1938 - 2025
Beloved husband, father and friend.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ray Kondratuk on August 8th, 2025.
Ray was born in Lethbridge, Alberta and grew up in the Crow’s Nest Pass. He spent his youth flying fishing with his dad and it was here that he developed his deep love of the mountains and the outdoors. As a young man, he held various jobs in Alberta and BC until he landed in Port Alice in 1963 and began working as a millwright. There he met the love of his life, Edith, and started their family. In 1968 they moved north and “Super Uke” joined PG Pulp and Paper, where he worked until his retirement in 2000.
Ray’s love of the outdoors led him to work with the Spruce City Wildlife Association in the early years and start the millwright’s annual fishing trip. Ray and Edith raised two children and spent many wonderful weekends and holidays camping, boating and fishing with their friends. He loved to cook and entertain; Ray and Edith’s Ukrainian New Year’s Eve parties were legendary. They spent thirty-two wonderful years enjoying their lakeside cabin on Francois Lake with family and friends, especially after retirement.
Ray was a talented artist and craftsman. From oil and water colour painting to wood and soapstone carving, there was little he couldn’t do when he turned his mind to it. He was also a gifted storyteller and often entertained friends with tales of past adventures.
Above all, Ray was a devoted husband and father, and his family and friends meant the world to him. Ray leaves behind his wife of nearly sixty years Edith, son Jim, daughter Rae-Ann and son-in-law Malcolm Emery. Their lives together were filled with love, endless teasing, and happy memories.
Ray promised his wife that life with him wouldn’t be boring, and she’d never know what he was going to say or do next. He kept that promise right until the very end.
No service by request.