Kindness Endures: The Everlasting Spirit of Ray Dunsmore
Ray Dunsmore was a man whose life journey was as expansive and rich as the Canadian landscapes he so dearly loved. Born on October 31, 1935, Ray grew up on his family farm near Rocanville, Saskatchewan. Alongside his brother and many cousins, he spent countless days exploring nearby fields and ponds, nurturing a love for the outdoors that would shape his life.
As Ray grew older, his connection to the land only deepened. He assisted his parents with their farm and also purchased farming land of his own. Ray found pure joy in exploring the Qu’Appelle Valley with his ATV, snowmobile, and boat on the Qu’Appelle River. He fulfilled a childhood dream of obtaining his pilot’s license, flying his powered parachute, and videotaping the beauty of the land from above. His passion for nature extended far beyond his own backyard, manifesting in his lifelong support for the Nature Conservancy of Canada across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
When it came time for Ray’s parents to retire from farming, they moved to a new home in Rocanville. While managing both farms, Ray took his parents on numerous trips, often to visit family or venture down south to escape winter. When his father passed away, he continued farming their land and moved in with his mother to keep her company. Together, they went on many more adventures, touring England and exploring Disney parks. After his mother’s passing, Ray retired from farming and continued traveling the globe, visiting family and friends along the way.
In 2010, Ray moved to Kamloops, BC, to be closer to his cousins in the Southern Interior. Here, he settled into Cottonwood Manor, forging friendships with new neighbors and traveling with his cousin, Marilyn Strilchuk, ticking off destinations from their bucket lists.
In June 2022, Ray transitioned to assisted living in The Residence at Orchards Walk in Kamloops, where he continued to touch lives and form lasting connections. Ray’s humanitarian spirit shone brightly throughout his life. He often said, “I love nature, and I hate man’s inhumanity to man,” living authentically, spreading kindness, championing equality, and uplifting those around him. He deeply admired Tommy Douglas, the 7th Premier of Saskatchewan, also known as the Father of Canadian Healthcare, for his relentless pursuit of bringing universal healthcare to Canada.
On December 14th, 2023, Ray Dunsmore made his departure from this world, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and compassion. Upon his passing, Ray left a generous donation to the Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation, a gesture reflecting his gratitude for the hospital’s essential services and his dedication to caring for the people he loved for generations to come. As we reflect on Ray’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His adventurous soul, commitment to nature, and unwavering pursuit of a better world continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
