Rajakulasingam "Raj" Kulathungam

In his 30 years as President and CEO of SCT Welding, Laser & Manufacturing Co and Strong Electric Manufacturing Inc., Raj Kulathungam created a state-of-the-art custom metal manufacturing facility and power solutions company. On Saturday, June 11, 2022, Raj Kulathungam, loving husband and father of four children, passed away peacefully at the age of 74.

Born in Manipay, Sri Lanka, in 1947, Raj grew up in a large family. He is the product of a loving family raised in hard work and solidarity. It is these values that remained with Raj in all aspects of life. In 1972, Raj decided to leave Sri Lanka and start a new life in Canada. He was sponsored by his sister, Pushpa, who was living in Winnipeg at the time, and it was at this point that Raj went to school to further himself as a welder. Thinking ahead is one of Raj’s best talents. Anyone that knew him couldn’t understand how he could think so far into the future. Combined with his intelligence, mindset, and fearlessness, Raj understood all risks and made calculative moves to make all his dreams come true.

Raj started as a welder but realized his potential to do much more. A friend convinced him to buy a convenience store in 1986 to push start his dream. At this point, he learned about what it takes to own a business and made the right connections with banks and vendors. While continuing as a welder and convenience store owner, Raj was on a path to making himself a self-made man. On July 1, 1992, he started his welding shop. It was his own blood, sweat, and tears that got him through the rough patch of starting his business. But, by 1999, the seed he planted began to sprout. He has never forgotten his origins, the famine and struggle that guided him to success.

His life story is filled with joy, love and a hunger for life. It was about solidarity and family. He fought against all odds and overcame the most difficult hurdles in life. He would always say, “ There are always problems, but there is always a way to solve them.” This motto was extended from home to work. When customers would come to him with the impossible, he somehow found a way to make it possible. This intelligence didn’t come from education. It came from experience, hard work and a drive which made the impossible possible.

In Tamil, Rajan means King and just like his name, he was the KING of giving and caring for others. Helping people gave Raj the name “The Man of Steel with a Heart of Gold.” He would never turn anyone down, even an enemy. Doing good deeds was his way of giving himself strength and energy to continue his success. His goal was to see everyone do well and achieve their dreams. Because he understood the hardships, he always tried to make things easier for others.

Many people in his life helped him achieve his dream, and he was forever grateful to those. With all his employees at his bedside, he expressed his gratitude and ensured them that he will continue to care for them through his legacy.

His smile makes us smile. His laugh was infectious. His heart was pure and true. Above all, we loved that he was our Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Brother in Law, Uncle, Boss, and Best friend. We will GREATLY miss Raj.

His memory lives on through his beloved wife Ranjini Kulathungam (Winnipeg) and children Shane Kulathungam (Winnipeg), Charlene Kulathungam (Winnipeg) and son-in-law Ashley Thomas (Winnipeg), Trisha Kulathungam (Winnipeg) and Jessica Kulathungam (Toronto).

His precious grandchildren Austin (Winnipeg), Sloan (Winnipeg), Elijah (Winnipeg), and Evan (Toronto). His dearest siblings, the late Rajejayogi, the late Balasubramanium, Rajepushpavalli (Winnipeg), Rajamanoharan (Winnipeg), Rajeswari (Winnipeg), Rajamanohari (Winnipeg), Rajakulenthiran (Toronto), and Subashini (Toronto). His cherished best friend, from the age of 11, Sathiamoorthi Ratnam (Winnipeg). His nieces and nephews Shivani, Ubanisha, Nanthini, the late Shanthini, Ratheesh, Mathan, Karthiharan, Sharmili, Shagayani, Krithika, Jeyan, Melanie, Shilajen, and Amieta, Alishiya, and Vithuran.

A Come and Go Visitation and Reception will be held on Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with Funeral Services will beginning at 1:00pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Funds will be directed toward patient diagnostic equipment.

Donations can be sent to: 675 McDermot Ave, Rm 1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9, Tel: 204-787-4143. Or made online support.cancercarefdn.mb.ca/memorialdonation.