DUCKER, Raymond Arthur
October 26, 1922 - August 24, 2004
It is with great sorrow we announce Ray's passing. He died peacefully with his family by his side. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Ada, his daughters Heather (Donald) Mah and Pamela, his sister Coral (John) Collins, and his grandchildren Kevin and Leslie Mah.
Ray was born and raised in Winnipeg. During WWII he proudly served his country in Ceylon as an aircraft instrument mechanic with the RCAF 413 Squadron. He returned to Winnipeg and completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Manitoba in 1950. That same year he and Ada married and moved to Toronto where Ray began his career with General Electric. He used his expertise in manufacturing engineering to improve manufacturing processes in many factories in Ontario and Syracuse, New York. Ray was filled with enthusiasm and creativity. He always had a project in mind, from building furniture and cabinetry to designing and building a tent trailer for family camping trips. In 1972, Ray was asked by Canada Post to implement mail processing automation for Western Canada. He and his family then embarked on another adventure with a move to Vancouver. He was fortunate to take early retirement in 1980 and relocate to Qualicum Beach where he and Ada built their retirement home. The Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society was in its infancy at that time. Ray joined the Society and volunteered to become Project Manager to fulfill the Society's vision of a museum complex. Over the next 16 years, working with many faithful volunteers, Ray helped to build and restore the 3 buildings of the museum complex as it is today. To accomplish this he was a determined fundraiser and coordinator of donated materials and skilled labour. During this time he made many great friends. Ray loved the Town of Qualicum Beach. He served terms as President and Vice President of the Historical Society. He also served on the Qualicum Beach Advisory Council and as a member of C.O.P.S. He was greatly admired in the community and was nominated for Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. He was a kind and gentle man devoted to his family, country and community. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephens United Church, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. Rev. Dr. M. Bruce McIntyre officiating. Many thanks to Dr. Hugh Fletcher, the staff at Eagle Park Care Centre and the many friends and caregivers who helped during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ray to the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation, 102-663 Beach Rd,. Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2H7 or the Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society Handicapped Chair-lift Fund, 587 Beach Rd., Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1K7.