Ray was born in Biggar on August 31, 1925. He passed away in his home at Birch Hills on December 19, 2021, at the age of 96. He was predeceased by his wife, Claire in 2009 and his daughter, Marion in 2019. He is survived by his children Gord (Anne) Crozier, Larry (Margaret) Crozier, Lorraine (Norbert) Engel, Matt (Bev) Crozier, and son-in-law Al Riddell.

His grandchildren are Cheryl (Brent) Olberg, Jeff Crozier, Dan (Nicole) Crozier, Alana (Damien) Detcheverry, Crystal (Darcey) Grimard, Mark McKay, Maddie Engel (Mike Watt), Alex Engel (Drew Friesen), Abby Crozier (Travis Soare). The great-grandchildren are Ashley and Allison Olberg, Shae (Evan), Courtney, Alexis, Brooklyn, and Tianna Grimard, Ray, Olive, and Ivy Crozier, and Chloe and Max Detcheverry.

Ray grew up in Birch Hills where his parents owned and operated Crozier’s Lockers and Meats. After high school, he attended a year of college studying engineering then trained as a pilot during WWII. The war ended before he was sent overseas.  Ray went to work with his folks for a few years when he met and married Claire. Later, with three of the eventual five kids in tow, they moved to Regina where he worked as a draftsperson. Ray continued his education via night classes and spent the remainder of his career as a community planner in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.

During the last decade of his career, Ray was Director of the Department of Northern Saskatchewan (DNS) in Prince Albert. He often described his colleagues as a team of fantastic and talented people who made his job easy. Visiting the office was always a pleasant experience.

Ray had an expansive array of interests with the talent to pursue them all. He was a perfectionist that resulted in high-quality work regardless of the enterprise he tackled. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing for trout, flying his Cessnas, bowling, and building train sets and model airplanes. Later he retired in Birch Hills and added golfing, curling, and the “farm of many hobbies” to his ventures.

Over the years, Ray eagerly helped many of us with home renos and projects and produced beautifully crafted gifts. We all have precious memories of working alongside him building, repairing, or cultivating something. And we all have a storehouse of funny stories to reminisce.

Ray loved to chat. A lot. With everyone and anywhere. He is remembered for his easy-going and friendly manner. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and was affectionate and gentle. Be at peace Dad. Say hi to Mom and Marion. We love you!

Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Check the website mackenziechapel.ca in the Spring of 2022 for future details. Condolences can be sent to the family on our website at www.mackenziechapel.ca.  Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick – Matayah Loyst – Mel Curle. 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2021-12-21
• Location : Birch Hills, SK