Obituary of Ray Dillman

DILLMAN, Raymond “Ray” Roderick - age 85 of Dunmore, Alberta, formerly of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, at Masterpiece Southland Meadows, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Born in Meaghers’s Grant, Nova Scotia, on November 1, 1938, he was a son of the late Harvey Dillman and Phyllis (Norman) Dillman/Miller. 

Ray was a truck driver for over 58 years, both in Nova Scotia and Alberta. Retiring at the age of 77. To say he was meticulous, is an understatement, his lawn was better kept than any professional landscapers and he took the utmost pride in his vehicles, they always looked as if they just left the showroom. Ray always had a joke to tell, and he loved to tease, often his quick wit would leave you speechless, even though you were expecting it. A trip home to NS always included an East Coast lobster and clam boil with friends and family. The Buffalo Club in Eastern Passage was a place Ray liked to go to meet up with his friends. Although he lived in Alberta most of his life, Nova Scotia was always home. 

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jean (Hilderman), Dunmore, Alberta; his children, Darelene (Dave Larson), Bashaw, AB, Deryk, Brooks, AB, Helen, Thompson, MB; stepchildren; Sheldon (Eva)Albrecht, Calgary, AB, Eunice (Randy)Wong, Medicine Hat, AB; brother, Robert, Cooks Brook, NS;  12 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren , step great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his stepfather, Ralph Miller; daughter, Deborah (October 2023); daughter in law, Melanie; brothers, Norman, Ivan & Michael (in infancy); sisters, Una and her husband Bill Coleman & Irma (in infancy), sister-in-law, Susan “Willie” (Jodrey). 

Cremation has taken place and as per Ray’s wishes there will be no service. Some of Ray’s ashes will be coming home to Nova Scotia at a later date. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Grace Memorial Affordable Burial and Cremation, Medicine Hat, AB.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Ray may be shared with the family at:  www.ettingerfuneralhome.com