RAYMOND A. DOLK

It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond (Ray) Dolk announces his peaceful passing at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Man. on May 4, 2004.
He was born May 15, 1923 to the late Robert and Jennie Dolk, and lived all his life in Fort Frances, Ont., a place he loved dearly.
During the Second World War, he proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy. During his stint, while stationed in Newfoundland, he met and married his bride, Sarah (Bridie), and they enjoyed some 60 years together raising five children.
He also was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
His working career started with employment with Paul Lawrence, then to the Ontario/Minnesota Paper Mill, where he worked until his retirement 1985.
Those who knew Dad would have to agree he was a very generous, outgoing person who thoroughly enjoyed life in this area. In his earlier years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved the great outdoors.
His love for nature was unsurpassed and he received great joy from the beauty nature provided. Another of God’s gifts to man.
He also was an avid gardener and his yard always displayed a variety of different flowers, brightening up the neighbourhood. He received great pleasure planting and watching all his efforts come to life.
Some of life’s simple pleasures give the greatest joy.
His love for animals goes without saying. He always had his dogs that he spent hours with. The saying goes that dogs are a man’s best friend and undoubtedly in Dad’s case, this was certainly how it was. His walking buddy, his friend, his pal.
During Dad’s health difficulties, his little pal, Hawkeye, would never leave his side. He was there to comfort and protect his loving master. It’s amazing how these little creatures devote themselves to their human friends.
Dad leaves behind his loving wife, Bridie; sons, Dennis (Lynne), Carl (Judy), Larry (Jan), and Terry (Mary); and daughter, Trudy (Andy Christian).
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Todd, Kristina (Peter), Shae (Stephen Felix), Misty, Brooke (Scott Booth), Tiffany (Rustyn Dolyny), Steven (Shauna), Kevin (Sherri), Corey, Jay (Wendy), and Jeneen; 10 great-grandchildren, Tina, Brady, Alexis, Jessie, Jordan, Kaelyn, Jaelynn, Gracynn, Ryley, and Nicole; as well as his devoted neighbours, Fred and Connie McRitchie, and Terry and Wanda Duffy, and good friend, Doug McLeod.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 10, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating. Visitation will be at Green Funeral Home on Sunday, May 9, 2004 at 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Todd, Corey, Steven, Kevin, Scott, Rustyn, and Stephen.
Honourary pallbearers will be his sons, Dennis, Carl, Larry, Terry, and Andy; and good friends, Doug McLeod and Fred McRitchie.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Friends and Animals, Box 545, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A3M8.
Dad, you’re gone, but never forgotten. Your legacy will live on in the lives of your family. We’ll miss you. We love you.
“In my end is my beginning. Only time moves on to the next scene. Memory remains part of the heart forever.”