Ray Winger ~ Peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital, Mr. Ray Kenneth Winger of Listowel, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, on Thursday, March 17, 2016, in his 80th year.

Beloved husband of Evelyn (Bennett) Winger. Father of Kevin and Linda Winger of Wingham, Tim and Sue Winger of Listowel, Debra and Raymond Portelance of Chapleau, and Lisa and Stephen Housser of Listowel.

Grandfather of Andrew (and fiancée Jessica Murray), Jesse (Leane), Caitlin, and Charlotte Winger, Angela and Michelle Winger, Mackenzie and Emma Portelance, and Suzannah, William, Michael, and Robert Housser.

Great-grandfather of Steven Winger.

Brother of Gerald and Ruth Anne Winger of Listowel, and Jean and Bruce Eade of Fordwich, and brother-in-law of Gordon Stickley of Listowel, and Trudy Winger of Palmerston.

Predeceased by his sisters Ruth Stickley, and Bernice Smith and her husband Jacob, and brothers Clifford Winger, and Roy Winger in infancy.

Ray Kenneth Winger was born on March 20, 1936 in Vaughan Township to Henry and Mabel Winger. He was the youngest of the family and his siblings included Bernice, Clifford, Gerald, Jean and Ruth.

Ray graduated from grade 8 with excellent grades, except in handwriting, but went on to pursue his interests in auto mechanics at Bayview High School and a welding degree at Chicago Vocational School, Toronto.

In 1957, Ray began dating Evelyn Bennett who turned out to be the love of his life, his Sunshine. He met her on the SS Cayuga on a midnight cruise and promptly volunteered to take her home after, even though she wasn’t allowed to date yet. He patiently waited for her to turn 16 in August so that he could court her. Sparks flew and a month after she turned 18, they were married. Their bond was strong, and they celebrated their 56th anniversary in 2015.

Ray and Evelyn were blessed with four children, Kevin, Tim, Debra and Lisa. Ray could often be seen with one or more of the children in tow as he worked around the farm. He taught them how to farm, but most of all he taught them patience and kindness. No matter how busy he was on the farm, he always found time for fishing, hunting and camping with his family and friends. Over the years, the Winger clan grew and Ray was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Andrew, Jesse, Caitlin, Charlotte, Angela, Michelle, Mackenzie, Emma, Suzannah, William, Michael, Robert and great-grandson, Steven.

Ray felt that it was important to be a part of his church and community and this was evident in the many boards he sat on. They included the OFA Board, the Wheat Board, the Camp Kahquah Board, the Church Board and the Maple Grove Cemetery Board. He continued to give of his time by teaching Sunday School, serving as a Deacon at Fordwich BIC church, being the Mennonite Disaster Service contact, and by helping out wherever there was a need. Ray was featured on the Bob McLean show, CBC, which highlighted the Winger Thanksgiving traditions and importance of family.

Ray continued the family tradition of farming on the original Winger homestead in Maple until 1981, when he and his family moved to a farm near Listowel. He continued to work the acreage in Maple and travelled back and forth between the two farms for 7 years. After his heart attack in 1993, Ray could no longer farm the way he wanted and moved to a bungalow in Wroxeter in 1996. He kept Honey Babe and could often be seen driving around the town, when the weather was good, with many a passenger. Ray was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007, and later became an active participant in the VON Alzeimer’s Program. In 2012, Ray and Evelyn decided that it was time to downsize and purchased a home in The Village.

Wherever Ray’s path led him, his gracious spirit and gentle presence impacted all. Everyone was touched by his kindness, patience, love of family and love for his Saviour. And most of all, he taught us that we all have a lot to be thankful for!

Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

A family interment and committal service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery on Monday, March 21st at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Ray’s Life at Listowel Mennonite Church at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Michael Hutchinson officiating.

Memorial donations to Gideon Bible Society, 100 Huntley Street, or Brethren in Christ Church, Fordwich, would be appreciated.