Ray Cowley

Raymond Scott Cowley, beloved son of T. Norman Cowley and Annie Laing Oliphant passed away at the age of 71 years.

Born in Calgary, the youngest of five Sons, T. David Cowley (Elaine), Stan Cowley (Gloria), Warren Cowley (Jeanette) Norman Cowley (Eileen).

Ray leaves two Sons, Steve Cowley with his wife Amie and grandson Aaron, and James Cowley and grandsons Brandon, Tim and Jeremy, as well as many nieces nephews, extended family and friends.

Ray's life passion was art and as a gifted artist who painted and sculpted, he was known for creating western art that captured the essence of his subject. Ray was also curator of the Buffalo Nation's Luxton Museum in Banff for 20 years.

Ray was proud and honoured to have received his eagle feather and Indian name "Deer Runner" from the Kainai (Blood) Nation.

Ray was an avid westerner and called Rafter Six Ranch home for the last half of his life and contributed much to the character and art of the ranch owned by his brother Stan Cowley and his wife Gloria, their children Cathy, David, Thomas, Kateri, and Daisy Rae.

Ray loved fast cars and driving the historic stagecoach and buggies for many ranch events and weddings, as well as riding in the Stampede Parade countless times with enthusiasm and a smile a mile wide with the look of a pioneering cowboy frontiersman.

Ray's sense of humour preceded him and he left us the following statement to be published in the newspaper once he crossed the great divide...

"In my life, I made some good deals and some bad deals... but I really went into the hole on this one!"

Ray's parting humour was to go peacefully in the early hours of April 1st, to give us one last joke, laugh and a wink. His licence plate read

CC UU. His blu-Ray player also said "See You".

That was always Ray's parting words.

So long pardner & Happy Trails!

Funeral Service was held on Saturday April 5, 2014 at the St. Michael's Anglican Church located at 709 – 7th St. Canmore, Alberta.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.