Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Raymond Blackmer
1944 – 2025
He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, husband and soul mate. His big affectionate hugs, friendship, and shenanigans will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, husband and soul mate. His big affectionate hugs, friendship, and shenanigans will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ray is survived by Joyce, his loving wife of almost 60 years; children: Ken (Vanessa) Blackmer, and Donna (Brent) Peterson; grandchildren: Dustin (Shelby) Peterson, Tristan (Mackenzie) Peterson, Trey Blackmer, and Mackenzie (Hayden) McLeod; great-grandchildren: Weston, Tripp, and Dex; siblings: Peggy (Randy) Plomp, Tom (Willa) Blackmer, Kim (Rob) St. Peter, and Mike (Noreen) Blackmer; in-laws: Marlene (Ed) Makel, Connie MacMillan, Jean Oswald, Jim (Fanny) Chapman, David Belisle, and Val Kurtis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Raymond Paul; his parents Jim & Thelma Blackmer, siblings: Linda Belisle, Jim Blackmer and David Blackmer; in-laws: Leon and Immaculate Chapman, Janis MacMillan, Anthony Price, Alistair MacMillan, Arthur Oswald, and Linda Blackmer.
Born on July 11, 1944 in Lethbridge, AB, Ray was the eldest of eight children born to Jim and Thelma Blackmer. He grew up on the farm east of Coutts. He completed High school at Erle Rivers in Milk River, going on to Mount Royal College in Calgary for post-secondary studies. Ray returned to the family farm and then married Joyce Chapman, the love of his life in November of 1965. They raised their three children on the farm before moving to the acreage south of Milk River in 1987. He knew how to live life to the fullest and was always up for an adventure. An affectionate man with a big heart, Ray would do anything for his family and was a pillar of support. There was no ball game, or hockey rink too far. He was his kids and grandkids biggest fan! He had a “Fantastic” outlook on life and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
A Viewing will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:00 P.M., with a Prayer Vigil to follow at 7:00 P.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Ray will be laid to rest in the Milk River Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ray’s name may be made directly to the Milk River Cemetery Fund.
Guestbook (11)
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Dear Joyce and Families. We send our sincere condolences in your great loss. Raymond was such a nice man Hugs to you all. Ron and Lanai Schamber
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless. Deepest Sympathy.
Joyce and family our deepest and heartfelt sympathy
Deepest condolences to one and all the family of Raymond. With regrets we can not make the funeral but are thinking of you at this time.
Many delivers and many cherished moments. You are in are thoughts and prayers.
Dear Joyce, Kenny Vanessa, Donna & Brent and family with heavy hearts we received the sad news that Raymond has passed. He leaves behind a tear but more, he leaves behind a smile for everyone that knew him. He left no stone unturned, his life was fulfilled with love for his family & friends. Everyone should wish to have lived like Raymond, and everyone should wish to be remembered like Raymond will be remembered. A hug to all and our deepest condolences 💔
We offer our deepest condolences to Joyce, Kenny, Donna and families. Raymond was a kind, generous man. I feel so fortunate to have received an abundance of his signature hugs through the years! You couldn’t help but smile when you saw him. You knew a big hug was coming and that it would surely brighten your day. May you be comforted by his faith in the promise of eternal life. RIP Raymond
I send my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace. 🙏🙏
Joyce, Ken and Donna We have so many wonderful memories of Raymond and will miss his mischievous smile and warm hugs.No matter how old I got I was always “Brat”Sending our deepest sympathies Grant & Stacy
Joyce, Kenny, Donna and families. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. I’m so sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. He was a kind and wonderful man.
Deepest sympathy to Joyce, Ken, Donna and families. Sharon and I are unable to attend Raymond’s funeral on Thursday. Ray was a long loyal friend I will miss him