Obituary of Raymond "Ray" West
It is with deep sadness and immense love that we announce the passing of Raymond “Ray” George West, who died peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Brandon, Manitoba, surrounded by his family. That morning, Ray affectionately described Sunday as “God’s day.” He was 90 years old.
Anyone who knew Ray will remember that he was a true people person. He possessed the rare gift of making every person he spoke with feel like the most important person in the room. His warmth, generosity, humour, and glowing personality drew people to him wherever he went.
Father John of St. Augustine’s Church remarked that Ray should have been a priest, given his deep love and compassion for all people. It was a fitting observation. Ray cared about people sincerely and completely. Even in his final days, whenever someone visited or he made a phone call, he gathered every bit of energy he had to carry on the conversation and make that person feel special one last time.
Ray was born in Toronto, Ontario, on August 22, 1935, but Brandon was truly his home. Raised in the city, he attended Park School, Earl Oxford School, and Brandon Collegiate, and often said that Brandon was the best place on earth in which to live.
After graduating from high school, Ray chose to begin his working life rather than attend university. In 1956, he joined McKenzie Company (also known as McKenzie Seeds), where his father, Robert “Ross” West, had worked since 1919. Ray loved his work and went on to spend more than 39 years with the company. During that time, he held numerous positions, primarily in sales and marketing, beginning as a sales and service representative for Saskatchewan and progressing to regional sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, and, in 1987, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Ray considered his appointment as President and CEO one of the greatest achievements of his career. Under his leadership, McKenzie Company continued to perform profitably, an accomplishment he attributed not to himself, but to the wonderful and dedicated staff whose professionalism and caring approach to business he deeply respected. In 1993, he was honored to receive the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award—an achievement of which he was especially proud.
Ray’s commitment to Brandon extended far beyond his professional life. He found great enjoyment and fulfilment in serving his community and was involved with many organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Cancer Society, Brandon Rotary Club, the Manitoba Heart Foundation, the Downtown Business Association, the Westman Alzheimer Society, the Canada Games, the Brandon YMCA, the Brandon Convention and Visitor Bureau, and the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, among many others.
Although Ray’s business and community accomplishments were considerable, his greatest love was his family. His beloved wife, Anne, was his soulmate and best friend for more than 65 years. Together, they enjoyed the many pleasures of family life. Ray was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and he made sure to tell them so—often and explicitly— virtually every single day.
Ray also enjoyed a rich and active life. Ray and Anne travelled to California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Mexico, Hawaii and European destinations. Ray and Anne loved golf and were members of the Wheat City Golf Club for more than 20 years. Ray maintained a regular fitness routine and was affectionately known by many as the “Dean of the Healthy Living Centre” at Brandon University. Ray and Anne also shared a love of hosting many friends & family, bridge and occasionally enjoyed visits to casinos.
Ray will be lovingly remembered by Anne; sons Robert (Leanne); Scott (Brenda); daughter Carol (Barry) Corenblum; his grandchildren Leah, Hannah, Ben, and Juliana; sisters-in-law Elaine and Diane, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Ross and Valentine West; his sisters Mary Kennedy and Yvonne Pettigrew; his brothers Bob West and John West; and his nephew Ron Pettigrew.
Ray was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal brother, respected business leader, and generous friend. He was one of a kind, and his presence enriched the lives of countless people. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by the family and community he loved so dearly.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The livestream of Ray’s service can be found on the St. Augustine’s website.
Donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
