RAYMOND LAURI PURO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RAYMOND LAURI PURO September 16, 1928 - June 10, 2006 After a long illness Raymond Lauri Puro passed away peacefully June 10, 2006 with his family at his side. Both an accomplished athlete as well as a respected professional, Ray will long be remembered by those who knew and loved him deeply. He is predeceased by his parents, Hanna and Lauri Puro and survived by his closest friend and wife of 53 years, Estelle; children, Patricia (Walter), Ray Jr. (Pat) and Laurie (Eugene); brother Martin (Linda); and brother-in-law Len. Most precious to him were his grandchildren, Andrew (with whom he shared a special bond), Emily, Jessica, Alyssa and Jeremy, who knew him as Papa. He is also survived by nephews, Robert, Michael and Greg and nieces Laura, Denise and Renee. Exceedingly humble, Ray was a man whose accomplishments you heard of only through the stories of others. In his home town of Sudbury, ON, he is perhaps best remembered as a sports star, and the local papers followed his many accomplishments on both field and rink. He began his athletic career with a sports scholarship at Queens University, but left when he was drafted by the Saint Louis Cardinals 1950, for whom he played AAA ball in Albany, Georgia. After playing one season with the team he decided that it was time to get an education so he accepted a full athletic scholarship at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. During his three years in Houghton, he became affectionately known as Canuck as well as a rare four letter athlete making most valuable contributions to the University's hockey, football, basketball and track teams. (These contributions were recently acknowledged when he was named to Michigan's Hall of Fame in 2004.) His exploits were also recognized through numerous trophies and MVP awards, as well as inclusion in the Who's Who publication for U.S. University athletics. Perhaps most remarkable about Ray's time at university is that as sharp as he was on the field, he was perhaps even sharper in the classroom, graduating second in his class as a metallurgical engineer. Following graduation in 1953 he returned to Sudbury where he married his childhood sweetheart Estelle Thompson (much to the disappointment of his female fans in Houghton). There he also began working at INCO's mill in Copper Cliff, the start of a 31 year career with INCO. In 1960 Ray accepted - with true pioneer spirit - an opportunity to help construct and manage INCO's mill in the brand new community of Thompson, then being erected amidst the muskeg and black flies of Northern, Manitoba. This move initiated a rapid rise through INCO's management, and Ray became a valuable asset whenever there was a new and challenging project to be undertaken. In addition to managing - at some point during his career - all of Thompson's underground mines, he also lead the development and operation of INCO's first open pit mine (Pipe Lake) as well as the later and much larger Thompson Open Pit. While in Thompson Ray continued to play sports recreationally, but devoted most of his time to his family. He especially enjoyed the family's cottage Labour Camp on Setting Lake where, when he was not clearing brush, he spent his time fishing or stoking the sauna. An important part of Ray's Thompson legacy is the significant role he played in the initiation, design and construction of the Thompson Golf Course, which continues to provide the residents of Thompson with some of the best golf north of 56o. At the end of Ray's career he was presented with one final challenge; the development of INCO's first ever gold mine complex, located in Kirkland Lake, ON. Upon retirement in 1984, Mom and Dad relocated to Winnipeg to be near their children. Unfortunately, Dad's early retirement came with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which severely limited his quality of life. His final years were spent in comfort at Golden Links Personal Care Home, where he was cared for with respect and compassion by its staff, many of whom became his close friends. The family thanks them for the love and support they gave their father when he needed it most. The family also thanks the staff at Victoria General Hospital (especially Dr. Horton, Karen and Charlotte) for the care and compassion they provided Ray in his final days. Ray was held in high respect by all those who were fortunate to know him. A professional to his core, he led his life with integrity, kindness, and selflessness, always putting his family and others before him. The example he set is one that we will always try to live up to. Dad, we will miss your generous spirit, comforting presence and dry sense of humor always. You were truly a great and gentle man. Rest well. You've slid safely home. Ray's service will be held Thursday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. at Thompson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Golden Links Lodge, 2280 St. Mary's Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2N 3Z6 (204) 257-9947. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD (BETWEEN PEMBINA WAVERLEY) 925-1120 PLEASE BRING A TIN FOR THE BIN HELP US SUPPORT WINNIPEG HARVEST

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2006