DURETTE
It is with the heaviest of hearts that our family announces the passing of Joseph Raymond “Ray” Durette. Ray passed away with his family by his side at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the age of 51 years, after a very short and aggressive, but courageous battle with cancer. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Ray was born in Campbellton, New Brunswick to Maurice and Kathleen Durette. He lived in Calgary most of his life and began a career as a roofer. Ray moved to Red Deer with his wife several years ago and worked renovating with his dad. For the past seven years, he worked building trailers at QA Structures with a wonderful group of people. Ray was a very passionate musician and had mastered many instruments, but his love and incredible talent was in playing electric and acoustic guitar. He loved jamming with his dad the most. Ray had a big heart and was always there to help anyone. His kindness and generosity showed in everything he did. Ray’s love of rescuing pets and caring for them was very inspiring. Family meant everything to him, and Ray spent many hours enjoying all of his grandchildren and getting together with family and friends. He loved football and watching his favourite team, the Calgary Stampeders, while enjoying his Tim Hortons coffee.
Ray will be lovingly remembered and extremely missed by his wife, Brenda; and his children: Ashley Durette of North Vancouver, B.C.; Lauralei (Chris) Metcalfe of Sylvan Lake; Brittany (Mat) Ponto of Calgary; and Brad (Kelly) Ponto of Delburne. He adored his grandchildren: Kobe, Noah, Bauer, Addalynn, Austin and Aiden. Ray will be deeply missed by his mother, Kathleen "Kat" Durette of Rimbey; his three sisters: Juanita (Bob) Neubert of Rimbey; Laura (Robby) Goritschnig of Rimbey; and Noble-Lee (Roger) Kendrick of Calgary; as well as his nephews, Tyler and Jarod; and his nieces, Nicole and Abbygale; in addition to numerous other relatives and many friends. Ray was predeceased by his father, Maurice “Moe” Durette.
With respect for Ray's wishes, no formal Funeral Service was held. A Private Family Interment will take place in the Bradshaw Cemetery at a later date. Cremation took place at the Central Alberta Crematorium, Red Deer. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Ray's Memory may be made directly to the Central Alberta Humane Society, 4505 - 77 Street, Red Deer, Alberta T4P 2J1 (cahumane.com). Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by e-mail to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Joseph Raymond “Ray" Durette entrusted to the care of