It is with great sadness that the family of Ray Pickard announce his passing following a lengthy illness.  Survived by his wife of 54 years, Bea, five children, Judy (Tony), John (Becky), Jeff (Terry), Scott (Gail), and Ross (Jody), as well as nine grandchildren: Jordon, Devon, Sarah, Andrew, Leanne, Laura, Blake, Claire and Kyle and three great-grandchildren Kaitlin, Joshua, and Jacob. Predeceased by his parents John and Helen, brothers John Jr. and Ted, and sister Rita. Survived by his siblings James (Joyce); Gerald; Clarence (Theresa); Greg (Carm) all of New Brunswick; sister-in-law Lola Pickard of Ontario; and many nieces and nephews across Canada.

Born in Bath, New Brunswick, Ray moved to British Columbia in the ‘50s where he met Bea. They later settled on the North Shore in 1960 where he was an active member of Holy Trinity Church and the Kiwanis Club of the North Shore. Ray was manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia on Marine Drive in North Vancouver until he started his own business in 1968.

Ray and Bea moved to the Walnut Grove area of Langley in 1994. He was an active member of the new St. Nicholas Church and was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2552 Langley.

Ray will be remembered for his keen interest in and care for others, and his willingness to help with a ride to church or anything else needed, even after he became ill himself.

The family would like to thank the staff at Langley Gardens. The doctors and nurses at Langley Memorial Hospital especially the Medical Day Unit where Ray received transfusions for the past many years.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday. November 3rd, 2009 at 10:30am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Langley. 20675- 87th Avenue, Langley.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Blood Services would be appreciated (www.blood.ca)