On Friday, September 2nd, 2011 Raymond Hutchinson passed away peacefully at Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, B.C. at the age of 60 years.

Ray is survived by his loving mom Ruby and siblings: Gerry (Donna), Gordon, Shirley McKee (Ron Byer), Ron, Laurie (Mary) and Louise as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces & nephews that he loved so much.

He was predeceased by his father Joe in 1997.

Ray was a "trainman", having worked for CN for 35 years, until his retirement. Ray followed his boyhood dream and started working for the railroad (in Jasper) when he was just 19 years old. He loved trains and never grew tired of talking about them.

Ray was born in Ranfurly, Alberta where he learned to become an avid curler, an activity that he took part in competitively for many years in Vancouver and Kamloops. He was also involved with his union and was a Past President of the NDP in Kamloops.

He became enamoured with Thailand, its culture and ways, returning to Thailand on vacation every year for a decade and willingly shared his extensive travel knowledge with others. Sadly, Ray died before realizing his dream of building a home on stilts in Thailand.

Ray's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. Boris Gimbarzevsky and Dr. Julio Montaner for the special care, dedication and compassion that they showed to Ray.

We also want to graciously thank the Royal Inland Hospital staff and all of Ray's friends, neighbours and everyone who helped him as he struggled with his health. Ray's friends were absolutely invaluable to him and made it possible for him to continue living in this community that he loved so much.

A Celebration of Ray's Life will be held in Ranfurly, Alberta on Saturday, September 17th at 2:00 p.m.

Should friends desire, donations can be made to the Children's Wish Foundation.