April 16, 1935 – December 1, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Struck announces his sudden passing at the age of 85 at home in Nakusp, BC.  Survived by his loving wife, Alice and her extensive family, and Ray’s children Wanda Rusynyk (Andrew), Ernest Struck (Sandy), Sherry Struck (Chris), and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Also survived by his sisters Viola Maas, Leona Mamczask (Frank), and his brothers Ralph Struck and Lloyd Struck (Jane Player), many, many, nieces and nephews, and Jean Caron (ex-wife & friend).

Predeceased by his father, Norbert, his mother, Katherine, his brothers Larry and Johnny, his brother-in-law Dick Maas, and Erika Lund (sister-in-law).

We will all miss him so very much as he was a quiet spoken man of great patience who always had a dry sense of humour, quick wit which caught us off guard a lot, and loved to tease with a twinkle in his eye. He taught many of us to enjoy the simple pleasures in life – such as watching the ferry go back and forth across the Lower Arrow Lake, fishing, camping, hiking to special places, and to enjoy nature and the peace around you. He was a major listener and always paid attention to what you had to say.  Family coming to visit was always a highlight in his life.  He was a great dancer, and taught his oldest daughter how to two-step and jive. He loved growing his flowers and vegetable garden, and grew the best tomatoes and zucchini ever!  Ray loved volunteering with the Fire Departments, belonging to the Arrow Lakes Historical Society of Nakusp, the camaraderie many shared with him, and the many crib/card games played with friends and neighbours.

In his younger years he loved planning many family holidays which included fishing, camping, motorbiking & waterskiing. He made sure his kids were active with lots of skiing and skidooing in the winter, and summer holidays with family excursions from the west coast of Tofino BC to the Minneapolis USA area to see family and friends.

 His many jobs entailed working (many at the same time) at the Exshaw Cement plant in Alberta, a Union Milkman in Calgary, construction work, bartender, janitor, and a Canada Post Office long-distance delivery truck driver. His last job being with the City of Calgary as a Sanitation Engineer. After having a major stroke, he took many courses and went on an early retirement ending up moving to Fauquier, BC.  He and Alice loved life overlooking the Lower Arrow Lake, the Needles Ferry, and the beautiful Nakusp area.

Ray’s family would like to express their appreciation and extend their heartfelt thank you to Alice’s daughter and husband, Howard & Laura, who were always there helping the two of them and keeping an eye on them for us.  Also, his family wants to extend their sincere thank you to the great neighbours who looked after Ray & Alice.  All the memories, and special words from family, friends, and neighbours have overwhelmed us with the love and caring he was surrounded with.  We would also like to thank the Valley Funeral Home and their staff for their compassion and excellent care at this time.

Donations in memory may be made to the Red Cross, or to the Arrow Lakes Historical Society of Nakusp and are sincerely appreciated.  His family will also be donating a bench or tree in Nakusp, BC in the future with a plaque in honour of him.

Due to COVID-19 a private family visitation took place on Dec.3, 2020.  There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial when we are all able to do so safely, and will notify when and where we will be celebrating Ray’s life.  He was a large part of each of our lives and we will be missing him so much but he will always be in our hearts and memories!