Raymond Leakey

Raymond Leakey aged 95 years of Avonlea, Saskatchewan, passed away on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026.  Raymond was born in Parkerview, Saskatchewan, on June 16th, 1931 and spent his formative years in Yorkton, SK.  From an early age, he embraced hard work, adventure, and community.  As a young hockey goaltender, he played with determination — losing one of his front teeth in the process.  As a teenager, Raymond learned to operate heavy equipment from his Uncle Sweeney, a skill that would serve him well throughout his career.  After graduating from high school, Raymond began working in the oil industry, where his dedication and hard work quickly earned him promotions.  

During this time, Raymond met Mavis McRorie, the love of his life, through mutual friends.  Their connection was immediate, and they were soon married.  A few years later, they welcomed their first child, Darcy.  Not long afterward, Raymond accepted a promotion that took the young family halfway around the world to Baghdad, Iraq.  Their second child David was born while they were overseas.  Neither of them could have imagined the experiences, friendships, and opportunities that life abroad would bring.  

In time, however, Mavis longed to be closer to her family, and they returned home to Avonlea, SK — a community and extended family that Raymond came to love deeply.  There, he partnered with his brother-in-law, Ed, to operate a gas station and gravel hauling business, which later grew into a delivery and concrete business.  Their family also continued to grow with the arrival of Darrell on Halloween in 1961, followed by Dale in 1964.  

Raymond was deeply committed to his community.  He coached local sports teams, volunteered as a firefighter, and was a proud, lifelong member of the Lions Club.  During the winter months, he continued working in seismic exploration, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with the career he loved.  

In 1975, Raymond returned to the oil industry full-time, and once again adventure called.  He, Mavis, Darrell, and Dale moved to Pakistan for a two-year contract.  Afterward, the family returned to Avonlea while Raymond continued his work as a manager in the oil industry and later established 4D Drilling.  

Even retirement didn’t slow Raymond down.  He worked as a crop adjuster before finding one of his favorite jobs at the local golf course.  A tireless worker with boundless energy, Raymond found his greatest joy in caring for his family.  He loved cooking big breakfasts for his children and grandchildren — Meghan, Scott, Erin, and Dana — tending his garden, maintaining his yard and home, and spending countless hours creating beautiful wood carvings.  A gifted artist, his craftsmanship reflected the patience, creativity, and pride he brought to everything he did.  

Raymond’s life was defined by hard work, quiet generosity, unwavering devotion to his family, and a spirit of adventure that carried him around the world while always bringing him back home.  He was greatly loved and will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  

A Celebration of Raymond’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 19th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Avonlea United Church in Avonlea, SK.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550