you to Ray's Urology team: Dr Geoff Thomas and Dr Stephan Van Zyl, Red Deer and Dr M. E. Hyndman, Rockyview Hospital, Calgary. Dr Jay, Three Hills Medical Clinic, Trochu Fire Department, Kneehill Ambulance Service, and the nurses at the Three Hills Hospital who were so kind and helpful during Ray's stay there. Memorial Service 1:00 pm Friday, December 13, 2019 Trochu Community Centre 215 Northfield Rd Trochu, Alberta, Canada T0M2C0