RAYMOND REGINALD STOCKWELL

“Ray has left the building” with family by his side and his favourite Elvis tunes playing in the background. A celebration of life will be held at later date.

Ray is survived by his son Cory (Kitty); his niece Nicole (Mark); his great-nephew Dylan, his great-niece Erinn (Jason); brother-in-law Gary; nieces, Danielle and Nikki, and nephew Matthew.

Ray was born on November 28, 1943 in The Pas Manitoba. His parents, Erva & Reg Stockwell, raised Ray and his sister Sharron in the Elmwood area of Winnipeg.  

Growing up, Ray played hockey and baseball and spent countless hours with the family at the Chalmers Community Club.

Ray made many friends in Elmwood, some friendships spanning 7 decades, and they were still together telling notorious Elmwood stories in Ray’s final weeks.

Ray worked at a couple of “regular” jobs, but it was music that was his true calling. His musical career as a drummer began in the 60’s. He played school dances, Community Clubs and numerous bars throughout the city and the province with local bands including:

Chord U Roys

The Jury

Wayne Walker

The Walsh Twins

Cindi Cain and the Cheeters

The Country River Band

Revision

Any mention of a random small town in Manitoba, would be met with “I played there”, followed by a story about the journey to get there, his bandmates, the venue, the crowd, the gig itself, and the journey home.

Just this past Easter, Ray was reunited with his 1963 drum kit for a couple of hours and played a short garage session with his great-nephew Dylan. He was so surprised to see and play his old drums, he was talking about it every day for weeks, to whoever would listen!

He had eclectic musical tastes, but the one constant was his love for Elvis. Ray was able to see Elvis perform on numerous occasions, collected Elvis memorabilia, played in Elvis tribute bands, and even hosted a public-access TV show devoted to the King! On one of his trips to Graceland, he and a friend met a family member of Elvis and somehow managed to get to try on one of Elvis’ iconic white jumpsuits!

Ray enjoyed The Bombers and the Blue Jays, but he really loved to watch, and discuss the successes, or the trials and tribulations, of the Winnipeg Jets. Often recalling stories of the good old days when he had season tickets in the 80’s.

Ray had a big voice, and a big laugh and he loved to use them! He would make conversation with anyone, wherever he went. Always with a friendly chat, joking around and teasing. He certainly made an impact on everyone he met. 

The family would like to acknowledge the care Ray received in palliative care at the St Boniface Hospital. He really enjoyed the staff, who provided him with such excellent care.

Many thanks to all who visited him, he so appreciated the relatives, friends from his building, musician friends, and Elmwood buddies who took the time to come and see him. He was so surprised at how many people came to visit.

Special thanks to Ray’s good friend Don, who has been so supportive over the years during Ray’s illnesses.

Ray –

We all “Thank you,

Thank you very much…”

For the laughs, good times,

and all the memories.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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