Raymond Earle Duthie

Raymond Earle Duthie

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, Raymond Earle Duthie on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Deloraine Regional Health Centre in Deloraine, MB.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children: Randy Duthie (Laurie Renwick) of Lauder/Melita (children, Megan, Taylar, Makayla, and Alexander Duthie); Karen Duthie (Wayne Suski) of Brandon (Karen’s daughter, Emily Morrison); Glenn (Angie) Duthie of Oakbank (children, Ashlynn, Darian, Brittany, and Christian Duthie); and Judy Duthie (Vince Sotheran) of Carman (children, Slade and Carly Sotheran); and many loving family members across Canada and in the USA.

Raymond was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Elsie (Bremner) Duthie.

Raymond Earle Duthie was born on January 2, 1938 on the family farm ½ mile north of Lauder, Manitoba. He was the only child of Gordon and Elsie. Ray started school in 1943 in Lauder riding his horse Toots across the field and sending her home with a holler.

Being a naturally smart and well-mannered man, he was asked to teach at Bernice School located on Highway 345 east of Bede, when no one was available in 1954-1955. He enjoyed the kids and the challenge so much he enrolled in the Education Department at Brandon College (Brandon University) where he received his Grade 12 and then his Teaching Certificate by 1958. Dad would continue to teach at Bernice School, followed by Belses (Pipestone) and Eunola (Pierson).

It was during his time at Eunola that dad would meet the love of his life, Evelyn Bertha Bailey. They were married on April 18th, 1964. Dad would continue to teach until his family roots caught up with him and he purchased his first cow/calf pair. Mom and Dad would purchase their farmhouse and move it onto 23-5-25 W along the Souris River. They would raise four children – Randy, Karen, Glenn, and Judy.

Dad spent his days farming morning to night, coming in to watch the evening news. He tended to his cattle that would follow him anywhere, or come to the calling of his voice and a pail of oats. He walked many miles mending fences and checking water levels. He farmed the land, planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall and in between put-up hay on the flats where he perfected his farmer’s tan.

Dad enjoyed the active lifestyle of Lauder when growing up, attended many concerts, shows and events. He was an active member in the community, participating in clubs or boards. He loved being a part of the Lauder Community and later in life enjoyed going to town to visit with his fellow community friends. He always helped with the church, the hall, and the Inn.

Dad always believed in helping his neighbours, often stopping in to visit or to lend a hand and the gesture was always returned. Thank you, dad, for instilling the values of friendship, neighbours, and community. Thank you for your teachings, patience, and guidance, letting us find our path in life. What dad instilled in us four kids; we instill in our kids. He loved his grandchildren, enjoying their visits and on-line chats. He would tease them with his sharp wit, often catching them off guard much to everyone’s amusement. We all learned to take life as it comes, work hard and love harder. For this, he will always be remembered and cherished.

Thank you to Dr. Sharma and the team of nurses at the Deloraine Health Centre for their excellent care over the years. Thank you to Dr. Ahmad at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

The funeral service for Raymond was held at the Lauder United Church, Lauder, MB. on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The interment followed at the Lauder Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Ray can be directed to the Lauder Cemetery or the Lauder Inn.