Rev. Ray L. Sadler

Rev. Ray L. Sadler, B.A., M. Div. Ray was born and received his education at Almonte, Ontario. Son of Howard and Beatrice, he had two brothers, Carl (Shirley) and Bruce (Evelyn). They were raised in the market-gardening and mixed farming business. Ray worked for the Findlay Stove Company for several years before returning to complete high school and university. In addition to Arts and Theology degrees, Ray also acquired his high school teacher's certificate and taught for a time in Ontario before moving on to Hong Kong for 12 years. There he played a key role in developing technical education and assisted in the planning and opening of three new technical high schools which served some 3000 young people from low income homes. Recently, students and staff of the original school renamed the Library after Ray and pledged HK$ 150,000 to the Ray Sadler Scholarship Fund in recognition of his contribution to their lives. He is affectionately known after 40 years as the "Father of Kei Heep School " and appropriately the honour came on "Father's Day " 2005. Upon returning to Canada, Ray became pastor of the Maymont Pastoral Charge, then Battleford United Church, and later South Burnaby United Church at Burnaby, BC. In Burnaby, Ray was instrumental in establishing a language and welcoming program for refugees and newcomers from abroad. In Battleford, he assisted in the planning and opening of a beautiful new church building whose sanctuary is flooded by light from a huge skylight donated by his students and staff in Hong Kong. Ray began his battle with a rare form of cancer in 1993. This prompted Ray and Jean's return to Saskatoon, where for four years he served the Aberdeen United Church. He also worked part-time at St. Paul's United Church in Sutherland when they were without a regular minister. Ray loved people, especially through his service in the church and in the classroom. His years in Hong Kong he regarded as the "highlight " of his lengthy ministry and each time he returned there in later years, it was like "going home " to his special family. Ray leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean who has been his special strength and encouragement these 25 years; his children, David (Carol), Sandra (Scott) and Debbie (John), each of whom he loved dearly, and his many special friends. Ray also felt blessed to have five wonderful step children Terry (Murray), Penny (Bill), Cheryl (Kelly), Darin (Nadine) and Kernon (Connie) and 25 grand and great grandchildren. (Cheryl predeceased her dad in the fall of 2004). The family would like to thank the wonderful home visitors from Palliative Care for the quality of care and concern and friendship they gave which did so much in keeping the hope and well being of their patient alive. A Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th, 2006 at St. Paul's United Church (454 Egbert Ave). In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to the Kei Heep Student Scholarship/ Bursary Fund (c/o Kei Heep Secondary School 161 Tung Tau Tsuen Road Wong Tai Sin Kowloon, Hong Kong) or World Vision (1 World Drive Mississauga, Ont L5T 2Y4). Condolences may be emailed to www.mourningglory.ca . Arrangements in care of John Schachtel MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (978-5200).