Remembering Ray Kerridge

A small gathering in celebration of Ray's life will be held at the home he shared with Pat at 3333 Keats St. on Sunday, May 6th at 2:00 pm. Anyone who knew Ray in Victoria, BC and would like to pay their respects to Ray and provide comfort to Pat and family is welcome. A larger gathering to celebrate Ray's life will take place on Sunday, June 17 at 4 pm at St-James’ Church, 642 Main Road, Hudson, Quebec.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital by forwarding a cheque to Manager of Cardiology: Helen Buchholz DT3542, Royal Jubilee Hospital, 1952 Bay St, Victoria BC V8R 1J8 or to the hospital of your choice.

To send a card to Pat, here is her full address: 3333 KEATS ST VICTORIA BC V8P 4B2.

The Happy Couple in 2005

To see a video of Pat and Ray on their bikes, please click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLxZ5ngNEQ

Ray's Obituary

"I said some words to the close and holy darkness, and then I slept". – Dylan Thomas

The Kerridge family is very saddened to have to announce the passing of our loving husband, dad, and granddad, Raymond Kerridge. Ray passed away peacefully on April 29, 2007 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC after having suffered cardiac arrest on April 22. Our sadness is somewhat eased by the knowledge that Ray's last moments were spent doing an activity he loved: cycling on a sunny Sunday with his wife.
Ray is survived by Patricia, his wife of 48 years, his sons, Jonathan (Janet) and Nicholas (Shauna), daughter Melanie, and grandchildren Tessa, Eliza, Audrey, Celeste and Oscar Ray.
Born on July 26, 1927 in the United Kingdom, Ray moved with his wife and family to the Montreal area in Quebec in 1963. There he spent most of his adult life before moving to Victoria in July 2006.
Ray lived life to the fullest and we will all remember him fondly for his dry wit, generosity and caring nature. Employed as a research chemist, Ray was also passionate about the natural environment. He was involved with recycling and fighting pollution in the 1970's, long before it became fashionable. Upon retirement, he became active in his local community in Hudson, Quebec. His most notable contribution there was as co-director of the Hudson Chamber Music Society with his wife Pat for over twenty years.
A small gathering in celebration of Ray's life will be held on Sunday, May 6th at 2 pm at 3333 Keats St. in Victoria, BC, the home he shared with Pat. Anyone who knew Ray in Victoria and would like to pay their respects to Ray and provide comfort to Pat and family is welcome. A larger gathering to celebrate Ray's life will take place on Sunday, June 17 at 4 pm at St-James’ Church, 642 Main Road, Hudson, Quebec.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital by forwarding a cheque to Manager of Cardiology: Helen Buchholz DT3542, Royal Jubilee Hospital, 1952 Bay St, Victoria BC V8R 1J8 or to the hospital of your choice.

"I’m an old man now and I have known a great many troubles in my life,
most of which never happened.” - Mark Twain

At rest

We received a call from the hospital just after midnight informing us that Dad had passed away. He took his last breath at 00:04. Nick, Jon, Mom and I went to the hospital and sat by his bedside until 2:30 am.

We are going to respect his wish to be cremated. We will post details concerning memorial services soon.

We all very saddened by the loss of our "Ray of sunshine". Thank-you to all who have sent messages so far.

Pictures of Ray and family

Sad news about Ray Kerridge

The Kerridges are very saddened to have to announce that our dad, granddad and husband, Ray Kerridge, suffered a heart attack while out on a short bike ride with Pat on Sunday April 22. While ascending a small hill, Ray must have felt some discomfort in his chest because he stopped and got off his bike. He then collapsed to the ground as a result of cardiac arrest. He received CPR and oxygen almost immediately and his heart was "zapped" into action within about ten minutes. He was then transported by ambulance to the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. He received the fastest, most efficient treatment anyone could ask for but, despite that, Ray has not regained consciousness. He is now off life support and breathing on his own. There is no hope that his brain function will return and we are now simply waiting for him to die peacefully -- he has not suffered one bit, thank god, but the rest of us are devastated with grief.
Please check this blog regularly as we will update it as the situation develops.