OPITZ, Raymond John Opitz

Passed away from the challenges of Alzheimer’s on December 3, 2025, in Kelowna, BC.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; son Christopher (Ashley); daughter Sheryl (Clint) McDougall; grandchildren Alyssa, Jackson, Katie, Avery, and Sydney; sisters Bettie Fuhrman and Mary Baumgartner; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Rose; brother Tom; sisters Pat (Jake) Silzer and Judy (Ron) Heck; and brothers-in-law Erwin Fuhrman and Gerry Baumgartner.

Born in Watson, Saskatchewan, Ray moved to Kelowna in 1971, and throughout the years, he established deep roots in the community. He worked at Western Star Trucks for 31 years, retiring when the company closed in 2002. He was a proud member and volunteer with the Kelowna Snowmobile Club and also served his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Known for his mechanical abilities, Ray could fix almost anything with a motor. He was an avid hunter, fisher, and lover of the outdoors. He found joy in camping, exploring, and adventuring under open skies. Among his many memorable exploits was rafting down Mission Creek in the early 1980s. Ray also loved going to garage sales, hosting his own, and he took great pleasure in buying, selling, and trading the “treasures” he found along the way.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

A Celebration of Life will be held on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.