Raymond Lynn Collingwood

January 31, 1944 - July 13, 2024

In loving memory ~

Ray passed away peacefully on July 13th. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Jeannie, his children, Christopher (Charlotte), Carrie (Billy), and step daughter Michele (Raymond); his beloved grandchildren, Alysha (Chad), Amanda, Caitlyn, Cai, Adison, and Logan. He is survived by brother Ron (Wendy), sister Sandra (Randy), brother Reg and his former wife Louise. Ray is predeceased by his son, Chad, his wife Linda, step son Kriss, and his parents, Dennis and Betty.

Ray was born in Fort McLeod, Alberta, and moved to Burnaby as a young boy where he played hockey, baseball, track and field lacrosse. Ray graduated from Burnaby South in 1962. He received his diploma as an accredited appraiser (AACI) while playing for the New Westminster Royals Jr. A hockey team. In 1965, he moved to Smithers to work for the B.C. government as a tax assessor, and he received a diploma in Appraisals (RIBC) from UBC. Ray went on to own and operate North Country Appraisals in Smithers.

Upon arriving in Smithers, Ray fell in love with the North. He went on several exploratory trips throughout the north country with legendary bush pilots. His first trip was to the Firesteel River in 1967. The rest is history as Ray and his brothers founded Skeena Air Guides Ltd. (Collingwood Bros), and the adventures, laughter, blood, sweat, and tears of the guiding industry began.

Known worldwide in the guide outfitting world as a "legend", with 55 years of bush flying and guiding experience, Ray received many accolades as an Outfitter and he had a strong bond with the Iskut Elders. His lifelong legacy of the Spatsizi country, Collingwood Bros., and Spatsizi Wilderness Vacations will always be remembered.

Ray was a mountain man who loved fly fishing, upland bird hunting, photography and his dogs. His knowledge and willingness to share it with others was boundless, his authenticity and kindness inspiring. He will be greatly missed by those blessed to have known him, and he touched so many lives.

Ray was a generous man who was very caring, charismatic, goofy, and always had a twinkle in his eye. He was a visionary, a mentor, a storyteller, and a protector of all that he loved. He leaves behind a profound legacy for his family, friends, and the Spatsizi.

As a proud resident of the Bulkley Valley, Ray was a strong supporter of community initiatives. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bulkley Valley Youth Sport Foundation, Cycle 16 Trail Society and the BC Lung Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28th at the Smithers Christian Reformed Church at 4035 Walnut Drive at 2:00 pm. Visit Ray's Memorial page: www.online-tribute.com/RaymondCollingwood.