Obituary of RAYMOND PROKIPCHUK

RAYMOND ERNEST PROKIPCHUK January 9, 1960 – June 11, 2013 It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our dear brother Ray at his home in Winnipeg. Left to treasure his memory are brothers Norman (Monica), Douglas (Rosemarie), nephews and niece Evan, Tim, Scott, Chris and Gina. He will also be sorely missed by his uncles and aunts John Prokipchuk, Sophie and Norm Romas, Myrtle and Leif Gottfredsen, Ethel Cyndroski, cousins and extended family and friends. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Morris in July 2012, Elsie (nee Warywoda) in October 1997, and his younger brother, Patrick, in June 1976. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ray was extremely detail-oriented, had an excellent memory and excelled in his studies. His family was very proud of his numerous scholastic achievements and awards, particularly the Commerce (Honours) degree he earned from the University of Manitoba in 1982. He also excelled in sports during his school years and remained active in team sports and active lifestyle charity events, like bike-a-thons, over the years with his colleagues at Monarch Life, North American Life and Manulife Financial from 1982 until his retirement on April 28, 2013. Although a man of few words – very quiet, reserved and observant – he had a keen sense of humour. Ray will be fondly remembered for his uncanny knack of being able to make people laugh until they cried with his hilarious one-liners, funny stories and comical antics. Ray loved nature and one of his greatest pleasures was biking or trekking around his parents’ cottage north of Victoria Beach and in the Belair Forest with family and friends. He was a great help to his Mom and Dad in building and maintaining the cottage and helping them around the house – even after he moved to Kitchener in 1996 to pursue work with Manulife Financial and was only able to visit for a couple of weeks in the summer and at Christmas. Ray’s friends back in Winnipeg were very important to him and he made a point of attending their traditional get-togethers when in town. He was quite sentimental and never forgot an immediate family members’ birthday or anniversary. Ray’s dedication to his family was never more evident than during the bulk of the year before his Dad passed away. During that time he commuted from Kitchener to work out of his father’s home in Winnipeg for two weeks each month so he could help take care of his Dad. He was truly a blessing to his family. A celebration of Raymond’s life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013, at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg. Interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice.