Raymond Walter Mantyka

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ray, who passed away at the Hospice at Glengarda on Tuesday July 23, 2024 at 82 years of age after a long battle with cancer. Ray was born in the Alvena, Saskatchewan district and attended Pretty Lake School till grade 8. Ray attended Saskatoon Technical Collegiate for grades 9-12. Later on, in life Ray took many courses on supervision, safety and management. He worked at Weldwood of Canada plywood manufacturing in Edmonton, Alberta from 1961-1967. Ray then returned to Saskatchewan and took a job with PSC Allan potash mine from 1968 to retirement in 2005, retiring with 37.5 years of service. Along with his return to Saskatchewan in 1968, Ray returned to the family farm where he farmed alongside his father and brother in the Smuts district. When Ray was not mining or farming, he was his children’s and grandchildren’s greatest mentor and cheerleader. Ray kept his family very close to his heart. Ray enjoyed watching sports and cheering on his favorites, the Saskatoon Blades, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Oilers. Ray also very much enjoyed Nascar racing. Ray loved reading, history and collecting “old things” because they were either antiques or soon would be. Gardening and working together with his wife in their gorgeous back yard was highly enjoyed by Ray, even winning an award for “best yard” in 1995 awarded by the Horticulture society of Saskatoon. Ray’s kind and caring nature will be missed with all who knew him. Ray was predeceased by his parents William and Helen Mantyka, parents-in-law William and Olga Moroziuk, sister Sally (Morris) Maruschak, brother Robert Mantyka, brothers-in-law Larry Devoldere, Ray Moroziuk, Myles Moroziuk, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dianne, son Shawn, daughter Chrystal Mantyka-Pringle (Matt) and grandchildren Claire, Haley, Aurora and River. His sister-in-law Dolores (Heather, Michael) Devoldere. Aunts Victoria Stoski and Ann Tkachuk. The family wishes to thank all of Ray’s medical team for the outstanding care provided during his cancer journey. As per Ray’s wishes there will no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice at Glengarda, 301 Hilliard Street, Saskatoon SK or a charity of choice in Ray’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Ryan Lensen.