Raymond Alexander Laycock
August 19th, 2011
With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our father and grandfather Raymond Alexander Laycock of Strathmore, Alberta on August 19th, 2011 at the age of 82 years at the Agape Hospice. Raymond joins his wife of fifty six years Hazel Rita Laycock who passed away on July 6th 2011. After completing his education in Sask, his first career was as a surveyor for the P.F.R.A, Geological Survey of Canada, and Imperial Oil. Later, he transitioned to the Oil/Gas Industry as an administrator with Shell, Banff, Aquitaine and Canterra Oil Companies. He though was better known for his numerous ‘hobbies’. In the 1950s and 1960s, he raced Norton and Vincent motorcycles as a member of the Calgary Motorcycle Club. In 1960, Raymond joined the Reserve Force as a Private soldier in the Artillery, then received his commission. He later transferred to RCOC (Ordnance Corps), then the RCASC (Service Corps) and in 1973 he retired as Major as DCO of the Calgary Service Battalion. He then became an active member of the Firearms Community. He was a founding member of the National Fireams Association, Okotoks Rifle & Pistol Club, and Guns of the Golden West. His joy was evident in his participation in various Gun Shows, Black Powder Shoots, Fast Draw demonstrations and competitions, especially when he took home a trophy. In particular, Raymond was very proud to participate as a member of the Canadian Team in the World Practical Shooting Competition in 1979 in South Africa. He was well-known to the Firearms community through his newspaper column – The Major’s Mortar – that ran for several decades in the Gun Runner. Retirement was not in Raymond’s vocabulary; in the last several years, Raymond was a member of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (Southern Alberta) working at the Calgary Airport. Raymond is survived by his children and their spouses: Anne Moore and James Robinson; Theresa and Larry Schwab; and Rayder and Jenny Laycock and his grandchildren: Amanda and Greg Griffiths ; Axel Weir; Lillian Laycock and Jarrod Laycock.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Strathmore Royal Canadian Legion, Great War Memorial Hall, 230 – 2nd Ave. Strathmore, Sunday September 11, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.: In lieu of flowers and out of respect for Raymond’s 38 years as a Royal Canadian Legion member, donations to the Calgary Poppy Fund, #1, 4539 6th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 3Z6 would be sincerely appreciated.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family.
Messages:
Once again so soon, A.A.C.C.A. & I am sure, members of the Firearms Community many of which have told me so, that Ray was a long time fighter for our cause. All have express sadness at the passing of Ray. On behalf of many we offer our sincere condolences to the Laycock family. Hank Holm President of the A.A.C.C.A.
To the "Majors" family we are so sorry to learn of Ray's passing. We only just heard today, unfortunately after his Memorial service. Joe enjoyed his chat with Ray at the PLC only a few weeks back. Our sincere sympathies on the loss of a great man, you all have wonderful memories to cherish and hold dear of your father. Ray and Hazel are together again, continuing their laugther with cookies and coffee in the great beyond.Take care.