|
|
|
|
In Loving Memory of Raymond W. Blum
September 23, 1949 – October 18, 2025
September 23, 1949 – October 18, 2025
Raymond Wilson Blum, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 76. While his body may have finally decided to take a rest, we’re pretty sure Ray is already singing in a celestial choir and challenging angels to a game of cribbage.
Left to mourn his loss is his devoted wife of 52 years, Tami Blum, who was the love of his life and the lucky recipient of a handcrafted chess set—one of Ray’s many creative labours of love. Together, they raised five children who inherited his wit, work ethic, and uncanny ability to make any situation lighter with a well-timed joke: Kirsten Anderson (Darrel), Aaron Blum (Amanda), Erika Shewell (Ben), Cameron Blum (Hollie), and Graham Blum (Asia). Ray was also the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren: Jack, Eric, Julie, Madison, Allyse, Mason, Faith, Griffin, Phoenix, Bonnie, Clyde, Laurel, Brom, Kaydence, and Odessa.
Ray’s siblings—Pearl Davy, Andy Blum (Kathy), Rick Blum (Jane), Rob Blum (Jan), and Wilf Blum (Laura)—will miss his hearty laugh and the way he could be counted on to contribute to the Blum comedy show. He now joins his parents, Iris and Verne Blum, in-laws Emmi and Erich Weihmann, his sister Verna Ferguson (Ernie), brother-in-law Norman Davy, sister-in-law Anneliese Karl, and adopted daughter Desiree, who we imagine greeted him with open arms.
Born in Moose Jaw, SK, Ray graduated from the Grand Prairie High School before embarking on a mission to Hong Kong for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a journey that shaped his faith and character, and he valued that experience. He met Tami Weihmann at church in the fall of 1972, and despite taking her hunting and shooting a moose on their first date, they later married in May 1973. They shared a life full of adventure, love, and frequent relocations. From northern Alberta to Vernon, BC, Draper, Utah, back to Vernon, then Salmon Arm, BC, and finally Cardston, AB, Ray made friends wherever he went—usually by quickly becoming involved in his local church congregation.
A man of many talents, Ray was a gifted stone mason and entrepreneur. He ran his own construction and masonry businesses, preferring to work on his own terms and with his own two hands. His craftsmanship graces homes and buildings across Western Canada and the United States, each stone was laid with care, precision, and creativity.
Music was another of Ray’s great loves. He played the piano with gusto, especially on Sunday mornings, when his children would wake to the sound of hymns echoing through the house—sometimes a bit too early, and always a bit too loud. He served faithfully in many callings such as ward mission leader, chorister, elders quorum presidency and young men’s president. He found joy in serving others. A highlight of his service was taking a group of young men on a biking trip through the mountains – Nakusp or Bust!
Ray’s sense of humour was legendary. He was a master of the gentle tease, the unexpected pun, and the odd quirky joke that made you groan and laugh at the same time. He was the kind of person who could make you feel better just by being in the room.
In his later years, Ray discovered a passion for gardening and he holds the unofficial family record for the most yams grown in a single season. He loved to show the grandchildren around the garden, take them for a ride on his tractor, and help them find a carrot with their name on it.
He was fiercely loyal and deeply devoted to his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled: keep your word, help your neighbour, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Ray’s life will be celebrated with love, laughter, and stories that will live on for generations. He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Left to mourn his loss is his devoted wife of 52 years, Tami Blum, who was the love of his life and the lucky recipient of a handcrafted chess set—one of Ray’s many creative labours of love. Together, they raised five children who inherited his wit, work ethic, and uncanny ability to make any situation lighter with a well-timed joke: Kirsten Anderson (Darrel), Aaron Blum (Amanda), Erika Shewell (Ben), Cameron Blum (Hollie), and Graham Blum (Asia). Ray was also the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren: Jack, Eric, Julie, Madison, Allyse, Mason, Faith, Griffin, Phoenix, Bonnie, Clyde, Laurel, Brom, Kaydence, and Odessa.
Ray’s siblings—Pearl Davy, Andy Blum (Kathy), Rick Blum (Jane), Rob Blum (Jan), and Wilf Blum (Laura)—will miss his hearty laugh and the way he could be counted on to contribute to the Blum comedy show. He now joins his parents, Iris and Verne Blum, in-laws Emmi and Erich Weihmann, his sister Verna Ferguson (Ernie), brother-in-law Norman Davy, sister-in-law Anneliese Karl, and adopted daughter Desiree, who we imagine greeted him with open arms.
Born in Moose Jaw, SK, Ray graduated from the Grand Prairie High School before embarking on a mission to Hong Kong for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a journey that shaped his faith and character, and he valued that experience. He met Tami Weihmann at church in the fall of 1972, and despite taking her hunting and shooting a moose on their first date, they later married in May 1973. They shared a life full of adventure, love, and frequent relocations. From northern Alberta to Vernon, BC, Draper, Utah, back to Vernon, then Salmon Arm, BC, and finally Cardston, AB, Ray made friends wherever he went—usually by quickly becoming involved in his local church congregation.
A man of many talents, Ray was a gifted stone mason and entrepreneur. He ran his own construction and masonry businesses, preferring to work on his own terms and with his own two hands. His craftsmanship graces homes and buildings across Western Canada and the United States, each stone was laid with care, precision, and creativity.
Music was another of Ray’s great loves. He played the piano with gusto, especially on Sunday mornings, when his children would wake to the sound of hymns echoing through the house—sometimes a bit too early, and always a bit too loud. He served faithfully in many callings such as ward mission leader, chorister, elders quorum presidency and young men’s president. He found joy in serving others. A highlight of his service was taking a group of young men on a biking trip through the mountains – Nakusp or Bust!
Ray’s sense of humour was legendary. He was a master of the gentle tease, the unexpected pun, and the odd quirky joke that made you groan and laugh at the same time. He was the kind of person who could make you feel better just by being in the room.
In his later years, Ray discovered a passion for gardening and he holds the unofficial family record for the most yams grown in a single season. He loved to show the grandchildren around the garden, take them for a ride on his tractor, and help them find a carrot with their name on it.
He was fiercely loyal and deeply devoted to his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled: keep your word, help your neighbour, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Ray’s life will be celebrated with love, laughter, and stories that will live on for generations. He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.