VOLANSKI: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond “Raymie” Stanley Volanski on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Raymie was born in Brandon on December 5, 1940. Life began in a small house in the North End of Brandon before Raymie and family moved to a larger home on Dennis Street. The highlight of this move for Raymie was the huge bathtub, in which he sat with all his clothes on the day they moved in. This was the beginning of Raymie’s East End friendships that lasted his entire life. Raymie was never interested in education and found work on the railway at a young age. Following life on the rails, Raymie went to work with his mom’s brothers, Jack and Alfie, at Relf’s Plumbing and Heating and earned his plumbing certificate. He worked at Hooker Chemicals Ltd for a few years and then at the Brandon General Hospital from August 1974 until he retired on February 1, 2001. He made many friends at the hospital and seemed to often be in the middle of something - whether it was playing crib or wielding his plunger. Raymie was an avid sportsman, this included hockey, baseball, hunting, fishing, bowling, shooting pool, playing cards and then golf - which took over. He could be heard across many golf courses in Manitoba, as well as in San Antonio Texas, where many winter holidays were spent with friends. Raymie saw Gail at a house party 57 years ago and knew that she was “the one”. They were married April 11, 1964 and had two children, Sherri and Brad. Raymie loved and was very proud of his children; always interested in whatever they were doing. The kids loved camping in their grandparents’ camper trailer and have many wonderful memories of their travels and fun with mom and dad. Raymie’s pride and interest in his children continued with his grandchildren as they became involved in their various activities; trying to find a way to be present was challenging but important. Along with family, friends meant the world to Raymie. He had friends from all walks of life and always had a smile and a wisecrack to share. “Coffee” happened regularly for Raymie - 3 times a day. Early to A&W, then later in the morning to the North 40 to solve all the problems of the world, home for lunch and then to the Brandon Gallery to pass on all the knowledge collected from the morning sessions. Friday nights were spent out for dinner with friends. Many winter holidays were spent with special friends Bill and Norma Edwards travelling to Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Phoenix, Lake Havasu and of course San Antonio. So many wonderful memories with friends! Raymie loved to travel and it was well known that with Raymie along, you had your entertainment with you. Raymie and his antics will always be a huge source of wonderful memories for all his family and friends. He was unique, genuine and one of a kind. Raymie was larger than life and will be dearly missed. Raymie will be lovingly remembered by wife Gail, daughter Sherri (Barry), son Brad (Nadine), grandchildren Bryce (Julia), Brianne, Brooke, Rhys and Taylor and sisters Gail Francis and Linda Hlady. Raymie was predeceased by parents Ann and Stan Walansky, brother Andrew Volanski and sister-in-law Lynn Volanski. His brother-in-law Bill Francis passed away on December 8, 2019. Raymie’s family would like to thank Dr. Butler, Dr. Aweng, Dr. Moller and everyone at Cancer Care that were always so upbeat, kind and caring. You all have a true gift, the ability to make each patient feel special and unique, no one is just another cancer patient and Raymie truly appreciated all that you did for him; and so does his entire family. The Ceremony to Celebrate Raymie's Life was held at the Victoria Inn on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 with Mr. Mike Waddell officiating. Donations in memory of Raymie may be made to a charity of your choice.