September 28, 1933 – December 8, 2024 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Finlay at the age of 91 in the Ponderosa care home in Kamloops, B.C., on December 8, 2024. 

Survived by his wife of 69 years Margaret, daughter LaVerne (Dan), son Delbert (Jean). As well as grandchildren Christine, Nicholas (Amanda), Mitchell and Lance (Catherine), great-grandchildren Josephine, Maximus, Gabriella and Ayla. Pre-deceased by son Bill in 1977. 

Ray was born on a farm near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, the second of 11 children. He left the farm at the age of 14 to make his own way in the world. He went to work in Virden, Manitoba and after several years met the love of his life Margaret Black. They married in 1955, and for several years moved around between B.C. and Manitoba working in different occupations. 

However, B.C. beckoned him again and he moved with his young family to Merritt, B.C. in the Nicola Valley in 1966 and went to work as a miner. He worked underground at Craigmont mine until the mid 70’s and then worked at Highland Valley until his retirement in 1997. 

Ray spent several years coaching minor Hockey in Merritt and his teams won several tournaments over several seasons. Ray loved his family and spent many summers with Margaret travelling back to the prairies in their motorhome to visit family and friends. Ray was especially proud of his house and yard and took pride when the neighbors would comment on how immaculate his yard looked. He loved his garden and loved to spend time nurturing it each year. He believed in the term “don’t fence me in” and never had fences in the front or back of his yard. The drawback over the years was the local deer population feeding off his pride and joy garden! 

Ray loved to play the guitar until arthritis made it too difficult recently. Whether “jamming” at family get togethers, playing with his band at the senior’s center in Merritt or strumming by himself at home, he always enjoyed playing his guitar. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf (and unlimited mulligans) and especially playing pool at home on his pool table with his children, grandchildren and friends. He was very competitive at playing pool at home and wouldn’t let you leave until he won the rubber match! He enjoyed playing crib and in his later years he learned to play Wii Golf which he also enjoyed playing. 

Ray was fortunate to have lived his life in his own home until the last several months. Ray’s family would like to thank family physician Dr. McLeod for his help over the years and the staff at the Ponderosa care home for their care of him in his last six weeks. A celebration of his life will be held next Spring when the weather improves in Merritt, B.C.   

• Date : 2024-12-08
• Location : Merritt