MCCULLOUGH, Raymond Lewis April 29, 1919 - May 30, 2008 Raymond passed away on May 30, 2008 at the age of 89 and will be sadly missed by his loving wife Irene of 67 years. Raymond was born at Sibbald, Alberta to Henry and Emma and grew up in the Richdale area. He met Irene of the Lincoln District near Lacombe while she was working at the Grandridge School. Raymond returned to the Lincoln District to be married in November of 1941. Ray and Irene spent two years on the prairie where he farmed and then moved to the Lacombe area, and purchased their land in the Spruceville District where they resided until his passing. Ray was called up for the armed forces, but as a farmer; spending time off in training and returning to the farm in the spring for seeding and the fall harvest. Ray was a very hard worker and worked at several jobs such as the coal mines in Drumheller, water well drilling and in the oil patch and pipeline business. In 1969, Ray and Irene moved to Coronation, Alberta where he established McCullough Ditching and Welding and McCullough Oilfield Hauling. In 1982, Ray and Irene returned to the farm where he retired and they built their dream home. During his life, Ray spent many years involved in the rodeo, including Chuckwagon Racing as an outrider and in later years as a wagon judge. He was well known and admired for his musical talent, singing and playing his guitar around the wagon barns and at the Calgary Stampede. He also entertained for numerous events and sang at several weddings. There were many parties enjoyed by friends and relatives. In 1951, Ray won the Western Singer award from the CFCN radio station. He made his first recording in Great Falls, Montana. Ray had an enormous passion for horses and spent most of his retired years on the farm enjoying his quarter horses. He had an awesome sense of humor and was very much a country gentleman. He had a kind heart and was a loving husband, father and friend. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all those who knew him. Ray leaves to mourn his loving wife Irene, three sons Dean (Bev), Vince, and Kelly (Shawna); three daughters Carol (Bob) Murray, Dixie McCullough, and Bonnie Lou Case; one daughter in law Rosie McCullough; and one acquired son, his caregiver, Hazel Natividad. He will also be greatly missed and remembered by 18 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents, one son Wally, sister Thresa, two brothers Bernie and Eddy. Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a handsome and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, "What a Ride!" Funeral services and a Celebration of Ray's life will be held at the Woodynook Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at the Gull Lake Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to: wfch@ telusplanet.net (Subject: McCullough) WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of arrangements. 403.782.3366 403.843.3388 "A Caring Family, Caring For Families"