Ray Howard ("Apple") Bjornson

To view the Celebration of Life for Apple, please click the link below.

Celebration of Life ~ Ray "Apple" Bjornson

Ray Howard Bjornson, lovingly known to many friends and family as “Apple,” of Glenboro, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the age of 66.

Ray was born in Glenboro, Manitoba, on January 23, 1959. He attended Glenboro School and grew up playing baseball and hockey. As a young adult, he played senior hockey with the Glenboro Nordics and softball with the Glenboro Stealers where they had their own limo to chauffeur the team to games and extra curriculars.

Throughout his working life, Ray was known for his strong work ethic and friendly nature. He worked at the Esso gas station on 18th Street in Brandon, at Scott National in Brandon, at the Bulk Esso Plant in Glenboro, and spent a short time working at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. In 1997, Ray fulfilled a dream when he purchased John’s Esso in Glenboro, renaming it Apple’s Esso—a place that became more than just a business, but a gathering spot for the community. Ray retired in 2013, selling Apple’s Esso to his nephew Mark McGregor, yet he continued to help in any way needed right up until his passing.

Ray had a passion for travel and enjoyed visiting many places around the world, including Hawaii, Australia, Germany and numerous trips to Mexico and Cuba. One of his favourite memories was taking his entire family to Jamaica to celebrate his 50th birthday, a trip fondly remembered by both family and many friends who joined the celebration. During the summer months, Ray cherished his time at his cabin at Pelican Lake entertaining many friends with pig roasts & late night boat rides.

Ray’s generosity and welcoming spirit will be deeply missed by everyone, young and old. Many stories were shared, problems solved, and beverages enjoyed around his kitchen table, where absolutely everyone was welcome.

Ray leaves to mourn his passing his brother Larry (Karen) of Edmonton, Alberta, and his sister Arlene McGregor (Glenn) of Wawanesa, Manitoba. He will also be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Jason (Amanda), Lori, Brett (Amanda), Mark (Marla), and Derek (Chantel); numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; his special relationship with Dionne Rodriguez Gonzalez and her daughter Emelis; as well as extended relatives and many friends.

Ray was predeceased by his mother Doreen Bjornson (née Christie) in 1999, and his father Fred Bjornson in 2000.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Glenboro Kinsmen Community Hall, with Sharon Hamilton officiating. Refreshments and lunch will follow. The service will be webcast for those unable to attend in person.

Friends and family wishing to honour Ray’s memory may make a memorial donation to the Glenboro & Area Foundation, Box 147, Glenboro, MB, R0K 0X0.

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