Obituary of Raymond Norris Elphick

Chief Warrant Officer (Retired) Raymond Elphick, MMM, CD, completed service to his country on February 3, 2025 issuing his final sign off at 13:51. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor, Chief’s wisdom, humour and worldview will continue to have a lasting impact on all those who loved and respected him.

Predeceased by his parents Norris and Lorraine and his brothers Harry and James, he leaves to mourn his sister Leslie (Greg), his cherished wife Suzanne, daughters Kim (Terence) and Corrine (Jeff), and granddaughters Morgan, Katie and Aerin, alongside numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and his Air Force and Air Cadet families.  

Ray's military career began in 1964 in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve. His love of aircraft and the Air Force led him to join the RCAF Regular Force as an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) in 1966. Few knew he turned down an Officer commission with the Canadian Army, in favour of the RCAF. He trained and became an Air Traffic Controller, serving in various posts in France, Germany and across Canada. Other career accomplishments include time spent as an instructor at the Air Traffic Control School, a Staff Officer at 14 Training Group and Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg and as the School Chief Warrant Officer at the RCAF Leadership School in Penhold, AB. His final postings included being appointed as the 17 Wing Chief Warrant Officer in Winnipeg and then as the RCAF Command Chief Warrant Officer until his retirement in 1997.

After "retirement", he transferred to the Supplementary Reserve and worked with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program in Penhold AB until 2005. He served as a member of the RCAF Advisory Council from 1998 – 2006, and remained active with the RCAF Association and the Royal Canadian Legion. He also continued to act as a mentor for many of the members of today’s RCAF. Ray's reach was truly global and Chief’s well-timed counsel, encouragement and kind words will be deeply missed. For those who knew and admired him, he was "THE Chief".

Military service was incredibly important to Ray, however his family meant the world to him. He met Suzanne, the love and light of his life, in September 1967 and in very short order, the happy couple were engaged. Since their June 1968 wedding, Ray has been by her side every step of the way as they navigated through new postings, cross country moves and the arrival of Kim and Corrine. As a father, then a proud Papa, Ray fostered curiosity in his girls and opened their eyes to being the individuals they wanted to be. He introduced them to new experiences including travel, the beauty of nature and appreciation for the arts. He taught kindness, honesty, integrity and the importance of always standing up for yourself and what you believe is right.

Despite looking the part of “THE Chief,” Ray was a humble man with a heart of gold and was the first person to tell you he was proud of you. His support was legendary and he always knew what to say, because his wisdom and knowledge of the history and politics of war was paralleled by his insights into the arts of life.  

Sic itur ad Astra

A celebration of life is currently being planned for June; further details will be shared once all the arrangements have been finalized. If you have photos or memories of Ray that you would like to share with the family, please email them to [email protected]

To honour Ray’s life and legacy, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund.