TESSEMAKER – Ray Tessemaker
1948 – 2016.
Reinoud Tessemaker, beloved husband of Shirley Tessemaker (nee Schickler), passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the age of 67 years, following a courageous four year battle with cancer.
A private burial service will be held prior to the funeral service at the Royal View Memorial Cemetery.
The Funeral Service was held at the Evangelical Free Church, 4717 – 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.
Besides his loving wife Shirley, Ray is survived by their three children Michael (Dawn) Tessemaker of Chestermere and their family Michaela, Madison and Mitchel; Diane (Kevin) Brett of Coaldale and their family Caitlyn, Blake (Sarah) and Darby; Rick (Shana) Tessemaker of Taber and their family Tyler, Ryan, Tyson and Lexi. He is also survived by three older siblings and their families, Nel (Henry) Denoudsten, Klaas (Thelma) Tessemaker and Hennie (Martin) DeRaaf.
Ray was born in Heerde, Holland on April 7, 1948 to Henry and Dena Tessemaker. Their family immigrated to Canada in 1949 and eventually settled in Brooks in 1958. Ray married Shirley on April 2, 1966, with this year marking their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Ray was a hardworking, honest man. He had a passion for automobiles and spent his life racing, fixing and building motor vehicles. While living in Brooks, Ray started his own business, Ray’s Auto Service. In 1971, Ray and Shirley moved their family to Lethbridge. There, he worked for Al Dorge at the Husky on Third Avenue before working for Great West Tire. In 1973, Ray took over Circle Mohawk Service Station and started RT Automotive. In 1999, Ray and his son Rick took over Minute Muffler in Taber. Racing stock cars was always in the family blood. Ray spent several years racing at Bridge County Raceway with his son Rick. Rick’s oldest son Tyler, continues to work for a professional sprint car race team in the United States. Ray was always full of pride with all of his grandchildren and their many accomplishments.
In 2007, Ray retired. Among his many talents, he was well known for his excellent artistry, carpentry and cooking skills. In his free time, Ray enjoyed camping with his family, rebuilding street rods and spending the last seven winters in Apache Junction, Arizona with Shirley.
Ray’s Christian faith greatly influenced his life. His faith in God and the encouragement of his loving wife Shirley, contributed to the many accomplishments made in his lifetime.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ray’s name may be made directly to Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, Alberta T0L 1G0 (www.sabc.ca).
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Ireland for her personal care. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel of Taber, AB.
