Raymond Block

  • Raymond Block
  • Date of Passing: September 14, 2024
  • Born in: 1943

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, Raymond Block, on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB., at the age of 81.

He is survived by his wife Sonya, and one son Gary (Shelley), two granddaughters, Sara (Paul), and Lauren and three step-grandsons, Evan, Jared and Curtis Wiens. He leaves to mourn two sisters, Christine (Melvin) Senkow and Gloria (Luciano) Armenti and sisters-in-law, Christine Block, Diane (Larry) Schuwera, Nancy (Ed) Prociuk as well as many nieces and nephews and his favorite cat Buddy.

He is predeceased by his parents James and Lena Block, brother Larry and parents-in-law Joe and Margaret Henzel.

He was born in Sarto, Manitoba on February 2, 1943, where he lived most of his life. From a young age Raymond worked alongside his dad on the farm and logging in the bush. Raymond met Sonya in Pansy. After years of pursuing her, they were married on October 9, 1965. After they were married they moved to Winnipeg, welcoming their son Gary two years later. They then moved back to Sarto in 1973. Through the years Raymond worked at Wilson Auto, was self-employed driving a gravel truck and running his firewood business. In 1981, he began his career at Barkman Concrete as a forklift mechanic where he remained for 20 years. In 2000, he suffered a heart attack forcing him into an early retirement.

This allowed him to spend more time at the cabin, doing things he loved, like ice fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and traveling.

Many outings with family and friends were spent fishing, teaching them all he knew. Raymond especially cherished his annual salmon fishing trips with his cousin Grant in BC.

In his earlier years, he learned how to play the violin from Uncle Peter Andreiw. Through the years he shared this passion with his granddaughter Sara. He shared his talent at many parties, weddings and later at nursing homes with The Burnt Cookie Band.

You could often find Raymond working on various projects around the yard. He was able to fix just about anything! He was always there to give advice or lend a hand to friends or family.

We will forever miss our foreman and neighborhood watchman.

Vichnaya Pamyat

The memorial service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Interment to follow at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Sarto, MB.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre for their kindness and compassionate care.

Funeral Details

Memorial Service

  • Birchwood Funeral Chapel
  • 162 Highway 52 W, Steinbach
  • Directions: (Google Map)
  • September 27, 2024 - 10:00 am

Cemetery

  • St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery
  • Pansy Road, Sarto
  • Directions: (Google Map)

Arrangements