Ray Tymko

1946 - 2018

With great sadness, the family of Raymond Richard Tymko share that on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the age of 72 years, in Taber, his gentle spirit left to join his Creator in and through Jesus.

Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, October 8, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

He is survived by his loving wife Jenny, their sons Kim (Trina) Tymko of Lethbridge, Sheldon (Bee) Tymko of Taber and daughter Raylene Tymko of Lethbridge. He was a beloved Poppa to five grandchildren Jordan, Kalyna, Noah, Petra and Jayda. He is survived by one brother Barry Tymko of Calgary. Ray also shared his life and love with a wealth of relatives who cherished his time spent with them.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Ann Tymko, his brother Gordon Tymko, sister Joanne Kuprowski and an infant sister Ann Marie.

Ray was born May 23, 1946 in Wadena, Saskatchewan. He spent his school years there as an adventurous boy priding himself in the mischievous camaraderie of small town prairie life. Following high school, he went to work in Lloydminster where he met and married Jenny, his life companion of fifty one years.

In 1972, Ray and Jenny journeyed west to Lethbridge eventually settling in Taber in 1977. His entrepreneurial spirit flourished during these forty one years in the community with numerous and varied business involvements. Ray’s love of business and “wheeling and dealing” built partnerships and deep lasting relationships with many people in the community and beyond. He embraced each day at work as a gift and developed strong bonds with employees, customers and all who became a part of his unique projects or were engaged by his story telling.

By far, Ray’s deepest love was family and friends, always happiest when sharing home cooked food, laughter and his infectious spirit with all around him. As a proud Father and Poppa, he was always available to nurture, mentor and share his wisdom with his children and grandchildren. His deep faith and compassionate spirit welcomed many and motivated his commitment to serve the Church and community using his gifts and efforts for those in need.

Family and friends shared opportunities for Ray and Jenny to experience a variety of places at home and abroad. Ray was energized with travel always connecting to people and embracing diversity while appreciating the common ties of family, food and fun.

Ray’s life leaves a huge footprint of love and care that will be deeply missed. His lengthy battle with cancer reflected his great love for life and his courage to face hardships and suffering with dignity. With faith in God and acceptance of His plan, Ray passed peacefully, wanting to guide and support others while expressing gratitude for the goodness of his life until the end.

At Ray's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in his name may be made directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1T4 or to the Taber Food Bank Society, 5512 - 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1S4.