Raymond Ernest Hamel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 24, 2015 while in Palliative Care at the MH Hospital. Ray is survived by his 5 children: Rita Hamel, Michael Hamel, Michelle (Rick) Robinson, Renee (Rudi) Tschritter, Marcia (Dan Turcotte) Hornby; 4 grandchildren: Christopher Robinson, Cameron Robinson, Caleb Robinson and Reece Tschritter; his sister Roseanne Moser, brother George (Sandra) Hamel; numerous nieces and nephews and his dear friend and former wife, Ida Hamel.
Ray was born on March 3, 1932 in Linacre, Saskatchewan to Alphonus and Flora Hamel. Ray later married Ida Hauk in 1958 in Fox Valley. They moved with their children Rita and Michael to Medicine Hat in 1965 with Michelle, Renee and Marcia being born there. Ray worked at the Redcliff Dominion Glass Factory from 1965 to 1979 when he took an early retirement upon the Factory’s closing.
Despite divorcing, Ray and his former wife Ida became good friends, often sitting on the deck of their previously shared house, having coffee and visiting. Ray moved into St. Joseph’s home in 2006. There he made many friends, both residents and staff alike. He was known for his good humor and sociability while a resident there and he very much enjoyed his time there, considering the staff and residents his second family. When his grandsons were young, Ray enjoyed attending their baseball and soccer games. Ray loved going out to the Tschritter farm and having BBQs with his kids and grandkids. He was a dedicated member of St. Patrick’s Church as well as the Knights of Columbus.
Ray was predeceased by his parents Alphonus and Flora Hamel, his infant son Michael, sister Elsie Hamel, brothers Joseph and Norman Hamel, nephew Lyle Moser, sister in law Linda Hamel, and brother in law George Moser.
His family would like to express deep thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s home for their exceptional care of Ray during his time there as well as to the amazing nursing staff in MH Hospital Emergency, ICU and Palliative Care. Thanks also to Dr. Azam and Dr. Dirker in ICU and Palliative Care for their care and compassion during a difficult time.