Raymond “Ray” Drewlo
With sorrow in our hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond Drewlo on July 16, 2026, at Carman Memorial Hospital, at the age of 81 years. He is now eternally at peace.
Ray leaves his loving wife, Brenda, of 59 years, to cherish his memory, as well as his son Kevin (Sally); grandsons Lucien and Zayden; sister Marlene; nephew Leroy (Holly), Draven and Decklen; niece Rhonda (Shawn), Kass; sister Judy (Lloyd); niece Samantha, Austin, Meyka and Bella; niece Nicole (Hannes); sister-in-law Karen and family; and brother-in-law Leonard and family.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Albert (1988) and Irene (2021); brother-in-law Larry; and in-laws Adolf and Mary Kiesman. Ray was raised on a farm near Moosehorn, Manitoba. He married Brenda Kiesman in May 1967. They moved to Winnipeg, where he worked as a welder at Versatile for nine years. In October 1968, their son Kevin was born. They later moved to St. Adolphe, and in 1974 moved to Carman.
In Carman, Ray and his cousin Boyd Friesen started a body shop business. After selling the business, he worked for Janzen GMC until his retirement. Ray was a community-minded person. His faith was important in his life. He served on church council and was always involved in church services. He spent many years with the Kinsmen Club. Ray loved many sports, especially hockey. He ran the time clock for the Carman Beavers for 45 years. He was also a guard at the jails for many years, which he jokingly referred to as “babysitting.”
Ray loved going for coffee with the guys, once a day and twice on weekends. After retirement, he enjoyed going for coffee twice a day with his buddies. Ray and Brenda enjoyed old-time dances. They took a bus trip to the Yukon with The Country Blend Band and also followed The Fugitive Band to Belmont to attend dances, “like groupies.”
The times they treasured most were their visits to British Columbia to see their grandsons. They continued making memories through FaceTime. When the boys came to Manitoba, Grandpa supplied the donuts and wristbands for the Carman Fair.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Carman United Church with Pastor Trudy Thorarinson. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Carman, Manitoba. Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to Grace-St. John’s Church.
The family would like to thank the staff at Carman Memorial Hospital, the Seniors Resource Council, and the drivers who helped get Ray to his CancerCare appointments. A special thank you is also extended to Doyle’s Funeral Home. Our heartfelt thank you to Pastor Trudy for all her kindness and support during Ray’s illness and passing.
With sorrow in our hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond Drewlo on July 16, 2026, at Carman Memorial Hospital, at the age of 81 years. He is now eternally at peace.
Ray leaves his loving wife, Brenda, of 59 years, to cherish his memory, as well as his son Kevin (Sally); grandsons Lucien and Zayden; sister Marlene; nephew Leroy (Holly), Draven and Decklen; niece Rhonda (Shawn), Kass; sister Judy (Lloyd); niece Samantha, Austin, Meyka and Bella; niece Nicole (Hannes); sister-in-law Karen and family; and brother-in-law Leonard and family.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Albert (1988) and Irene (2021); brother-in-law Larry; and in-laws Adolf and Mary Kiesman. Ray was raised on a farm near Moosehorn, Manitoba. He married Brenda Kiesman in May 1967. They moved to Winnipeg, where he worked as a welder at Versatile for nine years. In October 1968, their son Kevin was born. They later moved to St. Adolphe, and in 1974 moved to Carman.
In Carman, Ray and his cousin Boyd Friesen started a body shop business. After selling the business, he worked for Janzen GMC until his retirement. Ray was a community-minded person. His faith was important in his life. He served on church council and was always involved in church services. He spent many years with the Kinsmen Club. Ray loved many sports, especially hockey. He ran the time clock for the Carman Beavers for 45 years. He was also a guard at the jails for many years, which he jokingly referred to as “babysitting.”
Ray loved going for coffee with the guys, once a day and twice on weekends. After retirement, he enjoyed going for coffee twice a day with his buddies. Ray and Brenda enjoyed old-time dances. They took a bus trip to the Yukon with The Country Blend Band and also followed The Fugitive Band to Belmont to attend dances, “like groupies.”
The times they treasured most were their visits to British Columbia to see their grandsons. They continued making memories through FaceTime. When the boys came to Manitoba, Grandpa supplied the donuts and wristbands for the Carman Fair.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Carman United Church with Pastor Trudy Thorarinson. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Carman, Manitoba. Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to Grace-St. John’s Church.
The family would like to thank the staff at Carman Memorial Hospital, the Seniors Resource Council, and the drivers who helped get Ray to his CancerCare appointments. A special thank you is also extended to Doyle’s Funeral Home. Our heartfelt thank you to Pastor Trudy for all her kindness and support during Ray’s illness and passing.