Raymond (Ray) John Sheward

September 29th, 1942 – June 12th, 2016

Raymond John Sheward, aged 73 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Sunday, June 12th, 2016.  Ray was born to Jack and Thelma Sheward of Moose Jaw, SK.  He married Coleen Marie Lewis in 1968.  Ray worked his entire career at Scott National, which later became Burns, Serca and Sysco, and commuted to Regina to work for the last 35 years of his career.  During this time he was a stock boy, truck driver, warehouse foreman, travelling regional salesman and finally on the order desk in Regina.  Ray befriended many people through work including new Canadian Chinese friends who still ask about him today.  He was an avid supporter of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company.  While on the board, he held numerous terms on the executive and two different terms as president of the company, later becoming an honorary director.  His involvement with the Exhibition Company began through his work with stock car racing.  He drove car No. 55 to many victories and top male driver of the year.  Coleen was top female driver of the year.  Later on Ray and Coleen became interested in horse racing.  Ray started Sheward Stables and both he and Coleen obtained their trainers’ licenses and became invested in Standardbred Racing, travelling all of the Saskatchewan and Manitoba circuits and sending horses to Alberta.  Their stable of horses won many races and set several track records over the years.  Ray was instrumental in bringing Sunday horse racing, paramutuel betting and casino operations to Saskatchewan.  For several years during his term as a Director, he dealt with the Casino, concerts, the fair and Rodeos.  These events generated lots of money in which he was entrusted to deal with, which speaks to his honesty and the trust people had in him.  Ray was named the Exhibition Company’s director and volunteer of the year and was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award through Western Canada Fairs Association.  For all of their work and volunteer hours spent as members, directors and volunteers at the Exhibition Company, a building was dedicated as the Sheward Trade Building which was a building that Ray was instrumental in getting built for SIAST’s heavy equipment and truck driver training courses.  Through his years of involvement at the Exhibition Grounds he met many dignitaries, a Prime Minister, delegates and VIPS, but the people he cherished the most were the people he befriended over the years through the equine world, rodeos and other events he was associated with.  Every person Ray met became a friend and he became affectionately known as Figure Head, Rodeo Ray or his CB handle of Tiny Hut, given his height and choice of beard.  Over the last several years his health had declined and after the passing of his wife Coleen in 2007, Ray reunited with a childhood friend, Pat Murphy, who became his travel companion, personal chef, gamer, caregiver, NASCAR watcher, receptionist, confidente and personal shopper.  But above all Pat has remained at his side through thick and thin as a very special loving friend.  Both Mike and Wanda want to thank Pat for all of the kindness, caring and patience she has given Dad throughout the years.  He was truly blessed to have found you Pat.  He was predeceased by his father, Jack; mother, Thelma; wife, Coleen; father-in-law, Lorne Lewis; mother-in-law, Eileen Lewis; sister-in-law, Elaine Lewis and son-in-law, Herbert White.  Ray leaves the memories to his daughter, Wanda; son, Mike (Marci); grandchildren: Ivy, Logan and Will; loving friend, Pat Murphy; auntie, Joyce Cusak; as well as numerous friends and relatives.  Many thanks to June and Dr. Volker Rininsland, and the Homecare Nurses.  In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be no funeral service and a private family interment will take place.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550