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RAYMOND ERNEST PROKIPCHUK
Born: Jan 09, 1960
Date of Passing: Jun 11, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRAYMOND 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. 204-586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2013
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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I love you uncle Ray and miss you. When i think of you uncle, i remember you always making me laugh and smile. When i close my eyes, i can remember your chuckle, your witty jokes and one liners. Playing at the cottage,biking,playing cards,always playing with all us kids,building fires around our firepit,swimming,everyday memories i hold of you close and i will never forget. i cant recall one time you were ever angry, or raised your voice at any of us kids, you were an amazing uncle. You are missed very much. - Posted by: Gina (Niece ) on: Apr 21, 2016
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My deepest condolences to Norm and Doug and the Prokipchuk family. I was saddened to hear of Ray's passing when I read the paper. He was a good friend and teammate when we were growing up. I fondly remember our many bike tours all over the city of Winnipeg when we were hanging out as kids. - Posted by: Dave Judt (Friend) on: Jun 26, 2013
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Norm and Doug and families, I was out of town when Ray passed away and just today read the obituary. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on his passing. I'm sorry I missed prayers. We have to make the most of life going forward as it is way too short and don't let old wounds last any longer than they should. My love to both of you. Laurie Etkin. - Posted by: Laurie Etkin (Former Next Door Neighbour) on: Jun 25, 2013
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We are very sorry for your loss. We worked with Ray when he first started at Monarch Life, and we still have fond memories of that time. We remember the attention to detail on his work and the importance of getting it done right. He was probably the quietest of our small group, but he would often break us into laughter with a short one or two sentence comment. - Posted by: Bob and Louise(Ducheminsky) Thiessen (Coworkers and friend) on: Jun 22, 2013
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I am so sorry I'm in Mexico and mom gave me news..Ethel..I remember Raymond well when we would visit from Edmonton I always remembered his smile. My thoughts are with u all...Connie and Ethel - Posted by: connie cyndroski (cousin) on: Jun 21, 2013
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. We have known Ray for many years and he will be missed by all of us. He had a great sense of humor and could always be counted on for a good laugh. There was never a bad time when Ray was around. We will miss him at our card games, playing Romoli, at our traditional New Years Eve, and just miss him for the great kind and caring person he was. Thank you for being a great friend and an "Uncle" to our kids Ray, miss you forever - Posted by: Peter & Wendy Kowal & Family (School friend, friend) on: Jun 21, 2013
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Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Raymond; our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Connie Hawrysh & Jim Haier (friends of Monica & Norman) on: Jun 20, 2013
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I grew up with raymond & his brothers as his Mom Elsie - (very special lady) was my dad's niece & later on in life I also worked with Ray at Monarch Life & I remember seeing him at work & he always was a guy of few words but I always managed to get a stir out of him over something in our childhood & my husband Kevin also went to school with Ray! Our deepest condolences to you Norman & Douglas & your families....Baker (nee Sawchuk) family - Posted by: Dawna & Kevin Baker (cousins) on: Jun 20, 2013
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I knew Ray when we were both employed by North American Life. Please accept my sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Brian Fraser (Acquaintance) on: Jun 20, 2013
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I had the pleasure of getting to know Ray when he moved from Winnipeg to Waterloo to take his new role at Manulife as a result of the merger with North American Life. I still remember first impressions of him being a serious professional guy when he arrived all decked out in a double breasted burgundy suit, but it wasn’t long until we got to know Ray as a more relaxed, funny, friendly, and hard-working member of the department. I only worked with Ray for a couple years, but long enough to get to know him and know that we shared a common interest in CFL football. For the many years that followed we traveled to many Argo and Tiger Cat games. Sometimes it was just a boys' trip, but other times I brought my whole family. My wife was not only impressed that this single friend of mine would tolerate a trip with his friend's screaming kids, but even more so that he voluntarily took responsibility to make sure we didn’t lose any of them. I think we ended up benefiting from his extensive uncle experience and my kids all enjoyed his soft spoken and fun nature. I take some pride in the limited success I had turning Ray into a partial Argo fan, but always knew his heart was really back in Winnipeg with the Bombers and of course with his family which came up often in conversation. My deepest sympathies to your family on your loss of a great brother, and uncle. I know he will be missed by many. - Posted by: Scott & Laurie Stobo (Friend) on: Jun 19, 2013
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We are so sorry for the loss of your precious brother. We are sincerely saddened, and our hearfelt condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Lori and Shann Chartrand (friends of family) on: Jun 19, 2013
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Condolences to the family. -Connie and Jim - Posted by: Jim Haier (friend) on: Jun 19, 2013
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Monica, Norm and family our deepest condolences. Our Prayers are with you at this difficult time. John and Birdiene Baran - Posted by: Raymond Prokipchuk (family friend) on: Jun 19, 2013
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Our Heartfelt condolences to all of you. - Posted by: Lee-Ann & Norm Cooley and Family (Family Friends) on: Jun 19, 2013
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Norm my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. - Posted by: lorraine krywy (hallock) (school friend, neighbour) on: Jun 19, 2013
