After a stroll in his garden enjoying the hummingbird in the roses, after coffee with friends and a drive by the fields to ensure harvest was proceeding as it should, RAY GELDREICH passed away suddenly on August 28, 2007. Left to mourn are his beloved wife of 64 years Pat (Metheral) and his children Diane Stephen and David (Wendy) Geldreich; grandchildren Douglas, Susan, Mark (Diana) Stephen; Raymond and Linden Geldreich; great-grandchildren Connor and Liam Stephen; brothers Ron and Bud (Marie) Geldreich; and sister-in-law Luella Metheral.

Ray was born to Alma and Max Geldreich of Bow Island on April 16, 1917. He was raised on the farm south of Bow Island and continued actively farming until his retirement in 1978.

Ray, like his father, was an accomplished carpenter, and with his father and brother Bud built many of the schools and houses around Southern Alberta. In 1943, while serving with the RCAF during WWII, Ray married Patricia Metheral of Foremost. After the war Ray and Pat settled and raised their family in Foremost.

Ray was a member of the Foremost Lions Club and the Foremost United Church. He was always very involved with volunteering in his community. He served on the board of the SMRID and was one of the founding members of what was then called the Alberta Bean Growers Company.

Through and through a farmer, Ray was a quiet, gentle man who truly loved the land. His long retirement saw him still making daily trips to the farm and spending time on the combine with his grandson. He continued to enjoy life right until the end and had a wonderful opportunity to visit with his many friends at a 90th Birthday celebration in April.

Ray was predeceased by his brothers Verne and Merle (Valeda); sister Maxine (George) Thurlow; brother-in-law Jack Metheral; sister-in-law Doreen Geldreich; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ray and Lou (Metheral) Hatch.

In keeping with Ray's wishes there will be no public funeral service. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Village of Foremost for seating on the walking path or to the Bow Island Health Foundation.