Obituary of Raymond Berkley Kemp

November 30, 1935 - Calgary, Alberta

April 2, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Raymond Kemp, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the age of 88 years.  

We will miss Ray’s laugh and gentle sense of humour, his warm hugs and smiles, his cheerfulness, generosity, and kindness. We treasure the memories we have of Ray: as a fun-loving father and grandfather, who loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids. As a family, we enjoyed playing games, travelling, vacationing, and gathering with family.

Born in Calgary on November 30, 1935, Ray moved to Victoria and then Toronto with his young family before returning to Calgary in 1973. Ray and Ethel had a loving marriage for over 51 years, from 1956 until Ethel’s passing in 2007. Together they raised three children, Leslie, Joanne and Jeff, and spent many good times with family and friends.  Above all else, Ray loved spending time with family.  He also volunteered to deliver food to families in need and contributed to the well-being of his community. Ray had a passion for good music, particularly Jazz, and spent countless hours cultivating his beautiful garden. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and in nature, particularly in the warm sun. Travel, including extended road trips, was part of our family life. When we lived in Toronto, we drove to Calgary and back several times to visit family. Later, Ray and Ethel spent many happy hours vacationing in BC with grandchildren and visiting their daughter Leslie in Vancouver. He took both Leslie and Joanne on special trips to Vancouver Island, including a trip on the MV Uchuck out of Gold River with Leslie. He and Ethel made two trips to Atlantic Canada in 1997 and 2001. Over the years, Ray and Ethel went on several cruises and after Ethel’s death, Ray continued to travel both on land and sea. 

Left to carry on Ray’s legacy of love are his daughter Leslie (Bill) and his son Jeff (Agi); his granddaughter Heather (Paul), and grandson Chris; five great-grandchildren, Riley, Taylor, Dylan, Eddie, and Eleanor; his sisters, Pat (Andy) and Jackie; his brothers-in-law, Jim and Larry (Wendy); and too many nieces and nephews to mention. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Jack; his dear wife, Ethel (in 2007), and daughter Joanne (in 2023), all fondly remembered and deeply missed. Joanne’s partner Randy and Leslie’s partner Bill are part of the extended family that Ray embraced.

An Interment Service will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens (Lower Springbank Road and 17th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., where he will be placed beside Ethel in their shared Columbarium. A Reception will follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where we invite family and friends to share memories, stories, and anecdotes.  

Blessed Spirit of my Life :                       

Blessed Spirit of my life, give me strength through stress and strife;
help me live with dignity; let me know serenity.
Fill me with a vision, clear my mind of fear and confusion.
When my thoughts flow restlessly, let peace find a home in me.

Spirit of great mystery, hear the still, small voice in me.
Help me live my wordless creed as I comfort those in need.
Fill me with compassion, be the source of my intuition.
Then, when life is done for me, let love be my legacy.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ray’s family here.

In living memory of Raymond Kemp, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.