RAY PILLMAN Ray Pillman passed away Wednesday February 23, 2022 at Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, at the age of 96. He was born September 13, 1925 in Montreal, Quebec. He is survived by his children Janice (Robert Worden), Lynn (Richard Ruddiman), and Peter (Amanda Helmcken); his grandchildren Emily, Julie, Anna, Lucy and Sarah; and his nephews, Paul Jurbala (Susan) and Robert Fox (Carol). Ray was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Lempi; his loving wife of 59 years, Dorothy (Fox); his sister Theresa Jurbala; brother-in-law Irwin Fox; Irwin's wife Doreen and their daughter Donna Sills (Fox); and so many good friends and colleagues. Ray lived an active life from his early days growing up in the fishing community of Sointula on Malcom Island, BC to his years at UBC in the Civil Engineering program, class of '48, and then on to his globe-trotting days at H.G. Acres & Co. where he became President of Acres International, while based in Niagara Falls and Toronto. Dorothy and Ray had long planned to get back to the West Coast and were lucky to be able to share an island property with a group of friends which was a significant part of their lives leading to lifelong friendships. Dorothy and Ray "retired" to West Vancouver in 1975 where they enjoyed hiking, cross country skiing and sailing. Ray then discovered sea kayaking and spent many summers on kayak trips up and down the BC coast. He dedicated many of his retirement years to the Sea Kayak Association and Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia where he tirelessly represented Outdoor Recreation in the land use planning process for the BC Coast, where government took input from Industry, Recreation and First Nations to find consensus among the parties on how coexist in this place of natural beauty. In his last years he lived near the West Vancouver Seawall where he enjoyed walking and watching the birds, planes, ships and people. A big thank you to his amazing team of caregivers who allowed Ray to continue living life the way he wanted for his final years. No words can express our gratitude for their kindness, patience and devotion. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him. A celebration of life will be held at a future date this summer when conditions permit. No flowers please. If you wish to make a donation -
Canadian Diabetes Association.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 5 to Mar. 9, 2022.
