In Loving Memory of

Ray Leppard

of Edmonton, Alberta

Ray passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023, at 93 years old. Ray's impact on so many people will forever be remembered. Ray Emerson Leppard was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Ray is lovingly remembered by his family: John (Mary-Frances), Cathy, Stephen (Elizabeth), Sue (Rod); grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott), Malcolm (Ashley), Tyler, Rachel, Matthew, Hayley, Daniel; great-grandchildren, Eric and James.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Sarah; and his loving wife of 46 years, Enid.

Ray was born on a cold January morning in 1930. He grew up in downtown Edmonton with his mom and dad, Roy and Sarah, and attended all his schooling in the area. After graduating from Victoria Composite High School, Ray attended the University of Alberta and received 2 science degrees which led Ray to do geophysical work with Imperial Oil. Feeling that there was a greater calling for Ray, he continued his education and returned to school and graduated from St. Stephen's College in 1960. Ray joined the United Church of Canada family, and had pastoral charges at Redwater (3 years), Ottewell (8 years), St. Paul's (3 years) and Kirk United Church for 21 years until his retirement in 1995. Ray earned a Doctorate Degree in 1984 based on Dynamic Theological Reflection in Field Education, giving him the title of Rev. Dr. Ray Emerson Leppard. Ray's life work at all the churches was endless weddings, baptisms, funerals, supporting interns as a mentor, Sunday services, sitting on a variety of committees, Bible study groups, counselling, prayer groups, hospital and home visits, and on and on. Ray was devoted to all the needs of the congregation and was always available to be of support. After retirement, Ray remained involved in a ministerial capacity at the Norwood Extended Care as the pastoral care support for the residents. Ray was always available to all that needed him. One of Ray's favourite sayings was actually Enid's favourite, "Giving and receiving go together. We don't give to get, but when we give in love, we are blessed all over the place".

Ray had many other interests that brought him great enjoyment through the years. Ray had a natural talent for music. He could play the piano by ear and rekindled his love of the clarinet in the later years. Ray was a member of the Edmonton School Boys Band at a young age and when the group reconnected 50 years later, he discovered his love of music and the clarinet was still strong. The band continued to play together for many more years and Ray would play "solo first clarinet", a position he was very proud of. Ray loved his time with the band as a young boy and was just as proud in the later years as a member of the Edmonton School Boys Alumni Band. Ray never missed a beat with the band, attending weekly practices and concerts several times a year. The Festival of Trees was a highlight of the year bringing all the family together to watch him in his glory. Ray and Enid discovered their love of travel and organized group tours to Israel, Egypt, Greece, Europe, Scandinavia and an Alaskan cruise. Every July was spent with the family in Penticton, swimming in Skaha Lake, picking cherries and eating ice cream. Penticton was Ray's "poor man's Hawaii" and he loved every minute of it. Ray was a proud and passionate Edmonton Eskimos/Elks fan and season ticket holder for 50 years. He would often joke by saying that "I am a part owner of the team"! His love of the sport and the team transcended down to his kids and grandkids. Ray was an avid Oilers fan too, watching every game and calling to talk to someone after every goal that was scored. Ray loved cheering for his favourite teams and enjoyed it even more when the experience was shared with his family.

Ray was all about family, all of the time. Family first, last and always. He was unbelievably proud to be a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ray was kind, caring, accepting, loyal, devoted, and everyone's biggest cheerleader. He was loving, genuine, supportive and accepting of everyone. Ray was truly a gift from God and will be missed dearly. Let Go, Let God Ray.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support. A Celebration of Ray's Life will take place in the near future.

Cremation to take place in the coming days.

"He's not really dead. As long as we remember him..." Dr. McCoy - Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan (1982)

If you so wish, donations in Ray's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Society or The Heart and Stroke Association of Alberta.

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.