Heinrich, Ray
March 3, 1934 – June 7, 2015
Raymond Deidrich Heinrich was born March 3, 1934 in the Wynyard District. He was the fourth of five children born to Ethel and August Heinrich. The family moved back to Davidson in 1941, where Ray attended Kent School. As a young man — besides helping on the family farm — Ray worked for many local farmers. Other jobs included skid cat operator at bush camps, night foreman during construction of the Gardiner Dam, and road construction in many of the local municipalities. He always came back home to assist on the family farm.
In the spring of 1959, Ray met Pauline Frances Ubell. He proposed in June and they were married on Oct. 21, 1959. Ray was the father of five children: Frances Grace (1960), Betty Katherine (stillborn, 1962), Arlene Joan (1963), Helen Winona (Nonie, 1965) and Michael Deidrich (1969). He always took time out to enjoy special family times.
Ray had a passion for farming, and began living it full time in the spring of 1961. Long days and tough times were the norm for Ray, but he rarely complained. His passion for farming and soil conservation were a cornerstone of his life’s career. He truly believed that what he did today, had to be sustainable tomorrow. “Pay it forward” wasn’t just a cliché. Proud of his farming heritage, in 2014 he was delighted to accept a Century Farm Award — 109 years after the fact. Yes, he was also a procrastinator!
Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to play cards of any sort. His winters were spent curling and “bonspieling.” He especially enjoyed tractor pulls where he would perform the “Heinrich Hustle” on his John Deere 80 tractor.
Community minded, Ray served the RM of Willner as Reeve for 12 years, he was a councillor in Arm River, and president of many organizations, including Prairie Diamond Credit Union, Davidson Co-op and Carlton Trail Community College. He was instrumental in securing local doctors and building the municipal doctor’s office, as well as the community centre. He drove the scraper that shaped the Davidson golf course, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kinsmen and K-40s. Through his contribution of time to several service clubs, Ray helped initiate the building of the Davidson swimming pool and was an avid curler. Community fund raisers were a mainstay of Ray’s — including acting in dinner theatres that contributed to building the current hockey rink and helping to see a new curling rink take shape.
In Ray’s later years he enjoyed playing cards, reading, following current events, watching his grandchildren in their activities and keeping a watchful eye over the farm.
Ray is survived by Polly, his wife of 55 years, their children and grandchildren: Grace (Ian Sutherland) — Adrian, Nicole and Erik; Arlene (Doug Tetlock); Nonie; Mike (Susanna) — Geena, Jacob and Reggie; brother Ron (Mil); numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.
Funeral service was held on Friday, June 12, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Joseph officiating. Donations in Ray’s honor may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes association or a charity of your choice.