We Remember
OPITZ, Raymond John “Ray”
June 17, 1947 — December 3, 2025
Ray Opitz peacefully 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. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Livestream provided by Springfield Funeral Home:
Service
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for OPITZ, Raymond John “Ray” is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.


Rab (Florent) & I were saddened to hear of Rays passing Marilyn & family. Over the years we got to know both you & Ray in Guayabitos & Ray never lost that twinkle in his eye! He had something interesting to say as he shared his knowledge on whatever topic we were discussing. Prayers that you will find great comfort in Gods Word the Bible. Psalm23 is just one of many of Gods loving promises 🙏Our deepest sympathy on this difficult journey..💐🌴
We had many great times with Ray and Marilyn. We had to move away from Kelowna I remember when I met Ray the first time when we lived in Smithers him and Rodger came up there on a snowmobile trip. When we moved to Kelowna we had lots of great times together. Our condolences to Marilyn and the family
Marylin & Family
Sending our deepest sympathy 😢
We will always remember RAY RAY !! As a good Freind & you as well 😘maybe you’ll be back one day too to our Mexican home
Take Care 🤗 BIG HUGS !!!
Ray will be missed. My great memory of him was driving the kids around in a cart he pulled with the quad. All the kids loved it and so did Ray. Ray always was ready to give a opinion, and lend a helping hand. He always made camping interesting. His wife was always the great camp cook, and supporting everyone. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to family. Stay strong as you go threw this great loss.
much love to all the family.
Thinking of everyone at this time. It was nice to watch the service on line and hear the stories about uncle Ray. He was quite the character. Take care!