Obituary of Raymond Rynbend

RYNBEND - Mr. Raymond Rynbend of St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville passed away peacefully on Father's Day Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the age of 87. Raymond Daniel Rudolph Rynbend was born on February 16, 1925 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, a son to Martin and Agatha (nee Sichinghe) Rynbend. Raymond grew up through his school years with his sisters, Emma and Betty, and his brothers, Willie and Fred. Inspired by his brother Fred's service in Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II, Ray volunteered to join the war effort and trained as a rear gunner in the RCAF. He was awarded the War Medal 1939-45 for his service. After the war years, Ray sought employment as a fireman with the CNR and moved to Melville. There he found the love of his life, June Bellamy Dempster and they were married on October 8, 1957. Ray became a locomotive engineer with years of distinctive service to the CNR. The proudest moment in his career came when he was "called" as the engineer to drive the engine that brought Prime Minister John Diefenbaker to the Melville terminal on his cross-country tour where the PM was greeted with cheers for the prairie boy who grew up in Saskatchewan. "Reinie," as June called him, took early retirement in 1987 in order for he and June to spend some quality years together while they both had good health. They loved to travel together to local beaches, national parks like Banff or Yellowstone, Caribbean cruises, Hawaiian Holidays, and places far and near. They loved to work together on projects in the yard and the home. They were joined at the hip as animal lovers. From 1985 thru 2007, Reinie and June spent winters in their mobile home in Desert Hot Springs in California visiting family and making new friends. Reinie and June had created their own version of Camelot. He enjoyed his "Elk" colleagues in the Melville Lodge of BPOE NO 407 and his camaraderie with fellow veterans in the Saskatchewan Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. He attended the Melville Pentecostal Church with his beloved June. Raymond became a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home on July 9, 2009. Predeceased by his wife June on March 4, 2012 and by his parents, brothers, and sisters; Raymond leaves to cherish his memory, son Murray (Coralie) Dempster of Lakeland, Florida; grandson Marlon (Shannon) and their daughters Ireland and Rylie; half-brother Bill (Shirley) Rynbend; nephews Murray McConnell, Terry McConnell, Calvin Bellamy, Dean Holliday, Don MacIntyre, and their families; nieces Norma Abbott, Lorraine McConnell, Carole Leggott, Sharon Marks, and their families; and many great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Melville with Pastor Doug Braun of Melville Pentecostal Church officiating. The organist, Mrs. Geri Miller led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "When We All Get to Heaven" and "It is Well With My Soul". Eulogies were conveyed by Carole Leggott and Murray Dempster. Legion Tribute and Honor Guard was conducted by Robert G. Combe, V.C. Royal Canadian Legion,Branch #61. The interment took place in the Melville Muncipal Cemetery with Greg Hahn, Dwayne Waldbauer, Harry Parachoniak, Murray McConnell, Shelby Hahn and Lloyd Sastaunik serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Raymond may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 2:00pm, Melville Pentecostal Church Interment Details Melville Municipal Cemetery