"The Man with the Blue Fiddle", Ray Wesley Jamieson, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2020 at the age of 91 in Shuswap Lake General Hospital.
Ray was born February 20, 1929 in Melfort, SK to Alex and Myrtle Jamieson. He grew up in Choiceland, SK and as a young man moved to Trail, BC. Ray was married at the age of 19 to Sophie Smigielski and remained married for 61 years until her passing. Ray and Sophie raised two children, Wayne and Wendy.
He was employed with Cominco as a pipefitter for 42 years. Ray was an active family man, enjoying swimming, camping and fishing. He had a huge passion for raising tropical fish. He was a Scout leader. As a couple they raised chinchillas and were avid square dancers.
Ray played several instruments from a young age and was active in a number of bands throughout his life.
After retirement and moving to Salmon Arm Ray continued to enjoy music, playing in several bands: Touch of Silver, Riverbend and Valley 5. He played at numerous festivals and nursing homes within the area.
Ray was remarried in 2015 to Ann Tanemura. They had previously played music together for 15 years, and became known as "Rayann, the only song in my heart". Ray died peacefully with Ann by his side.
Ray is predeceased by brothers, Melvin, Orville, Earl, Harvey and Clarence and sisters Ella and Emily.
He is survived by twin sisters Vera and Verna, Mary and Hazel. He is also survived by his wife Ann and children (Wayne and Wendy) as well as 5 grandchildren (Makala, Ian, Kristen, Amanda and Jody) and 3 great grandchildren (Fox, Sofia, and Ava).
Thank you to Dr. Adriaan Louw, Piccadilly Care Centre, Harmony Haven, and the staff of Shuswap Lake General Hospital and Jack Bowers Funeral Home. You helped his family through so many difficult times. There will be no formal funeral in keeping with his request.
Condolences can be expressed via Ray's obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Bowers Funeral Service & Crematorium