VOLK, Raymond Phillip John “Ray”

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1947 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond Phillip John Volk, who died peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2025, in the Strathcona building at Kelowna General Hospital, the very same building in which he was born almost 78 years earlier.

Music was the steady rhythm of Ray’s life, his constant friend and solace right up to his final day. We take comfort in knowing he left this world surrounded by the music he loved and created; and by the people who loved him.

Ray is survived by his children: Richard (Elisabet), Benjamin, and Erica (Chris)—and their mother, Susan; his cherished grandchildren: Sami, Ruby, Luna, and Iris—and their mother, Jo; as well as his sister, Maryann (Don). He also leaves behind a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and extended family throughout Canada who will remember him with love. He was predeceased by brothers Albert and Donald, and sister Doreen (Boser).

Ray was a proud “Rutlander” and the fourth of six children. From an early age, he had to work hard on his family’s farm and in their business, Finn’s Meat Market. Before it became a butcher shop, the building was known as Finn’s Corner—a lively community dance hall where Ray’s father performed at Saturday night dances. On Sunday mornings, Ray and the neighbourhood kids would collect empty bottles from the hall and trade them in for spending money. Ray’s early introduction to both music and hard work deeply shaped his character and passions, instilling a strong work ethic and laying the foundation for a life devoted to music. From a young age, Ray was a naturally talented and largely self-taught musician.

In 1965, while a Grade 13 student at KSS, Ray was fortunate to study under Brian Todd, a teacher who recognized his natural musical talent and opened the door to the rich world of jazz and big band. This pivotal mentorship set the stage for a lifetime of performance. Ray flourished as a saxophonist and musician, playing in a wide variety of groups over the years, including the Kelowna City Band, the Johnny Deschner Big Band, the Alpine Echoes, the Dance Band, Blues Tribe, Shuffle Kings, Europa, Dog Skin Suit, Strange Movies Blues Band, and others. He also played in the pit orchestra for several musicals put on by Theatre Kelowna Society. In his later years, Ray generously shared his gift with local retirement communities, where his “one-man band” featuring his saxophone playing along to backing tracks he pre-recorded on his keyboard brought joy and comfort to residents throughout Kelowna.

Ray spent his life working in construction and was the proud co-owner of Volk Construction. His skill and deep knowledge remained in demand right up to his final weeks, as friends and family often turned to him for help with their building and renovation projects. Ray took great pride in the work he did and the ways he could support those he loved. His legacy lives on not only in memory but in the homes and yards throughout the Okanagan that bear his craftsmanship.

He will be remembered not only for his love of his children and grandchildren, but also for his wit, intelligence, and humour; his ability to build anything and solve any problem; his wry and often refreshing observations; his love of nature, geography, and history; and his musical talent. Ever guided by the mantra, “The measure of a man is not what he has but what he needs to get by,” he lived a simple and modest life. He was honest, authentic, opinionated, and unapologetically himself. He was a true “diamond in the rough,” and those who knew him saw the good man inside. Ray was loved and will be missed by many.

A gathering to celebrate Ray’s life will be held with friends and family on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 4:00 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you wish to attend, please Click Here to Register. Family would greatly appreciate it if Ray’s friends and loved ones could come prepared with a story or memory of Ray to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to Nature Conservancy Canada or Nature Trust British Columbia.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service Details

The service for VOLK, Raymond Phillip John “Ray” is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 4:00 pm (pls RSVP). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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Funeral Pointers: