Raymond Chretien
August 28, 1944 - January 8th, 2023
On Sunday January 8th, 2023 Raymond Chretien passed away at his home in Marsh Lake, Yukon at the age of 78.
Ray was born in Charlottenburgh, Ontario on August 28, 1944. He spent his childhood on the family farm with his parents and five siblings. In 1968 Ray arrived in the Yukon after finding a job working on a bridge south of Dawson City! He fell in love with the place, the people and the life style. Various jobs in construction and a stint at Hougens allowed him to enjoy his time on the water and connected him with friends that lasted his lifetime!
In 1990, Ray purchased a red and white P&H 20 ton crane, which he used to start RC Crane and Construction. His company grew to become the main provider for crane services in the Yukon. Over the next 30 years, Ray grew RC Crane into a thriving business that remained his passion and pride until the moment of his passing.
Ray is predeceased by mother Emelda, father Joseph, and brothers Thomas and Robert. He is lovingly remembered by siblings Francis, Jacqueline and Rose-Marie; children Allison, Joseph and Thomas, and granddaughter Allissa. We will miss Ray’s laugh, his regular phone calls, and his willingness to help, no matter the task. Ray will be remembered as a fun loving, generous and hard-working man by those who knew him.
You are invited to a casual celebration of life with Ray’s favourite, a coffee and a muffin, at the McBride Museum on Sunday, January 22nd at 2pm-6pm. Messages for the family can be forwarded to Heritage North Funeral Home in Whitehorse, email Jennifer@heritagenorth.ca
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Comments (4)
Lyle Thompson on Jan 26, 2023 at 9:55 am
I first met Ray when he worked for Whitepass as a cat operator on the railroad. Ray was always upbeat and smiling. He was definitely one of the good guys.
Ray Biggs on Jan 19, 2023 at 10:56 am
I liked working with Ray, always there to help. We always joked about having the same name. He had an infectious smile and great sense of humour. Ray will be missed dearly.
don bernier on Jan 19, 2023 at 9:00 am
Worked with Ray off & on for couple jobs , easy to work with he would say what needs to be done, at end may only say 2 words but ended up nobody got hurt & job got done with out wrecking anything , First met ray when he was working at Hougens & been friends ever since, hate to say it but no more aches & pains just rest, have good one Ray.
Chantelle on Jan 18, 2023 at 7:56 pm
Our sincerest condolences to Rays family. I will always remember how generous and welcoming Ray was. He welcomed his granddaughters friends and his kids friends for sleepovers, birthdays, bbqs at the lake many times over. We are so fortunate to have had these memories with Ray. He loved his family very much, and he was a good man. We will miss him. XX