Raymond Charles Buckland

September 27, 1957 - April 4, 2025

"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how."  ~Friedrich Nietzsche~

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Raymond Charles Buckland, who left us on April 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.

Ray was born in Canberra, Australia, and grew up in Sydney where he built a remarkable life and career. A natural leader with an unwavering passion for people, Ray found his calling in venue and event management. His career spanned iconic locations - from the vibrant King's Cross Hotel to the Sydney Showgrounds. He passionately managed large-scale vacation resorts and entertainment venues, loving every minute of it. Among his many accomplishments, he took immense pride in contributing to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the 2005 World Masters Games in Edmonton, Canada.

Respected for his enthusiasm, vision, and dedication, Ray left a lasting mark on Australia's hospitality, venue, and event scene before relocating in 2001 to Edmonton, Canada after meeting the love of his life, his Canadian wife Deborah. There, he continued his work in venue management and later ventured into entrepreneurship, proudly owning a travel agency and a bakery. His two sons Daniel and Matthew followed Ray from Australia to Edmonton and eventually settled in to make Canada their new home.

Ray was a man of depth and curiosity. He loved spirited conversations about politics and current affairs and could often be found cheering on his favourite Australian and Canadian sports teams. He was a unique character who was always noticed in a room full of people, enjoyed playing cards and games, and could spend hours fishing, given the opportunity.

He found immense pleasure in spending time with his family and friends (mates), was so proud of his sons, and relished the many special times spent with his two adored granddaughters – playing games and creating make believe, swimming in the pool and ocean or just cuddling on the couch watching shows or reading with them. Ray’s true happy place was beside the ocean or open water, spending many contented days houseboating on the Hawkesbury River in Australia, or being anywhere in the world that would give him ocean views and the possibility of a swim. He and Deborah built their lives first in Sydney, then in Alberta and Mexico where you could find Ray gazing over the beautiful ocean view from their condo, having afternoon drinks at a local pub or lost in the pages of a good book on the Terraza.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Deborah; his sons Daniel and Matthew and daughter-in-law Breanne; his beautiful granddaughters Ellie and Marlee; brothers Mark (Tom), Shane, and stepbrother Laurie Bilsborough.

Ray will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, quick wit, love for family and friends, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the family and friends who loved him dearly. He is deeply missed.

A private family gathering will be held to honour Ray’s life, and a public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Special thanks go to the medical staff at Lacombe Hospital, Red Deer Regional Hospital, and the Central Alberta Cancer Centre. Their sincere care and concern for Ray’s well-being is recognized and deeply appreciated.

If memorial donations are made it is preferred that they go to an Alberta cancer charity of choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond Charles Buckland, please visit our floral store.