RAYMOND FREDERICK STOYKO

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RAYMOND FREDERICK STOYKO May 13, 1952 - November 16, 2007 It is with great sadness that Judy and children Nadine and Andrew Stoyko must announce the death of their beloved husband and father. After a short but intense battle against esophageal cancer, surrounded by his devoted and prayerful family, God took Ray to his new home of eternal life in heaven. Ray is survived by his wife Judy (Mandrick); children, Andrew and Nadine; parents, Fred and Mary Stoyko; sister Susanne (Mike) Maskell; brother John (Carmen) Stoyko; nephews, Justin and Matthieu; and father-in-law Dan Mandrick. Ray was born and educated in Winnipeg. He earned a B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. at the University of Manitoba. It was his humour, imagination and faith that made him an extraordinary teacher, guiding his students and children to be the best they could be. Ray taught at Andrew Mynarski, Sisler, and Kelvin High Schools. In 2003, Ray received the Winnipeg Teacher's Association Distinguished Service Award. In 2005, he was elected WTA vice president and he became president in 2007. Through the years Ray was involved in many other projects. He directed 14 drama performances, served on a variety of committees, ran for school trustee, advocated for property owner's issues in his community, and supporting local artists. He enjoyed landscaping, needlepoint and the cottage. His family would like to give special thanks to students, and colleagues who phoned and sent cards to Ray over the past months. A private family graveside service has taken place at Holy Family Cemetery. On Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. a memorial service will be held at the Manitoba Teacher's Society, 191 Harcourt St. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anne's Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. Ray's legacy could be expressed in the words of W.B. Yeats: Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2007