Ben Ratuski passed away peacefully on October 11, 2020 in his home with his wife and his children at his side.
Ben was born September 8, 1935 in Kenora to Peter and Anne (nee Grega), the third of their six children.
Ben’s strong work ethic and entrepreneurial nature were the cornerstone of the businesses he built in Kenora including Shoal Lake Fisheries and Shoal Lake Wild Rice. He remains a respected leader in the wild rice industry both in Canada and the United States. Ben was also active for many years in local and provincial politics.
Ben was proud of his Ukrainian heritage and remained active in and close to the Ukrainian community in Kenora throughout his life.
Ben developed lifelong friendships with many he encountered through business relations, casual encounters and political associations. He was always engaging, generous in spirit, and a master at balancing hard work and pleasure.
His passion for the Lake of the Woods and wilderness of Northwest Ontario was unsurpassed. He was an avid sportsman and would never pass up an opportunity to host colleagues, friends and family at his cottage on Welcome Channel.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Ann, his brother Gregory and his brother and business partner Bill.
Left to cherish his spirit and celebrate his amazing life are his wife of 65 years, Marion; his children Ben Jr. (Marlene), Donna, Murray (Kathy), Chris, Irene (Jim), Beth (Jim), Ed (Inge) and grandchildren Andrew, Christyn, Danilynn, Thyra, Mark, Jeff, Matthew, Sheldon, Sam, Joe, Allison, Elizabeth, Jeremy, Peter, Benny, Madeline, Thomas, as well as many great-grand children. Also, his brother Mike (Kathy) and sisters Patsy and Diane, and many nieces and nephews.
Ben’s family would like to thank in particular, Dr. Megan Olson, Alexis Peplinskie, John Paul George, grand daughter Allison Crew, Joyce McLeod and dedicated NWLIN Home Care staff who helped us fulfill Ben’s wish to spend his final days in his home surrounded by the love and care of family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ben’s memory to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.
A private service for immediate family will be held Thursday, October 15, 2020. A celebration of Ben’s life will be announced once social distancing restrictions
are relaxed.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18