Ray Brisson is one of the most active octogenarians at Sardis Community Church. 

Ray has experienced variety in his lifetime. The military factored  early in his career, when in 1943,  in his late teens, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He started  as a First Class Stoker, training aboard various ships and becoming an aircraft mechanic. Towards the latter part of the war Ray joined the Fleet Air Arm of the RCN. Amongst other points of call, his sea voyages took him to his ancestral roots, England and Ireland. Ray was honorably discharged in 1946 and settled down in Edmonton. Only later, when he met Margaret, his wife, was he to discover the Mennonites and their “peace ethic.” Those who know Ray, know him as a man of peace. Thank you Margaret!  

Most suited to his public persona, Ray got involved in recreational vehicles sales and service. As he told me about this career, it was obvious he enjoyed meeting customers, carefully explaining the superb qualities of his vehicles and services. Upon his retirement he and Margaret moved to Sardis, BC in 1987. 

They have been attending SCC ever since. Ray wasted no time in getting involved as the custodian of the church, serving in that capacity with great dedication, and in the process making many friends. Not only was he “Mr. Fixit” and “Mr. Cleanit” but also arranged weekend cleaning, vacuuming, wiping and lawn cutting schedules. This resulted in considerable savings to the congregation. It was obvious that Ray was often doing work beyond his job description and on his own time. Needless to say, Margaret was usually seen assisting Ray.

During this time as custodian, he also became a volunteer with M2W2, befriending an inmate, Joe Petro. This friendship lasted for 5 years until Joe’s death. Ray’s sense was that before his death, Joe met the Lord. 

Upon relinquishing his custodial assignment about 4 years ago, Ray has continued to volunteer for the weekend church janitorial jobs. In addition to this, he is also much involved with serving in the Chillwack MCC Thrift Store. He not only spends a day or two in the store as a clerk but also arranges the monthly schedules for the 16 men serving in the store. When asked what is special to him about serving in the Thrift Store, Ray had a threefold response: providing useful products to local people living on the margins of the economy; enjoying customers, engaging them in conversation in dealing; and providing revenue and assistance to the poor in countries where MCC has a global presence. Here is a man with focus, a great model and witness.  

It should be noted as well that both Ray and Margaret are facilitators in their J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Midweek Group also known as the Seniors’ group: arranging, reminding, giving rides, entertaining, and more. When asked of a fellow senior to describe Ray, the response was, “He is generous, caring, dependable, always available.”

Ray’s ministry reminds us of Psalm 92:12, “But  the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” And verse 14:“Even in old age they will produce delicious fruit; they will remain vital and green.”