Ray was born October 8, 1942, in New Annan, Nova Scotia, and died on June 17, 2022, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Ray completed his R.N. training at Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS, and his BScN and MScN at Western University, London, ON. He worked as a general duty nurse in Dartmouth, NS; London, ON; and Toronto, ON; and taught nursing at Wellesley School of Nursing in Toronto, ON. In 1972, he began his academic career at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing by teaching students enrolled in the bachelor's and master's programmes, retiring in 2001. Ray was an avid believer in health promotion and illness prevention, as well as the vital importance of community (public) health nursing.

Ray's interests included early and classical music, art, poetry, history, philosophy, hiking, jogging, and travel.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Malcolm and Evelyn Isabel (Ferguson) Thompson. Ray is survived by his sister Helen (Rick) Bujold, his nephew Raymond (Monica), their children Malyka and Maxime, as well as numerous family and friends in Canada and U.S.A.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 2pm in Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche, with Sybil Flemming officiating. Reception will follow. Interment will take place in Bell Gift Cemetery.

You may make donations to a charity of your choice on Ray's behalf, if desired.