Aug. 2, 1927 — April 6, 2022
Raymond Glen Chester passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at the Pincher Creek Hospital with family by his side. He was just shy of his 95th birthday.
Raymond was born in Macleod on Aug. 2, 1927 to Charlie and Eva Chester. Several years later his brother Leonard was born.
For most of Raymond’s life he lived with his family in the Ardenville district where his father Charlie was the local grader man. Raymond attended Ardenville school and as he told us many times it was always snowing and
uphill both ways.
One of his first jobs was working for the
department of public works. This took him to different areas of southern Alberta doing bridge maintenance and road building.
In 1948 Raymond married the love of his life, Ellen May Bodgener. Soon Ned, Don and Dennis blessed their lives. For 57 years they experienced the ups and down of farm life. They raised pigs, chickens, cows, geese, horses, cats, dogs and some grain. Along the way the cows won out and dairy farming it was.
Raymond was active in the IOOF Lodge, the United Church and community events.
Raymond enjoyed visiting with everyone. He was quite entertained by the comings and goings on Main Street.
Raymond’s home for 11 years was the Pioneer Lodge where he spent time with many good friends and some family. He enjoyed playing cards and watching his Calgary Flames. He was often seen riding his scooter around town checking out the new developments.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Ellen; sons Ned and Don; granddaughter Randi-Lynn; great grandson Grady; grandson-in-law Stewart; and brother Leonard.
Raymond is survived by his son Dennis (Cheryl); daughters-in-law Denise and Susan; his grandchildren Dustin, Cody (Maggie), Travis (Tella), Wade (Jaycee), Carrie (Mark), Kristy (DJ), and Lucas (Kristen); 12 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Eede; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and an abundance of friends.
As per Raymond’s wishes there will be a family graveside service where he will be buried next to his loving wife Ellen.
We would like to express our heartfilled thank you to Jackie Palmer and the staff of the Pioneer Lodge for all your care over the years. Also thank you to Dr. Tracy Burton and the staff at the Pincher Creek Hospital who made his final days as comfortable as possible.
Friends who wish may donate to the Fort Macleod Handibus Society.