Life Story for
Raymond Joseph Rinaldo "Ray" Caron
Ray was a proud Quebecer, born on March 7, 1935 in Montreal. The second youngest of six siblings, he answered the call of adventure early in life. After convincing his mother to sign the necessary papers, he joined the RCAF in 1952 at the age of 17.
What followed was twenty six years of service as an Air Force Fire Fighter that took him as far afield as Tofino, BC, Resolute Bay, Nunavut, and Baden Sollingen, Germany. He enjoyed good times with the many friends and colleagues he met along the way, serving on various bases as Fireman, Crew Chief, Fire Inspector and Fire Chief, depending on where the government chose to send him.
In 1978, after his final posting in Edmonton, Sergeant Caron embarked on a new career in Vancouver. By this time his daughter Michelle was a student at Carleton University and son Maurice was about to enter UBC. Members of his wife Beverley’s family were living in Vancouver, so the time was right and warmer winters beckoned.
Ray had become the Fire Inspector at Vancouver General Hospital. It was a new environment for him and he met the challenges head on. Over the next twenty years his safety responsibilities at VGH increased to include hospital security and he retired as Manager of Safety Services at age 65.
In 2015 Ray was honoured at the 50th anniversary of the International Association of Hospital Safety and Security as one of the founding members of the BC chapter, earning a standing ovation for his leadership and contributions.
Sadly, ill health took its toll, but to the end Ray was a devoted family man who loved nothing better than to be with family and friends. He enjoyed sports and was especially passionate about playing golf. Saturdays were reserved for golf, and after retirement, any other day of the week as well. He loved people without reservation and will always be remembered for his good humour. His kindness touched all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.
Affiliations
Royal Canadian Air Force
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