Victor C. Raiche

Victor C. Raiche, 94, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 23, 2001 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. He had made his home in Rainycrest Home for the Aged here.
Victor was born in Maple Lake, Mn. on Nov. 22, 1907 but in 1917, he moved with his parents, Joseph and Kate (Monaghan) Raiche, to Humbolt, Sask. In 1920, the family lived for two years in Pinewood, Ont. prior to settling on a homestead north of Pinewood in Sutherland & Nelles Township.
He lived there until 1956, when he moved to Fort Frances, where he had resided since.
On July 2, 1929, he was united in marriage to Ida May King, daughter of Janet and R.H. King in Pinewood, Ont.
During the early years, he farmed, trapped, logged, hauled pulp, and was a guide for hunting and fishing parties. He also owned and operated a sawmill in his yard. His great love, however, was prospecting.
He worked for Hydro in White Dog Falls, Ont. prior to his employment with the Department of Lands and Forests (1958-1975). He worked as a fire crew leader and was the last fire ranger to man the Calm Lake fire tower.
He also supervised tree planting, the building of roads, and other projects.
Victor was a man of many talents and interests. He had a creative, scientific mind, observant eye, wisdom that he freely shared with others, and keen Irish wit. He enjoyed telling stories to family and anyone else who would listen.
His original paintings hang on the walls of family, and many people have danced to the music of Vic and his fiddle.
Victor was predeceased by his wife, Ida May Raiche, on Dec. 5, 1989; mother, Kate Raiche, on Dec. 2, 1960; father, Joseph Raiche, on Feb. 6, 1971; and brother, Michael Raiche, on June 25, 1960.
He is survived by two daughters, Marjorie (Joe) Vautrin of Calgary, Alta., and Erma (Bob) Armit of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Terry (Tammy) Kaliska of Wawang Lake, Ont., Donna Warwoda of Calgary, Alta., Sheri (Jim Sommerville) of Calgary, Alta., Tamara (Richard) Knox of Calgary, Alta., Lorraine Robertson of Winnipeg, Man., Wanda (Dick) Botsford of Fort Frances, Ont., Victor (Penny) Armit of Fort Frances, Ont., and Donald (Jackie) Armit of Ignace, Ont.; 21 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Victor’s life will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2001 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Father Eugene Whyte O.M.I. will officiate, with Rev. Diane Clifford assisting. His family will provide the music—thanks to his inspiration.
Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery.
Friends and family may visit prior to the funeral celebration.
Pallbearers will be Dick, Bob, Nic, and Jordan Botsford, Daniel Ellis, and Gary Holmes. Honour-ary pallbearers will be all his family and friends who attend.
In memoriam donations can be made to the Rainy River Field Naturalists Memorial Fund, Box 253, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M6, or Rainycrest Memorial Fund, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2.
Family and friends of Victor C. Raiche will sadly miss his wisdom and wit. His memory will live forever. It is with celebration that Grandpa Vic is going home.