MALO, Raymond
1946 ~ 2026
Mr. Raymond Joseph Emile Malo passed away in the presence of his family on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 79 years, after a lengthy battle with health issues. Ray was born on December 6, 1946, in St. Paul, Alberta. He was the only son of five children to Armand and Alvina Malo and was raised in the St. Paul area. A fateful job opportunity with the TD Bank in Bonnyville landed him the catch of his life where he met his beloved wife, Caroline. They moved to Red Deer where they settled and started their family in 1974.

Forever now known as “Papa Ray”, he is survived by his four children, Christopher (Wendy) Malo, Raye Anne (Jason) Hilts, Michelle (Geno) Hounjet and Toni Vonne Skjonsberg (Jeremy Jablonski), all from Red Deer; along with his two siblings Suzanne, (Tom) Krissa and Lise (Andrew) Watts; in-laws, MaryAnne Strzepek, Stephanie Sarafinchan, Polly Kopala, and Julian (Lucy) Strzepek.. Surviving grandchildren are Joshua, Cora, Colby, Dominic, Micheal, Jayna, Charlee, Carter, and by extension, Camryn and Morgan.

Papa Ray was predeceased by his wife, Caroline; his parents, Armand and Alvina Malo; his father- and mother-in-law, Anthony and Helena Strzepek; siblings Cecile and Edgar Corbière, Flore and Adrien Bussière, Anna and Edward Podloski, Michael Kopala and Leo Strzepek. He will be fondly remembered by his Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish community for all his efforts in helping anyone who needed assistance, no matter how small or large the cause, and especially the hundreds of non-profit organizations and service clubs he assisted in raising money for their goals, missions and initiatives through the Red Deer Bingo Association. Papa Ray will be dearly missed and mourned by all his family and friends, especially Michael and Teresa Shea who were lifelong family friends, and forever Angels to his kids.

A very important lesson that was taught to his children was the Golden Rule; treat everyone the way you wanted to be treated yourself. Papa Ray loved everyone around him, but nothing was more important than helping others in need. Words and gratitude will never be enough for the caregivers that were part of Papa Ray’s life. We are so thankful for the care and attention provided by the Red Deer Michener Extendicare Long-Term Care facility recently, along with the caregivers and staff from Taylor View Towers and West Park Lodge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in honour of Ray at the Sacred Heart Church, 5508 – 48A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers it was Papa’s wish that people donate directly to a non-profit organization of their choosing, but as family we did want to encourage supporting the organizations that were instrumental in Ray’s life: The Lending Cupboard (<a href=” https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/”> https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/</a>), Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre (<a href=”https://friendsoftherdrh.com/”>https://friendsoftherdrh.com/</a>) and Haying in the 30s Cancer Society (<a href=”https://www.hayinginthe30s.com/”>https://www.hayinginthe30s.com/</a>). Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-03-22
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040