Obituary

Raymond (Ray) Médéric Nairon

October 9, 1951 – December 18, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ray Nairon on December 18, 2024, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 73.

Ray was born on October 9, 1951, in High Prairie, Alberta, to Rosaire and Gertrude Nairon. He was raised on the family’s homestead near Whitemud Creek, south of Falher, surrounded by the pioneering spirit of his grandparents, Médéric and Clara Nairon. These early influences instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for community and nature. Ray earned his carpentry trade certificate at NAIT in Edmonton and built a lifelong career as a skilled carpenter and owner of Nairon Construction. His craftsmanship in home renovations and new builds left a lasting legacy in every community he called home.

Outside of his work, Ray was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and exploring the mountains on his quad. A talented gunsmith, he spent countless hours restoring firearms. Ray also gave back to his community through his work with the Junior Forest Wardens in Fort Nelson, BC, where he helped build a lodge and taught young people valuable skills and an appreciation for the outdoors.

Ray married Lucie Bouchard in 1976, and together they raised three children, Angele, Roland, and Jean. Together, they focused on family life before going their separate ways in 1999.

In 2000, Ray found love again with Dagmar Cowan, beginning a new chapter of his life. The couple moved to Powell River, BC, in 2005, where they transformed their home into the Crow’s Nest Bed and Breakfast. Together, they hosted guests worldwide, sharing their love for the Sunshine Coast. In 2012, Ray and Dagmar embraced a life of adventure, selling their home and travelling Western Canada in a motorhome. After years on the road, they settled in Peachland, BC, in 2022, where they enjoyed the Okanagan lifestyle and continued their summer travels.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Dagmar Cowan; his children, Angèle Heinrichs (Don), Roland Nairon (Ellen), and Jean Nairon (Zorana); his grandchildren, Chase, Luka, and Mathieu.

A celebration of Ray’s life will take place in Falher, Alberta, in the summer of 2025, bringing together family and friends to honour his memory in the place he always considered home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kelowna Hospice House at hospicehousekelowna.com, an organization that provided comfort and care in Ray’s final days.

Ray will be remembered as a man of great skill, adventure, and heart, a true builder, not only of homes but of memories and connections that will endure forever.