May 16, 1931 – June 22, 2016

On June 22, 2016 in the early morning hours at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice, Ray’s battle with cancer came to an end. Born May 16,1931 at the C.N. Junction yard in Campbell Creek, he was delivered at home by his grandmother Adelaide Giacomuzi (Ida).
Born to proud parents (Achille) Pete Bertoli and Santa Sarah Bertoli, Ray joined his older brother Roy (1926) and older sisters Jean (1927) and Nora (1929). Ray was followed by Ross (1935) and Betty (1938).
Pete a C.N. Track section foreman, and Sarah a homemaker taught their children the value of hard work and the importance of family.
In his younger years Ray had a strong passion to be in the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers. Ray started his family in 1958 son John, daughter Theresa 1960, son Gary 1963 and son Robert 1968. As a young man Ray held jobs at the Campbell Creek Hop Farm, where he learned to drive a 3 in the tree. He then came to town and worked in construction helping build Kam-High and the Tranquille Sanitarium. 
Rays future would forever change in 1953 when he was hired by Frank and John Turner who were the owners of Inland Building Supply, 742 Victoria Street. There, Ray would meet and work with Helen Saemerow (hired 1945). In 1969 with failing health and the death of Frank Turner, Ray and Helen approached John Turner of Inland Building Supplies to purchase the company. With all the new construction on the North Shore, they took a huge risk and started Inland Building Supply 1969 Ltd. at 660 Kingston Avenue.
With the help of family and friend they opened their doors in October 1969.
Blood, sweat, tears and determination were the ingredients to create a business that became a family operation that achieved incredible success for over 38 years. Ray and Helen were very proud that they supported the community that supported them, they generously donated to the Royal Inland Hospital, many charities and organizations as well as multiple sports team sponsorships. In 2013 Ray married Phyllis Guzzi and shortly after Ray was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma a form of Blood Cancer. In their retirement Ray and Phyllis traveled to Italy twice, where Ray was able to visit his father’s home town of Udine. They also made trips to Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. Ray also loved spending time at the family farm in Rose Hill, cutting Hay and chasing cattle. 
Ray was predeceased by his infant sister Mary (SIDS) his father Pete, mother Sarah, brother Roy and sister Nora. Ray is survived by sisters Jean, Betty/Edson, brother Ross/Mairead, his loving wife Phyllis, her daughters Tona/Alfred and Cathy/Jack, Ray’s daughter Teresa/Doug, Son’s John/Charleen, Gary/Corrine, Robert/Debbie, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and cherished family.
The family would like to thank the following people for all their love, compassion and guidance in this difficult time, Mark & Donna Bertoli, Dr. Proctor, the staff at the 6th Floor of RIH, the wonderful guardian angels at the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice and Dr. Holman who truly goes above and beyond and makes a difference every day.
Ray believed in people and he believed in Kamloops. His life shines as an example of compassion determination and kindness. Your many lifelong friends will miss you Ray, but we will never forget your example.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the BC Cancer Society or the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice.
Prayers are to be held Wednesday June 29th at 7:00pm at Holy Family Parish Church. The service will be held Thursday June 30th at 11:00am at Holy Family Parish. Ray’s family would like to invite you to a gathering of family and friends at the Colombo Lodge at 1:00pm to follow.

Condolences can be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2016-06-22
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.