Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Ray at the age of 85 years. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Maxine; children, Barry (Donna) of Victoria, Doug (Joanne), Donald (Laurie) and Randy (Fay); and eleven adoring grandchildren, Gordon, Kevin (Michelle) Lauren, Amanda, Cameron, Mike, Julia, Kaley, Karly, Brittany, and Jenna. He was our beloved husband, father, grandfather, "Pop" and "Poppa".
Ray also leaves two surviving sisters, Joan Wigelsworth of Saskatoon and Peggy Fabick of Minneapolis; brother-in-law, John MacDonald (Marilyn); nephews and nieces. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Joan Goss.
Ray was born in Edmonton where he lived all his life. He attended Spruce Ave. School and Victoria High School, after which, in 1949, he began what would be a thirty-five year career with EdTel, where he made life-long friends. He married the love of his life, Maxine, in July 1953.
Ray knew the value of a hard day's work when, at the age of twelve, he began working at Cook's Garage on 96 Street where he learned valuable mechanical skills. Later in life he became a skilled carpenter, electrician and plumber. He could build and/or fix anything.
The "Goss Cabin" on Lake Wabamun was a labour of love and is a credit to Ray's hard work and many skills. It remains sturdy and solid after forty plus years of hosting many gatherings. Ray's best days were at the cabin with his family (including the family dogs). He would sit back with his loyal canine friend, Maui, a rum/coke and proudly proclaim that "it doesn't get any better than this". He put family and friends first. All were welcome in his home and of course to his cabin.
Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a keen sportsman, who enjoyed playing football, hockey, skiing, sailing, golfing and hunting. He was a die-hard Edmonton Eskimos and Edmonton Oilers fan.
Ray also cared about his community and gave tirelessly as a coach and mentor to many youngsters over the years.
In later years Ray and Maxine enjoyed many visits to Maui with family and friends. Attending Sunday service at the little Hawaiian church in Makena was a special time for them as was watching the beautiful Maui sunsets together.
Pop, your strength, wisdom, love and kindness will be deeply missed by us all.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses on Station 3D4 at the University of Alberta Hospital and also the Cross Cancer Institute. Special heartfelt thanks to the Doctors and Nurses on Unit 43 at the Grey Nuns Hospital, who showed such compassion in caring for Ray during his illness.
Also, many thanks to friends and family for their continued support throughout this very sad time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 - 123 Street NW, Edmonton.
