Obituary of Raymond Palfy

Raymond Stephen Palfy was born March 2, 1953 at home in Viscount, Saskatchewan. He was the seventh child of nine born to Jim and Julia Palfy (an early birthday present for brother Louie). The family moved to Dawson Creek in 1962 where Ray completed his schooling. At Ray's grad party, he was celebrating with friends at an old warehouse when the police raided the party. Ray, ever helpful, was boosting some young ladies out of the window, when he was caught red handed. When he went to court, he was let off because one of the girls he was helping was the judge's daughter. Ray was known in his family as the "Hat Man"; from Stetsons to toques and ball hats, he always wore a hat. Once when visiting Lou and Kit in Tisdale, he and his brothers went to church wearing cowboy hats and the usher at the door asked them to "please check your guns before entering". Another time when visiting Bonnie in Chetwynd, they went to the bar together and when they left, Ray forgot his hat. When he got home, he phoned Bonnie and asked her to go and get it for him, but at the bar, Bonnie was told "Oh, that old thing, we threw it in the garbage!" Ray was not very happy to get that news. Ray met the love of his life Mel, in February 1975 when asked to give the new teacher from England a ride on his skidoo. They got married on July 24, 1976 in Long Eaton. That was Ray's one and only trip to England, he said there were just too many people there! They started their married life in a one roomed trailer on a bush quarter in Pouce Coupe. Ray worked as a lumber grader and Mel taught at Notre Dame School until April 1980 when their first son Joe was born, followed in August 1982 by Nicholas. Angela was eager to join her brothers and came 6.5 weeks early in October 1984. The family then moved into Dawson Creek and built a new house. With the new house came a new baby Gerardine, in 1988. The family was now complete. Ray was devoted to his wife and children and was always involved in what the children were doing. He became a beaver leader and was known as "Hawkeye" to the little beavers for many years. He loved games and all kinds of sports particularly if the children were involved. Ray loved the outdoors. Watching and drawing wildlife, he could make the most intricate landscape drawings on a matchbook cover or a napkin. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was always eager to take anyone with him. He always seemed to know where to find the best fishing holes and many family and friends caught their first fish with Ray. Hunting trips were a special treat with his boys and Gerardine, where Ray had "an eagle eye" at spotting the game first. In later years Ray became involved with darts and bowling. He made many good friends playing with Nick at the darts leagues. Ray was hard to beat! Bowling was the sport he shared with Angie where she bowled with her Daddy in the Sunday night league. We were all very excited when Ray bowled an almost perfect game of 425! Ray and Mel also coached the Special Olympics bowling league together for 8 years. With patience and gentle guidance Ray helped each player to improve and reach their potential. Ray and Mel went on many road trips taking Special "O" bowling teams to tournaments. Ray worked at a few jobs before finding the one he loved as a gas fitter and sheet metal man. This job appealed to his artistic talent and problem solving ability. He enjoyed helping people and always made time to visit with customers, especially the elderly when he had his own company "Ray's Gas Service". Ray was an honest, hardworking man who passed that work ethic on to his children. Joe worked alongside his Dad for 18 years. Ray was his mentor and his idol. Ray was a good hearted and kind man who touched everyone he came in contact with. He had a great sense of humour and loved to tease. When Lee asked Ray for permission to marry Gerardine. He said (with a twinkle in his eye) "You treat her well, or we may have to go hunting....once!'. Ray's faith was the backbone of his life and family. He would help anyone in need, friend or stranger. He always saw the good in people and went out of his way to help them. Ray was a very proud Grandfather to Dominic Ray Stevens who would always bring a smile to Ray's face. Ray was truly a very "gentle" man and will be greatly missed. Raymond Palfy, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Dawson Creek at the age of 58 years. A prayer service was held on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 7:30 pm at Notre Dame Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 11:00 am at Notre Dame Catholic Church. Father Michael Anyasoro officiated. Interment will be at a later date. Raymond was predeceased by his Parents; Julia and Jim Palfy. Raymond is survived by his loving Wife; Imelda, Sons; Joseph and Nicholas, Daughters; Angela and Gerardine (Lee) Stevens. Grandson; Dominic Ray Stevens. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Raymond to the Dawson Creek Special Olympics, 10108-14 Street, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 3Y3 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium