Raymond Clifford Ware

My Dad was happiest when climbing things - from the North Face of Mount Robson to the trees in our backyard. He loved solving a good problem.

He made up his own rules in life. Everything he did, he did with care and quality.

Born in Exeter (UK) during the war, Ray was raised by his mother who did everything to put him through school. He fell in love with climbing while at University in Liverpool. After completing a degree in mechanical engineering, he paid £20 for a boat to Australia and sponsored his mother to join him in Sydney. After completing a master's degree in engineering science at the University of New South Wales, Ray decided he would rather be in the mountains. He arrived in Calgary in 1969 and moved to Banff in 1976. For those early Banff years Ray worked as a climbing and ski guide with the Alpine Club and Cadet Camp in the summer and CMH in the winter.

Ray joined the Banff Centre programming team in 1980, retiring “officially” in 1998 although returning on contract until he ran his last year end financials at the age of 70.

In 1979, Ray married his love Betty, in a backyard ceremony with their malamute by their side. They could be found adventuring together, usually following the dog, ever since. In 1980 I joined, and Dad put a pause on climbing North Faces to take me up more gentle routes instead.

Dad was a great lover of the theatre, and particularly enjoyed his role as Thomas Cromwell in A Man For All Seasons with the Banff Community Theatre.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humour. You could recognize his laugh from anywhere, and couldn’t help but join in.

When not sliding on snow in the Sunshine backcountry, Dad could sit for hours in our backyard with eyes closed listening to Bach.

He put his family above everything, although he didn’t always tell us where he was going.

For Dad, there was nothing in life that a good cup of tea wouldn’t help.

He was the kindest man, with a lively spirit. He took great joy out of every day. He believed in leaving a small footprint, and he lived with a huge heart. We will miss him dearly.

Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Bow Valley SPCA, in hope that all animals can find as good a home as they found with Dad.

I hope they are making good tea for you up there Dad.