Raymond Barnstable 1923 - 2014 Raymond Albert Barnstable was born October 10, 1923 to Roy and Susan Barnstable right after the birth of his identical twin Robert. The twins were born on the Barnstable family farm south west of Macoun. Raymond attended the Long Country School all the while helping his father and brothers on the family farm. Ray went to work in the Estevan coal mine and it was while working there he met the love of his life Helene Borquin. Ray and Helene were married June 18, 1947 and lived in Estevan until 1949. Four children were born to Ray and Helene. Sandra born 1949- Wendy born 1956- Kim born 1960 and Sherilyn born 1964. In 1960 they settled in the new home Ray built on the farm. He had become an accomplished carpenter and enjoyed taking any project from start to finish , including boats built in the basement, to truck campers for family vacations. Some of Ray's favorite times were fishing trips up north and most recently on his pontoon boat, the best part being the BBQ burgers served on the boat. Ray always had a soft spot in his heart for animals. He raised cattle for several years. There was always a family pet- dogs, cats, rabbits, frogs, ducks, baby mice and more. Ray was known to rescue and revive many an animal. Ray loved sports, especially the Blue Jays and rarely missed a game on TV. Following his kids and later grandkids in their sports kept him occupied. Ray stayed active in farming until his late 80's when his knees would no longer allow him to climb on and off the machinery. Ray found it very difficult when Helene entered Long Term Care, but made it a priority to spend countless hours keeping her company. Even though a stroke slowed Ray downtemporarily, he continued to be active throughout his entire life. Until his passing on May 1, 2014, Ray continued to do the things he enjoyed and was able to remain in his own home , where he wanted to be. Ray's devotion to his family, generosity, giving attitude and "other's first" philosophy will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Raymond will be lovingly remembered by his children, Sandra ( Mick) Merkley of Regina, Wendy ( Ben ) Gustafson of Macoun, Kim ( Karen) Barnstable of Kelowna and Sheri (Wade) Peters of Regina: grandchildren, Renelle ( Calvin) Simons (Blake, Rhett, Dayne), Randy ( Michaela) Merkley (Roman), Raelynn Merkley, Benji Gustafson (Jayelle Wiebe, Josh ( Stacey) Gustafson, Becca Gustafson, Kolby ( Camille) Barnstable (Everley), Kraymer Barnstable, Isaiah, Sam and Jake Peters; siblings, twin brother Robert Barnstable, Orville (Ethel) Barnstable, Gayle (David) Redpath, William ( Bev ) Barnstable, Myrna (Lloyd) Redpath and Kirk (Anita) Barnstable; brothers-in-law, Louis (Ruth) Bourquin and Henry Bourquin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Helene Barnstable; parents, Roy and Susan Barnstable; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Barnstable, Annette (Edward) Ward, Marjorie Bourquin and Esther Bourquin; parents-in-law, Louis and Marie Bourquin. Ray's family would like to thank everyone for all the food, flowers, messages, cards and donations in dad's name. Thanks also to Hall's funeral home, Pastor Charlie and everyone that participated in the funeral service and lunch. You all have truly blessed us.
