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Raymond Emile Carriere
December 31, 1946 - August 15, 2024
Tribute
Raymond Emile Carriere, age 77, passed away peacefully among family on August 15, 2024, in Oliver, British Columbia. Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and mentor who touched the lives of many throughout his years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Carmelle and Edmond Carriere, and his oldest sister, Laurie Thompson. Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Ann Carriere and his loving family: sons Marc (Lise) and Damien (Michele); daughter Michaela (Ben); and ten cherished grandchildren, in addition to his brothers Dennis (Judy) and Ron (Pat) Carriere, sisters Paula Rousselle, Lou-Anne Carriere, and Michelle (Mario) Claro.
Ray was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, into a military family and was one of seven children. While teaching in Montreal, Ray met and married Ann. The couple decided to move to B.C., and Oliver – where they resided for 48 years – became their final destination.
Ray was best known in the Oliver community for the 30 years he dedicated as a teacher, coach, and mentor at Southern Okanagan Secondary School, Osoyoos Elementary School, and Oliver Elementary School. His commitment to education and the countless students whose lives he enriched will be remembered by many. Ray’s passion for teaching and mentoring extended beyond the classroom, as he was deeply involved in the development and growth of his students, always encouraging them to strive for excellence.
Ray loved participating in various sports, including cycling, tennis, pickleball, skiing, hockey, and hiking. He also enjoyed tending to his hobby orchard. His adventurous spirit led him to travel extensively, exploring destinations throughout Europe, China, and Thailand, as well as making multiple volunteer trips to the Philippines, where he made a lasting impact.
Ray was also a man of deep faith, serving as a longtime elder of the Oliver Alliance Church. His dedication to his faith community was a testament to his character and the values he held dear.
Ray’s legacy is one of kindness, gentleness, dedication, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of life will be held at Oliver Alliance Church on Saturday, September 14th at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to JoeAnna’s House which offers affordable, on-site accommodations for out-of-town families with loved ones receiving care at Kelowna General Hospital.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd.
The Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Helen Wollf
Relation: Family friend and former student
There are too many wonderful and joyful memories of times spent with Mr. Carriere to list them all, whether dinners around the table where my French was definitely not up to par, or sticky notes on his desk in my grade 7 classroom. I am heartbroken for your family’s loss, and I will always remember his kindness, easy smile and gentle laugh. With all my love to each of you.
From: Dwayne and Darlene Svendsen
Relation: Teaching colleague.
It saddened us to hear of Ray’s recent passing! Deepest Sympathy to Ann and the rest of Ray’s Family…he was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him!
From: Merle Holloway/Hossini
Relation: Have known the family for more than 40 years
Ann, and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ray. I send my condolences to each of you.
From: Christine Gevatkoff
Relation: former student
Mr. Carriere was my French teacher. I have fond memories of our Quebec Exchange trip in 1982. May he rest in peace.
From: Brenda (Kuzyk) Arychuk
Relation: Student
What a wonderful man, and teacher. Monsieur Carriere was my favourite teacher throughout highschool. He had such an impact in my life, and left me with me a continued desire to keep learning languages. I will always think of him as a teacher who truly made a difference in his students’ lives. God bless.
From: Brad Lucas
Relation: a friend of thirty years
Ray was a kind soul, and a true gentleman. It has been a privilege to count him as a friend. Never a harsh word in thirty years, plus many memories of interesting conversation, and shared meals. Condolences to Ann, and family; I know the loss is deeply felt.
From: Sharon Pohl
Relation: He was my daughter's teacher
I am sorry to hear of Mr Carriere’s passing. He was our daughter, Chelsea’s teacher at Oliver Elementary, and always so kind and such a good teacher, very interested in her progress. May you find comfort in your faith, and your memories of a very good man. God bless.
From: Elaine and Graham Jenkinson
Relation: Friends and fellow tennis players
Ray Carriere was more than a friend; he was a warm beacon of camaraderie and kindness. When Elaine and I arrived in the town of Oliver, we first encountered Ray in the springtime, working hard in his orchard, just a couple of blocks from our new home. He extended a heartfelt welcome which made us feel at home in our new home. Our friendship blossomed over shared passions: tennis matches on sun-drenched Oliver courts and sometimes bike rides with our men’s riding group.
We learned of Ray’s background as an elementary and high school teacher and felt that his students were very lucky to have a dedicated instructor such as Ray. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. His warm greetings and engaging conversations made every encounter memorable. Ray had a knack for weaving captivating tales, like his solo bike trip down Fairview Road hill, from Willowbrook Road to the high school, on a bicycle that was totally out of control! It’s the story of a journey which is etched in our memories.
Yet, it was one tennis club year-end dinner that truly showcased Ann and Ray’s magic. Held at their former home overlooking Tuc-el-Nuit lake, Ray and Ann orchestrated an enchanting evening for tennis club members. The air buzzed with laughter, stories, and shared joy as they hosted a dinner party that left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Ray Carriere, your legacy lives on—a testament to friendship, adventure, and the magic of gathering.
From: Marilyn & Geoff Owen
Relation: Friends
Sending heartfelt condolences to Ann & family. Having met & becoming friends in Mesa AZ with Ann & Ray he will be remembered fondly as a kind & gentle person who treated friends with kindness . RIP Ray you will be missed by many .
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
September 14, 2024
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Oliver Alliance Church
6835 Leighton Crescent
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T2
A celebration of life will be held at Oliver Alliance Church on Saturday, September 14th at 2:00 p.m.
6835 Leighton Crescent
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T2
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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