O'Ray Charles Pontius
March 14th, 2016
O’Ray Charles Pontius, late of Regina, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Regina General Hospital. He was born in Carlyle, Saskatchewan to Ralph and Elizabeth Pontius and lived most of his life there.
O’Ray was a passionate, caring man who enjoyed carpentry, curling, the cottage life and his dogs. He was known for his outstanding work ethic employed as a carpenter for Marathon Oil until his retirement. O’Ray gave of himself unwaveringly to family and friends always giving his time generously to help family, friends and his community. O’Ray was an artisan too. He could work magic with scraps of wood, creating works of art treasured by family and friends fortunate enough to get one. His Christmas decorations won awards year after year. He was that special dad who could build and fix anything. But the most important thing he built was a loving home in Carlyle for his family.
O’Ray was extremely loving to his family, Cheryl (George) of Winnipeg, Heather (Glen) of Regina, Brett (Karen) of Sherwood Park; grandchildren Jessica, Christopher (Kristy), Mark, and his ‘shadow’ for many years, Ben (Cassie); great grandson Jonathan. O’Ray was predeceased by his parents; sisters Esther and Ella; brothers Elmer and George; and stepson Edward. He is also survived by his devoted wife and best friend Muriel; brother Donald (Joan); sisters Betty (Bob), Joan; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and many good friends.
Words cannot express our loss but we know that he is now in a peaceful place.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in Carlyle at a later date. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Messages:
My condolences Muriel on the passing of your beloved O'Ray. The last time I spoke with you and O'Ray was at dad's funeral in 2004. I know that dad sure enjoyed working with O'Ray and that he and mum enjoyed the times the four of you were together.
Muriel and family I am so very sorry for your loss.
Deepest Condolences Muriel and family. Many great memories will always be remembered of O'Ray 's life. Our sympathy to you all. Wally, Bradley, Alison and Kim Holt.
Muriel, So sorry to hear of O'ray's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this sad time. We will always be thankful for how you and O'ray took Mom (Katie Selzer) under your wing at Wm. Albert house. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed.
Auntie Muriel, Cheryl, Heather, Brett and families - Our thoughts are with you all. Uncle O'Ray was a father/dad, mentor, friend to my brother and I. He gave me a love for wood working and using my hands. His patience and guidance taught me to be a better man. There are many memories of Wpg Jets games, canoe trip, family functions. Uncle O'Ray thank-you for touching my life. We were all blessed to have you in our lives. Measure 6 times and cut once.
Our deepest condolences to you Muriel and your family. O'Ray was very well liked and respected in this community. He was very kind to the Lawrence family when we first moved to Carlyle and we will never forget that. He will be remembered for his kindness, good heart, love of sports and his participation in those sports he loved. Aldona was so happy to be able to see him last year and thank you for making the time for that visit. She was tickled to see you both. He is now at peace and in a better place. God bless you all.
It has been a long time since the family left Carlyle, however we have thought of you from time to time We enjoyed you around town whether at work or play, at curling bonspiels and at school with you Heather. You will all be struggling with your loss but be assured O'Ray is at peace, has left a wonderful legacy and has many friends and family who will be remembering him and a life well lived. It sure bothered him after he had his stroke but it didn't keep him down. He worked hard to recover as best he could. Ben certainly was his 'shadow', both needing each other. Please take care, hug often. Take time to grieve. Our sympathy to you all!
So very sorry for your loss Aunty Muriel. May your memories together provide you comfort. Thinking of you all. Linda
We are so sorry to hear of O'Ray's passing. Truly a loving, caring gentleman. Our sincere sympathy.
Muriel & Family: Ken & I want to offer our condolences to You and your Family. Our Deepest Sympathy to All.
Heather and Glen - We are sending all of our love to you at this time. This is a difficult time but our prayer is that you remember all the joy, love and happy times you had together. Give our love to your Mom and to Ben as well. XO
I was so saddened to read of O'Ray's death. What a loss for all of you. I remember him so fondly, as one of Dad's friends. O'Ray was a regular visitor at our home especially during the last few months of Dad's life, when Dad was unable to go out, and Dad so enjoyed and treasured those visits. Our family was very grateful for his concern, and the support he provided Dad. Just one of the ways in which O'Ray showed his kind and caring nature. My sympathy to all of you.