Raymond Lynn Collingwood

When we arrived to BC in 2012 for the first time, it was a surreal experience. Australia to Seoul city, to Vancouver, then up to Smithers. Strange mountains, strange smells, birds, animals - but the friendliest people. Reggie settled us with great advice and hospitality, then threw us in a truck and off into the night to some mysterious destination called the Rail Grade, far to the North. Saddle strange horses, load unfamiliar packs, then off along never before seen trails. A near drowning, a busted head for Judy, bear tracks and scratches on trees, bogs and rivers, then Bug Lake. As we rode past Cold Fish, Caribou camp, Hyland Post, the history of a great family unfolded. Over the pass to Worry Creek and down to Laslui Lodge. By this time I was humbled, in awe of such magnificence, feeling like a babe in the woods. Then out strode a giant of a man, looked me in the eye and locked my hand in his. I had met Ray Collingwood and my life changed forever.
The advice, the friendship, the fatherly lectures, the fun, the silent quiet times, the hair raising flights and side by side after Grizz, all swirled together until the day came when he handed me a rifle saying, “you aren’t a wrangler, you are a guide”, the ultimate honour from the ultimate guide.
From that day to this, whatever we have done has had the “eyes of Ray” upon it, he has never been far away from our thoughts and his inspiration has helped to guide us.
We are currently producing a series of video clips for our McGhies Campfire site on Patreon, showcasing our seasons with Ray and the rest of the Collingwood clan.
He touched our hearts as he did for so many. We miss him so. Our love and condolences to all. Clark and Judy

To the Collingwood Family,

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful service for Ray online.We are so sorry we were out of town and couldn’t be there, but our hearts were/are with all of you. Ray was truly one in a million … and even that expression doesn’t do him justice.

We first met Ray in 1989 when he took Randy under his wing as a new guide. One of Randy’s fondest memories with Ray is when he flew him into a lake and dropped him off for the first time he would guide a goat hunt. “I had no idea where I was going. In this little plane, we went over a ridge, and I saw a small lake and asked the name of it. Ray didn’t answer me. The engine throttled back and I could see the river, so I thought maybe we were going to land on it until Ray did this hard left turn and all I could see was a small creek and trees ahead of us. Suddenly we popped up over the trees and I saw the lake again where we started to land. Ray sped up, keeping the plane up on step, until he suddenly shut the engine down and the pontoons slid up onto a beaver dam. He said, “Welcome to Heart Attack.” Ray jumped out and hollered to get everything out of the plane. As we quickly unloaded, he asked me the time three times in less than two minutes. It was a very hot, 30 degree day. Later I found out he kept asking me the time because when it is that hot, it's hard to get the plane off a lake. He told me if I grabbed my camera, I would get the best picture I ever took in my life. “Stand on the beaver dam and don’t move,” he commanded. He pushed off, started the engine, and did some donuts on the lake (I found out later he was roughing up the water.) He accelerated and headed straight for me, full throttle, and as I kept taking pictures I could see his eyes open wide as he flew right in front of me lifting enough to clear the dam, and then I watched with concern as he went straight through the trees, looking as if he would hit the mountain. At this point I really understood his “Welcome to Heart Attack comment” as I felt like I was about to have one, but at the very last second he pulled up the nose, swept to the right, and made a hard left turn, just clearing the side of the mountain. The engine slowed and he gracefully flew away.”

During these years, we were running Amorak Adventures, our dog sledding excursion business, and Ray generously gave us his full support and lots of great advice. He even encouraged us to take our dogs up to Hyland Post for the winter. Because of this, we were able to book some big trips and had one of the best winters of our lives. Truly a magical opportunity.

Ray was extremely kind to our family. He was a “Grandpa Ray” to our two daughters when they were young, and generously continued to provide us with game meat even years after Randy was no longer guiding for him.

We will miss you immensely, Ray. We just wish we could have one more coffee with you! Rest easy, dear friend.

Dear Beanie, Carrie, Chris, Michelle and all the Collinwood Family

We are so so sorry to be missing Ray's service today but please know we are with you in spirit and thinking of you. Ray has been a part of our lives for so many years that we can't imagine not seeing Popa Foxtrot landing here on the lake with Ray's smiling face at the stick.
Ron & Ray go back for 50+ years so he has many stories to share when we see you all in person.
Sending hugs & prayers for you you today
Brenda & Ron

I first met Ray while wintering horses at Hyland Post in the mid 70”s. I think our love of the Spatsizi connected us in some way through out the years. Working with Ray through the guiding outfit or the flying industry has been a grand adventure! His quick wit and the twinkle in his eye will always put a smile on my face! Many a tale to tell and thousands of memories!
Will miss you “Papa Fox”! It is “Over & Out” for now but we will catch up on “The Good Old Days” soon enough. Blue skies and tight lines my friend.
Sharon Bruns

Hi Ray,
Thank-you for the opportunities, thank-you for trusting me, thank-you for believing in me but most of all thank-you for being my friend. You are an integral part of who I am today and God has truly blessed me through you. See you on the other side Ray.
Your loving friend,
Norman Aasland

Many people will describe Ray as a “good friend”, and I count myself in that group. But in my case that does not say enough. I first met him in my capacity as a wildlife biologist in the 1970s, and our mutual interest in wild things and wild places was a natural connection that strengthened and then diversified into one that was more personal. Suffice to say that we shared and consoled during some of the hard times in life...his and mine. But what I need to most remember him for here was his relationship with wildlife and its positive impact on my career.

The extent of his Eyes-in-the-sky experience, day after day, year after year, was unparalleled. He saw so much more than was possible for biologists with their very occasional surveys, but was always professional in relating that, reporting what he saw but not trying to force interpretations or claiming to know more than he did. He wanted to know. He always wanted to know. And he expressed that desire by supporting official surveys and research in many ways. Through the 1980s and into the mid-1990s, I as senior biologist for the Spatsizi Association for Biological Research conducted long-term large mammal studies in the area. That simply would not have been possible without the continuing lodging, access, equipment and logistical inputs provided by Collingwood Brothers Guides & Outfitters. And as if that was not enough, Ray was our reconnaissance pilot (completely voluntary) when we were capturing research animals and he even helped put on some of the radio collars.

For a biologist, the opportunity to observe the workings of nature in a large area over a long time period is very rare, and it was my good fortune, thanks to the Collingwoods’ support, to have and benefit from that experience. It enhanced my field research skills, sharpened my perspectives on wildlife management issues, and deepened my appreciation for the importance of dedicated people like Ray Collingwood in the Conservation picture. Along the way, it helped set my field-oriented path for the future

As I think about it more, now that we have lost him, Ray was very much an enigma: big though small, tough though gentle, rugged though smooth, knowledgeable though humble, curious though vastly experienced, and basically eloquent though I can`t resist noting that at times his thoughts were going so fast his voice had difficulty catching up. Enigmatic, yes, but overall I think the word Unforgettable applies.

I will miss knowing he is out there keeping an eye on things. I will miss HIM. And I hope that, in his new environs, up there, God has a SuperCub on floats available and ready to go. Ray will want to get out there and see what`s going on.
Dave Hatler

We, my wife Maria and I, made camp at Tuaton Lake, starting point for our canoe trip down the Stikine River, when a small float plane came in for a visit. This was 1989, the pilot was Ray and this was the beginning of a connection which developed over the years from a simple acquaintance to a heartfelt friendship. Despite the fact, that our homes are a full day's flight travel apart and there always was a great period of time between the opportunities to meet and common undertakings. Unforgettable highlights remain for us the trips "up North"
as well as our photo safari in Kenya in 1994, together with Carrie and Christopher.
Over all these years since, we learned to know a solid grounded "Down to Earth" person with pleasant reasonable views, who was interested in everything, generous and always eager and ready to help whoever needed help. And with a fine sense of humor besides. The deep felt love for nature, wilderness and wildlife was crucial for Ray and that was one of the most corresponding matters we had in common. It was most likely the motivating force for his lifelong passionate engagement in his life's work "Spatsizi" and to run his splendid and famous guiding business there. Ray's knowledge about and his experience with wilderness and wildlife was tremendous and most admirable to us. It was way more than enough to fill a book, which was so anxious to write, but finally was not granted the privilege to finish.
Early May this year, when Ray and I, Michael, said goodbye at Smithers Airport he made a remark, that in today's hindsight tells me he knew what was coming. I did not realize by then. And now, we are sitting here and in thoughts say farewell to Ray every day with the bad feeling to not having said what had to be said, that his friendship meant so much to us. It feels so unreal to think he will not be there anymore when we come over to Canada the next time.

I'm not a believer but I like the image of a "life after death". And if there is any I would be very very happy to meet with Ray there again. Until then we will badly miss him.
Michael and Maria Behrend
Bruckmuehl
Germany

Ray Collingwood was and is one of those people that make a lasting impact on a person by his total being. His smile , clear eyes, energy, inquisitive nature about everything, work ethic, and dedication to everyone that he made contact with are just the tip of his great characteristics. For many years my life at home was arranged around my trip to Spatsizi. The fresh air when I first stepped off the plane, the immersion into the unspoiled scenery, and the anticipation of a quiet talk with Ray about so many subjects! Besides his personal qualities you can measure a man by the company that he keeps. I always was sure to meet interesting and quality people including family, staff, and fellow travelers. Thank you Ray for enriching my life.
Scott Hanan

Ray, you still make me smile. Ron kept inviting you to our lodge down the Stikine. You finally decided to stop in. I was the only one at the camp to dock you. First of all your cub's door is right hand. Dock was left.You landed on the river taxid to the dock. Over shot the dock, turned off the plane and just floated back. My heart stood still for a moment. Had to ketch the rope while you were floating backward. Finally got you tied up safe at the dock. You were all calm, cool and collective. To this day, one of my favourite memories .I am sure, God is using your great Pilot skills in heaven. You truly are a great Pilot. And of course thanks again Ray for helping us when we needed your help. Hugs and love from all of us. Well miss you.
Maria, Ron, Miguela, Gaetano, Santino, Stewart, Breann

Oh, my dear friend Ray, how we will all miss you terribly. You were a true northern ikon, a lover of nature and everything that moved or lived in the natural expanses of your beloved Spatsizi. Your knowledge of and concern for the wildlife was unsurpassed. We cherished our annual outing with you to Laslui, even more so after you retired and we could have more time together on the waters you knew so intimately. Flying with you into our favourite spots in your Super Cub was an experience usually reserved for the most agile of birds.
Rather than say goodbye, we promise to take you with us in spirit as we wade your old waters and remember those fine days together in pursuit of the big rainbows you so loved.
Tight lines my old pal,
Lindsay, Patti, Price and Emma

My husband Lawrence Bijou and I celebrate the life and legacy of Ray Collingwood. What a gift to Northern British Columbia!

We met him in 2005 during a trip to Spatsizi. This Big City Girl was anxious with her first attempts at fly fishing. We took a tiny sea plane to Ray's cabin and his very presence seemed to calm me down. He looked at my waders and said there's a good reason your feet have been freezing, He repaired the leak himself using his fireplace for light.

Later he took me out into the river and in the presence of the Master, I started catching fish. One fish we didn't release. Ray said his eyes were bugging out, So he took out a tiny sliver of butter, a little frying pan and a Sterno from his backpack and I had the best fish I ever tasted in my life. I saved the fly and pinned it to my hat.

What a privilege to spend time with this man! A true pioneer, humble, deeply knowledgeable and thoughtful about our coexistence in the natural world. He left a lasting impression on us both.

I got to know Ray through my uncle and am extremely grateful for the time I got to spend with him. Trips, experiences, conversations and email conversations about everything between heaven and earth. Kind, friendly and helpful is a pale description of an incredibly knowledgeable wilderness person with an incredibly big heart. Thank you for all the wonderful memories that I will carry with me forever.

Ray's passing is a great loss to the world, you are sorely missed and will remain so.

Henrik Lundstedt

I first had the privilege of meeting Ray Collingwood at the SCI Show in Reno in 2007. My buddy Ryan Cole and I were looking for a combination moose/grizzly hunt in Canada or Alaska. I hit the showroom floor as soon as the show opened the first day and started making the rounds talking to various outfitters. Ryan and his wife were not going to get to Reno until a little later in the day.

I came to the booth for Collingwood Brothers Guides and Outfitters and met Ray. Ray's open, friendly, and honest attitude/personality was immediately apparent. Ray said that our chances of filling our tags were pretty much 100% on moose and about 90% on grizzly, providing we came prepared to hunt hard. He told me that he was completely booked for grizzly for 2007, but that he still had 2 bears on quota for 2008. I explained to him that Ryan wouldn't arrive at the show for another few hours and I just couldn't commit at that point. Ray told me that he'd hold the hunts for us, but that we needed to get back to him as soon as possible and let him know if we were going to book the hunt. He didn't ask for any kind of deposit to hold the openings.

Ryan and his wife arrived in Reno a few hours later and I advised him that as soon as he got the the show hall to meet me at Collingwood's booth. Ryan and his wife got checked into their hotel and then he immediately came to the show. We got to Ray and Reggie's booth and there were literally other hunters waiting with cash in hand to see if we were going to book the hunts. Ray had told them that he had the bears on quota and the dates available, but he had already spoken with me and promised me that he'd hold the hunts until Ryan and I were able to confirm that we wanted to book the hunts. Pretty much any other outfitter would have gone ahead and let the other potential clients book the hunts since they had their deposits in hand. But Ray had given me his word that he'd hold the hunts until Ryan got to the show and we could get back to him.

Ryan and I booked a 14 day hunt for 2008 for moose, grizzly, and wolf. We had a great hunt with Collingwood Brothers, with both of us taking a moose and grizzly, but unfortunately neither of us were able to connect on wolf. Ray hadn't been kidding about hunting hard!

When we got to the lodge at Laslui the first day we were told that we'd have a couple hours to sort out our gear and then we'd head for our respective "spike camps". The next 12 days we were either humping up mountain sides or busting our way thru Artic Birch or Willow bogs almost up to our boot tops in mud.

Ray guided Ryan personally. Ryan who was 37 at the time and in excellent shape told me later that there were times when he just had to put his head down and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other; telling himself that he wasn't going to let "this old man walk me into the ground".

On our departure day from the lodge at Laslui Ray told us that he had been on the radio with his wife in Smithers and told her where he had two prime winter wolf hides and two wolf skulls that that he had taken during his trapping season the previous winter. That when his employee picked us up at the float plane dock she was going to take us to his house and that he was giving us each a hide and skull. We told Ray there was no need for him to to do that; we knew that connecting with a wolf was iffy at best. Ray told us that he wanted to; that we had showed up fit and ready to hunt hard, we treated his staff with courtesy and respect, that we never complained and helped with the hard work. We offered to pay Ray for the hides and skulls, but he wouldn't accept anything; so we significantly bumped up our tips to the staff.

I kept in touch with Ray after the 2008 hunt and would periodically see him at either SCI or the Sheep Show in Reno. But I didn't hunt with Collingwood Bros. again until 2016 when my son Tom and I did a Black Bear hunt, with Ray guiding Tom. We each took good bears, and Tom got the bonus of taking a wolf. The last time I saw Ray was at SCI in 2019. The infectious smile and laugh and sharp wit were still the same, but it was obvious that he had developed tremors in his hands, and his health was not quite the same.

Ray's passing means the loss of a great husband, brother, father, and grandfather to his family. To the world of hunting and conservation Ray's passing means the loss of a great advocate and protector. We are all diminished with his passing.

Rest in peace my Brother. You'll be missed. But maybe we'll see each other in those wild places in the hereafter.

With Great Respect,
John Celestre

As Robert Frost might have penned if he had been blessed with knowing Ray, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and Ray took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference for both him and those about him.”

Imagining a world without Ray is a misstep.

Ray inhabits our world, still. The rising pitch of his laugh mirroring a short field takeoff, his alpine lake-coloured, mischievous eyes, his mirthful, empathetic, passionate soul will forever gift us with immeasurably priceless memories and continue to enrich our own paths.

Memories such as . . .

being raised out of a melancholic “What do we do now?” by Ray’s unrestrained laughter while perched in the rain on a mid-stream Klappan River log jam which had just dined on our river boat and entire camp supplies. Because, of course, fortune had led us into a new adventure.

looking skyward from a meadow at tent camp when Ray flew past, tilting his cub as he tossed out a box of food – seven days before the others were to ride in with horses and supplies had turned to eighteen days – and being amazed not by the instant orange juice as the fruit exploded around me but by his irrepressible “Can it get any better than this?” big sky grin.

Ray performing a jig before Lennart and I on a mountain ridge swathed in swirling snow during a goat hunt hiatus. Lennart asked what Ray was doing and when advised that a jig was a vital survival step during a high-altitude whiteout, Lennart joined in. Meanwhile, I kept watch should any men in white coats appear.

Ray sharing his beloved north country lakes with our son, assisting him along a path that few people – let alone those like Kevin who live with significant physical challenges – are fortunate enough to experience. If the measure of a man were how much joy he feels when bringing joy to others, Ray’s character was immeasurable. And Kevin’s world forever richer.

Ray, thank you for the joy, the jigs, the juice. And the adventures.

Rick Berry

Ray’s truly a special person… someone who cared more than most and who was always generous with his wisdom and his contagious love of the wonders around us. It has been my sincere pleasure to have benefited from you sharing both of these with me. Until we meet again. Rest well Ray.

I knew Ray for many years while living in and around Smithers - he was highly respected and somewhat of a legend...he will be missed in the Bulkley Valley (and probably far a-field...He contributed much to the area! Anne

I’m forever grateful for the many great discussions and adventures Ray shared with me. He stood taller than any man I have met with his generosity, life long knowledge, and kind hearted wisdom.

Being able to enjoy time with both the legendary “Mr.Spatsizi” and the family man on Tyhee Lake makes me feel so fortunate.

I look forward to the day, when the time is right, that our paths cross again. I’m sure you will have many adventurous stories to share!

Ray will be missed more than words can express. We're thankful for so many great memories with Ray and the Collingwood family, Beannie and friends (new and old) in Smithers. I'll forever be grateful for the trip to Highland Post to see the memorial to my father Mel, and to many perfect days hunting, fishing, listening to stories, laughing, and just enjoying the outdoors. We love you and miss you Ray.
Mark Raymond, Dania, Madilyn, Nash & Georgia Melissen

R.I.P. Ray, my condolences to his family and friends, Ray was my defence partner when he played for the Smithers Totems. What a great legacy he is leaving behind.

I first met Ray more than 50 years ago and although my interactions with him tended to be short and sometimes years apart, he influenced me deeply. Many memories and stories that will be cherished and retold long into the future - Ray won’t be forgotten. Our love and condolences to all Ray’s family and friends.

Like so many have mentioned ,my son Andrew and I were blessed with Rays friendship. We loved the man and cherished each day in his company. Mischievous, caring, willing to share everything he loved (Beanie excluded!) everyday with Ray we were richer in so many ways. A mountain of a man…. miss him to my core.

My condolences to Carrie and Ray’s family. I remember Ray as a great person and acquaintance and the fond memories of him flying in to greet us at one of his fishing camps at Bug Lake. Great memories. R.I.P. Ray.

Ray, you were a legend. I know that myself & family were very blessed to have
Known & work with you. We will always have a connection and many many memories with you. God Bless with lots of love.

Ray was an inspiration to all who knew him and I am one of the lucky ones who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was full of mischief and did a few little pranks with and on his grandkids. I remember one in particular where he would sneak up to the window in the evening once it was dark outside and make a bit of noise to get the grandkids attention and then make scary faces at them. They were slightly scared at first but laughed and laughed with papa Ray when they realized it was him. They played the game many times even after the kids were a bit older and knew it was papa.
Ray had that sparkle in those blue eyes that was quite captivating and he always had time to chat and share a few stories and a few laughs.
I had the pleasure of working for him one season and meet many of his wonderful friends/clients.. I believe everyone who started out as a hunting or fishing client soon became good friends with Ray. That’s just the kind of man he was.
I bet he’s tying a new fly right now and catching lots of heavenly trout.
You are missed so much Ray
Rest in peace 🙏🏼

Ray will be dearly missed.

I have so many precious and beautiful memories with Ray. I spent three summers with Ray at the Laslui lodge in Spatsizi. We had so many wonderful adventures together, but what stood out most to me was Ray’s heart for the wilderness and for people. Ray inspired me to see the beauty in all things, to live in the moment and to enjoy those we are surrounded by. Ray loved his family, seeing him as a dad and a grandpa up at the lodge was a heartwarming thing. He always knew how to make us all laugh. My life is forever touched by Ray and his legacy. I’ll always cherish our times up in the mountains and the many things I learned from him. His legacy will live on through his family, and I give my sincerest condolences to all those whose hearts ache in missing him.
“Cause when the sorrow is great, the love is too.”
Much love,
Karly Goertzen