ANDERSON, Raymond M A 3 December 1930 6 November 2008 Ray died peacefully at the Victoria Hospice in the presence of his family after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born on the family farm near Frenchman's Butte, Saskatchewan and was predeceased by his father Oscar and mother Mary. He is survived by his wife Sylvia (nee Shearer), sons Ross and Gordon (Norma), his daughter Janet, his granddaughters Karyn, Melissa and Alisha. He also leaves behind his sister Estelle, her sons Robin (Patty) and Rick (Sandra), his sister-in-law Norma Shearer and many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Ray began teaching before going on to study at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and then the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. There, he studied physics and joined the Canadian Officers' Training Corps, gaining his commission in the Royal Canadian Artillery in 1952, and graduating two years later. He served widely in Canada and Germany, latterly as an Air Observation Post pilot and instructor. Leaving the Canadian Army as a captain in 1964, Ray and his family moved to Victoria where he resumed his career in education. He taught and tutored many students before deciding to retrain in the new field of computing. After a course of study at the University of Victoria, he then began to work for the Provincial Government as a computer programmer and later as a systems analyst. There, he made a large personal contribution to the transformation of the Government Superannuation and Vehicle Licensing systems from a paper-based to electronic operation. He finally retired from the BC Systems Corporation in 1995 after many years of dedicated and successful service. Ray will be remembered for all those he knew for his kindness, patience and generosity. He was married to Sylvia in Winnipeg in 1957 and they celebrated 51 years of happiness together. He was a highly accomplished musician, playing the accordion from youth, and had an abiding interest in current affairs and science. He had many fond memories of his service in 1 RCHA, especially in Iserlohn, Germany as well as flying with the Air OP. He was a member of Mensa and the Air OP Association. He was extremely proud of his children and was especially supportive of all their activities. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Ray's family would like to pass on their deepest thanks to the staff of the Victoria Hospice for their care and consideration. There will be no service by request, but a celebration of Ray's life will be held in early 2009. No flowers, but donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 1510 Fort Street, Stadacona Centre, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2 or www.victoriahospice.org . Condolences may be sent to the family through Sands Funeral Chapel, 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, (250) 388 5155. 511960 Published in the Victoria Times-Colonist from 11/12/2008 - 11/13/2008