Monday, May 1, 2017
My deepest condoleances on the passing of my father's friend Ray Bowering on April 26th, 2016. I found out only today and regret that I was not at his funeral. He was a fine family man who led by his lived example. Many Native drums were made from horsehides I purchased from him back in 1996. For over twenty years my father Athemar Van Braeckel who passed in November, 2007, rented Blacky from Ray to pull tobacco boats in the summer. He was a sturdy, dependable workhorse. Ray took great care of his deadstock business, his customers and his animals. Ray raised his children with a deep respect for horses and to be frank and considerate in their dealings with people. I almost stopped in to visit Ray and Mary this weekend on my way back to Toronto. When I got home, I discovered I was late by one year. I am so sorry! Next time I go home I will be sure to spend some time with Mary if she is still on the homestead. I called from time to time. Life goes by too quickly. Sadly, I lost track of Ray's daughter Audrey who was my friend in high school. I am deeply sorry I was not there to console her and her family. Had I known, I would have made the trip.
