Raymond Kowalik

April 26, 1944 – December 19, 2021

Peacefully and with family by his side, our Husband, Father and Papa quietly drifted away on December 19, 2021, at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, at the age of 77 years.

Ray is survived by his Mother (101 years), Joanne Kowalik. Left to mourn his passing are his loving and devoted wife Judy, his 5 children, 9 Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Grandchild. Jeffrey and Kelly Kowalik (Sydney), Joey and Shaennen Kowalik (Logan, Hunter), Dallas and Tammy Zurkan (Rhett, Reid), Brandan and Peggy Zurkan (Nate, Ruby), Dalaney Smith (Macy, Grady), and Great-Grandchild Ava Kowalik. Sister-in-law Isobel Kowalik and nieces and nephews, Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Cindy and Randy Lillico, and favourite “Unkie” to Logan and Tegan.

Also left to mourn Ray, with too many great memories to count, are his “Brothers from other Mothers” John Derouard (Michelle, Kyloff and his dance partner Tessy), Allan (Sandy) Derouard, Lenny Derouard, Paul (Toddie) Derouard, Dale (Laura) Mychalyshyn and Gilbert – “Woody” (Debbie) Charlebois.

Predeceased by his Father, Frank Kowalik, his Brother Ron Kowalik, and Great-Nephew, Cameron Cranston.

Ray was born in Kenora, ON., and lived his entire life here. He grew up in the Evergreen area, spending his childhood as a “rink rat”, being a goalie before face masks and pads were invented. He finished his “extended education” (with two years in Grade 10!), before entering the workforce. After numerous part-time jobs, Ray began his career at the Paper Mill, where he worked for many years.

In 1971, he began his new career as an Engineer at CP Rail, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. Ray considered that a good time to leave, as the “young pups” could work 24/7, to contribute to his pension. Upon his retirement, Ray obtained his Private Pilot’s License, and bought himself his prized Cubby. This new hobby provided Ray with years of fun and adventures. Ray was a guest-guide at Maynard Lake Lodge for 15 years. The crew became his second summer family, and he forged many lasting friendships with them, as well as a few of the yearly returning regular camp guests.

Anyone that knew Ray automatically knew that his Children and his Grandchildren were his pride and joy. When 3 year old Daughter Dalaney (lovingly referred to as Missy) roared into his life, auburn haired pig-tails and attitude in tow, he finally met his match! He got to be the “girl Dad” he always dreamt of being. They spent hours and years singing, dancing, playing and shopping together. While Mom was at hockey with the boys, he would be at home painting Missy’s nails. Involved with coaching hockey for many years, he coached at Rabbit Lake, finishing his career in the CHL (Central Hockey League). He rarely missed a hockey game, Jeff marching around at the Armouries, or Missy’s Ukrainian dancing.

Summer was absolutely perfect for our family. Rain or shine we were off to Grandpa’s camp on Direct Lake, or at Silver Lake everyday, until dusk. Ray took great pride in his yard, cutting his grass and eliminating weeds as they popped up, to keep his yard pristine. He enjoyed gardening (after Judy taught him everything he knew). Ray loved hard…that meant his wife, his kids, his grandkids and his grand-dog Jagger. He loved his Wife’s meatballs, perogies, roast chicken dinner and Gibson’s Finest Rye. He loved the North, and shore lunch without the fish. The man strongly disliked rice, unless it had cabbage from the garden wrapped around it.

A very strong, determined man, Ray was honest to a fault. He was rough and gruff around the edges, and soft and mushy in the heart. Generous, kind and sincere, our Husband, Father and Papa was a devoted family man who will be missed beyond measure. You fought this one long and hard…rest easy knowing we’ve got this!!

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no service at this time. Flowers are greatly declined. “Count your blessings friends! It is better to go through life wanting something you don’t have rather than having something you don’t want.”

Mom (Judy) is forever grateful to Dale and Laura, John, Michelle and family, and her neighbor Lyn, for their on-going and constant love and support.

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. John Vaudry for the years of care of our Husband, Father and Papa, and to all of the Doctors and Nurses who kept him comfortable the last few days of his life journey.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Kowalik family.