RICARD Raymond J. Ricard of Red Deer passed away at Red Deer on February 26, 2005 at the age 77 years. Joseph Raymond Zoel Ricard was born in Maryapolis, Manitoba and raised in the Lloydminster area where he met his loving wife Margaret Lowrie and started his family at age 22. Ray was raised on a farm and was a ranch hand during the early part of his career then went to the oil patch where he made a reputation for himself. He left the oil patch after selling his trucking company and went back to his dream of living on a farm near Brightsand Lake. After being diagnosed with diabetes he was forced to sell the farm but then retired to the Grande Prairie area and eventually settling in Red Deer. Ray’s role as a provider didn’t allow him all the time he wanted to spend with his family but they still remained the most important people in his life and he liked nothing better than when his wife and children were at the same table listening to his stories. Ray was an outdoorsman at heart and tried to go hunting and fishing as often as possible. His wife shared many of the same interests including baseball, bowling, cards and his love of animals. Ray will always be loved and forever missed by family and the great many friends that he made and kept through his years. He leaves to mourn his loss, six children; Albert Ricard of Grande Prairie, Robin Ricard of Red Deer, Jody (Michelle) Ricard of Chemainus, British Columbia, Tim (Fran) Ricard of Red Deer, Dayle Ricard of Chemainus, British Columbia and Sandra (Ray) Gordon of Lloydminster, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one brother, Leonce (Norma) Ricard of Lloydminster and one sister, Mairon (Bill) Meikle of Calgary. Ray was predeceased by two sons; Terry Ricard in 1988 and Kelley Ricard in 2003, his parents; Marie Louise and Joseph Ricard, and one brother, Edward (Zannie) Ricard. Funeral Services will be held at the Red Deer Funeral Home (6150 – 67 Street) on Friday March 4, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences can be emailed to: condolences@ reddeerfuneralhome.com and will be forwarded directly to the family