Appleyard, Raymond Percy

1924- 2011

On August 18, 1924 a midwife in Leyton, England attended the arrival of a baby boy named Raymond. He arrived two months early with little hope of survival, his parents Percy and Alice(Brazier) Appleyard kept him warm in a small box above the kitchen stove. Little did they know all that their baby boy would accomplish in his long life.
At the age of 16 he completed his scholarship with Rochester Technical School and rather than registering for university he followed in his parents footsteps and joined the British Navy. His career saw the takign of Naples, Italy and many posts. He saw much of the world in his naval career.
Following his time in the British Navy he and his young wife Vivienne headed for Canada where they arrived in 1949. Ray would later serve an additional nine years in the Canadian Navy in stations from Cornwallis, NS to Victoria, BC. Following his naval career he enjoyed a career with Family and Children's Services in Nova Scotia. A dedicated civil servant who worked tirelessly for those who needed help the most Ray performed his roles of juvenile corrections officer and family court officers with honor. He never passed judgment on those he served and always worked to treat every human being with kindness and respect. When he left his job after a period of ill health it took three people to replace him, a fact that often irritated and pleased him at the same time.
Although successful in the careers of his choosing Raymond's greatest impact in his time on this earth was for those that knew him best. The most important thing in his world was his beloved wife Vivienne (nee Richards). They had just recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. He referred to her as his darling, his thrush, his betrothed, the love of his life. They shared laughter, they shared tears, but through it all they were together, for the best and for the worst. Despite the cruelty of Alzheimers disease it did not rob him of his ability to recognize her. He knew her touch, he knew her presence and he knew her love. She cared for him tirelessly throughout his illness rarely ever missing an opportunity to be with him.
They had been blessed with three children and he is survived by his daughter Lynn Byers. His sons predeceased him, Gary in infancy and Wayne in 1989.
Ray was an important person in the world of his five grandchildren, Michelle Smith(Mark), Michael Appleyard (Krista), Craig Appleyard (Karie), Nadine Lockhart (Steve) and Monique Trenholme. To his grandchildren he was Grampy. He was Grampy the dragon slayer on long walks at the beach, he was Grampy the wise mentor when we were struggling with lives, he was Grampy the strong when we needed rescuing. He was the strong arms that held onto to you tightly when the sailboat caught a big gust and he was the soft touch when you had a nightmare. He was the gentle brown eyes that told you silently that he loved you. He was the Grampy that joked that you loved Marvelous even though you were talking to him on the phone.
Ray will be remembered by his twelve great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his only sibling.
Ray made us all promise not to hold a funeral for him and so in his honor a celebration of his life will be held at a local pub where pints of british ale and fish and chips will be served with a healthy side dish of laughter and lots of memories.
Farewell Dragon Slayer, we will see you on the other side where your memories will be intact and you are no longer suffering. Love you always.