Raymond Auger

Dr. Raymond George Auger died peacefully on November 30, 2025. Ray was born in St. Boniface, Canada, a neighborhood in Winnipeg historically known as the center of Manitoba's French-Canadian community, in 1943. His parents were immigrants to Canada: His mother, Jeanne Blanc, was born in France, and his father, Peter Auger, was born in a small French-speaking town in North Dakota. Ray was very proud of his French-Canadian heritage, tracing his father's family back to Quebec and early French history in Canada. With this background, his first language was French.

Ray completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba and received his MD degree from the University of Manitoba in 1966. After completing his Internship at St. Boniface General Hospital, he and his wife Judy came to Rochester, and Ray completed his neurology training in 1971. Prior to joining the consulting staff of Mayo Clinic in 1972, he and his family spent one year in England as Ray worked as a neurology registrar at the Royal Victoria Infirmary at Newcastle on Tyne in England. Mayo sent Ray to the "Royal Vic" for training in electromyography (EMG), and then to apply this training in Rochester.

Ray was an outstanding clinical neurologist, and this was recognized during his training when he was awarded the Henry W. Woltman Award, an honor given to the Fellow or resident who "demonstrates superior ability and performance in the field of clinical neurology." In addition to clinical neurology, he had a special interest in cranial neuropathies. During his time in the EMG Lab, he defined the techniques for the evaluation of cranial neuropathies, techniques used in the EMG Lab to this day.

Ray also enjoyed educational endeavors and contributed to the training of neurology residents. He created a series of videos with memorable visual examples, often with accompanying EMG recordings. For many years, these videos were required viewing for neurology residents doing their first outpatient education experience in the Education Division.According to a colleague and current Mayo neurologist, Ray was known by colleagues and trainees as a "reserved, brilliant neurologist respected for his quiet demeanor and thoughtful approach to evaluating patients." Ray not only taught neurology, but taught trainees how to respectfully care for their patients. In subsequent years, many of these trainees became his and his family's trusted physicians.

Following retirement, Ray took time to develop his interests in many areas beyond medicine and neurology: travel, biking, playing bridge, continuing to refine his training tools for EMG, enjoying his cats, growing his computer skills, playing his accordion, and meeting his fellow neurology retirees for coffee once a week. Particularly notable was his interest and skill in wildlife photography, which was, in his words, "the perfect intersection of photography and technology." This passion led to photography-driven travel around the globe for Ray and Judy. In Ray's own words on photographing birds and flying insects, expressed in an exhibit several years ago, he was "astounded by their aerial agility, physical characteristics, and behavioral peculiarities. I have taken great pleasure in isolating an instance in time in the lives of these magnificent creatures through the act of photographing them. "

Ray met his wife, Judy Ann Lombaert, at a dance in the hospitality hall of a local church. They danced, he offered her a ride home, and they were partners from that point. Ray was a supportive partner and encouraged Judy Ann in her career and was always available to talk through concerns. He also enthusiastically attended multicultural events that her students organized. At the time of his death, Ray and Judy had been married a few weeks shy of 60 years.

Ray was a loving father and a fierce advocate of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He encouraged them, he praised them, he supported them, and he helped them out of sticky situations when needed. Ray is survived by his wife, Judy Ann, and children: Nikki Jackson (Joel); Michelle Dzik (Dominic); R. Robert (Tracy); and Tom (Katie); grandchildren: Adam Jackson (Taryn); Grant Jackson (Leah); Dana Dzik, Jack Dzik, Josh Auger, Emily Auger, Daisy Auger and Brooks Auger. Lastly, great grandchildren: Charlotte and Gabriella (Adam); Everett and Clara (Grant).

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at Maxon Family Cremation and Life Celebrations in Rochester on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow the service. Family will attend a private inurnment.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Mayo Hospice and The Haven at Cottagewood Senior Communities.

Memorials are preferred to the Audubon Society and Quarry Hill Nature Center, organizations that reflect Ray's appreciation for nature.

For family and out of town guests:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Rochester West-Medical Center
155 16th Ave SW Rochester, MN 55902

Here is the link to use for online booking.

Ray Auger Celebration of Life