Ray joined the RCMP in 2006 and was posted to the small northern community of Assumption, Alberta. Nearly six years into his career, at just 46 years old, he experienced his first heart attack. In true Ray fashion, he drove himself to the local health centre. From there, he was flown and transported through three additional hospitals before doctors discovered a major blockage and placed a stent.

In 2018, while visiting Neana—his then fiancée—Ray suffered a second heart attack. Thankfully the ambulance arrived within four minutes, and he later required additional stents. Following this, Ray developed atrial fibrillation that significantly impacted both his job and daily life, as the unpredictable arrhythmia could strike at any time, even waking him at night. In 2020, Ray underwent a successful heart ablation surgery at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.

After his heart attacks, Ray was moved to more administrative duties, though he always hoped to return to full operational policing. In January of this year, he retired after 20 years of dedicated service with the RCMP. Ray is deeply devoted to his family and friends, a highly respected officer who served his communities with integrity and compassion—and someone who would do anything for the people he loves. We know he wouldn’t be celebrating his 60th birthday without the incredible cardiac care he received.

In lieu of gifts, we are inviting friends and family to help us give back by supporting the Mazankowski and the life-saving cardiac care that helps so many families like ours. After all, everybody loves Raymond.