Raymond Omer Kergen
Oct. 31, 1935 — Nov. 16, 2015
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Raymond Omer Kergen, age 80, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon.
Ray was born in Davidson, Sask., on Oct. 31, 1935, to William (Bill) and Alberta Kergen. When Ray was five years old his family moved to the Maple Valley district, where he remained until his passing.
He took his schooling at the Maple Valley country school. He took Grade 11 in Meadow Lake and stayed with his sister, Sue Brander. For Grade 12 he went to Campion College.
After his schooling, in the winter months he worked for his brother-in-law Hugh Brander in Meadow Lake, transporting freight to Green Lake, Beauval and Île-à-la-Crosse on the ice. One time the truck went through the ice but they managed to get out safely.
On June 14, 1958, Ray married Stella Marie Hamel. They began farming, raising cattle, sheep, pigs and grain. They raised six children, four boys and two girls.
Ray worked off the farm at various times, including Con’s Construction for a few years and 17 years at Davidson Equipment (John Deere) as a salesperson. After that he took a job with Ian McCreary, driving the tractor, etc.
Ray spent 10 years as a Scout leader, taking boys to Guelph, Ont., and Prince Edward Island, enjoying his time Scouting.
Ray was never consumed by material things. His family and friends were the most important things in his life. One of his favourite sayings was, “Don’t let things that you can’t do anything about consume you.”
Ray was famous for his Nora Roberts pie (from a book he was reading); cornbread (Johnny Cake), and hollandaise sauce. He taught all his grandchildren how to make cornbread.
His 12 grandchildren will continue to talk about the countless cookie parties they had with Grandpa.
Ray was predeceased by his mother Alberta (Kieffer), father William Kergen, son Scott, brother Paul, sister-in-law Gladys Kergen, sister Sue Brander, and brothers-in-law Hugh Brander and Lorne Shirley.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 57 years, Stella; his children Grant (Norma), Craig (Sheryl), Curtis (Sondra), Veronica, Valarie (Daryl); 12 grandchildren: Kyle (Krissy), Lindsey (Michelle), Tyler (Erin), Alexandra (Mike), Graham (Alysia), Jayne (Mason), Craig, Shawn (Jay Lee), Owen (Meredith), Shayla (Brandon), Declon, Shontel and Jagger; great-grandchildren Kasch, Haylee, Jaredan, Averly, Elliot and Willow; and sisters Jean Shirley, Rita (Gus) Hoffart, Margaret Anne (Lawrence) Beckie and Frances Kergen.
Interment was in the family plot at the Davidson Community Cemetery. Hanson’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.