Raymond Wayne Wiman
October 3, 1945 – July 18, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Wiman announce his passing on Friday July 18, 2025, at the age of 79. Raymond loved to garden and was known as the family’s self-appointed ‘dandelion police,’. He took pride in keeping the yard perfectly cared for and was always quick to declare baby’s breath a noxious weed, that doesn’t belong in bouquets. He enjoyed square dancing for many years with the Buttons and Bows, and Town and Country dance clubs. He was such a lively dancer at family weddings that he never got a chance to sit; everyone wanted a turn on the dance floor with him.
Raymond was always the first one to call the farm if there was a grass fire nearby and was considered the local burn specialist for whenever something needed to be safely burned down. Raymond was always willing to help anyone who needed it, offering a steady hand, a clever suggestion, or even a creative fix from his abundant tickle trunk of tools. His kindness, humour, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Raymond was born at the Grey Nun’s Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan on October 3, 1945, he was raised on a farm north of Parkbeg, Saskatchewan where he developed a strong work ethic that carried him through his life. He attended local country schools at Simrishill, Bird’s Eye View, Darmody, and Mortlach, before leaving early to begin working.
Over the years, he held many jobs that reflected his hardworking and adventurous spirit such as the building of the Gardiner Dam, highway and overpass construction, and even serving as a volunteer firefighter. He later taught heavy equipment operations in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories and Fort McMurray, Alberta and worked at Churchill, Manitoba where he took part in cold weather testing of heavy equipment.
While working in Churchill he met Marcia Hans, and the two were married on August 9, 1969, at Caron, Saskatchewan. After their wedding, they returned to Fort McMurray where he continued teaching heavy equipment operations. In 1974, they moved back to the family farm in Saskatchewan, where they built their life together. On the farm, they raised cattle and grew crops such as wheat, lentils, canola, peas, and hay. He also drove the school bus for a couple of years, adding yet another role to his long list of contributions to the community. In 1979, he became a Charter Member of the Kinsmen Club of Parkland, where he enjoyed comradery and serving his “community’s greatest need.” He later served as the Reeve of Wheatlands Municipality and contributed his time and expertise to the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee, as well as to Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions and Mortlach Community Development and Agricultural Society and served as Elder and President of Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
While managing the farm he also worked for the City of Moose Jaw before beginning a long career at Haukaas Manufacturing, where he spent many years welding. His work with them eventually took him across the country where he spent countless hours farming and moving equipment.
Even after retiring from Haukaas Manufacturing and selling the farm to move into Moose Jaw, Raymond continued to stay active and couldn’t give up the work he loved. He would grab his lunchbox filled with mom’s homemade food before heading out to haul bales in southern Saskatchewan. He stayed true to his lifelong belief in the value of a full days work, even as his family gently and lovingly encouraged him to slow down and enjoy a well- deserved rest. Raymond’s generous spirit and strong work ethic remained at the heart of who he was.
Raymond excelled not only in his work and contributions to his community, but most importantly, as a devoted father and grandfather. He built strong, lasting bonds with his children and grandchildren, taking immense pride in being present in their lives. Whether it was baseball or football, Raymond rarely missed a game cheering loudly from the sidelines as their biggest supporter and unwavering source of encouragement, always ready with a camera in hand so he could proudly share their accomplishments with everyone he came across.
Raymond made friends wherever he went. His easygoing nature and love for conversation often made it hard to finish the task at hand, there was always someone to chat with. Even after a long day working on the farm, he still found time to stop in for coffee with a neighbour and enjoy their good company. Throughout his life, he built many meaningful friendships; neighbours on the farm, Dahlia Crescent, Mulberry Estates, Pioneer Lodge and most recently, Regency Manor. True to form, he left each place with more friends than when he arrived.
Raymond’s kindness extended to animals as well, he had a soft spot for them and seemed to make many four-legged friends along the way. Both of his daughters’ dogs were among his special favourites, he cherished every chance he got to see them and give treats and love. His grandson’s cat, named Chicken, never failed to bring a smile to Raymond’s face, especially when hearing stories about his silly antics. Even in his failing health, Raymond would insist on getting down on the floor to lay with Chicken and the dogs, soaking in every moment of companionship.
Raymond will be always remembered for his hard work, his laughter, his big heart, and the love he poured into his family, friends, neighbours, and even the animals who were lucky enough to know and love him.
Raymond was predeceased by his parents Norma (Young) and Francis Wiman and nephew Kelly Hawken; parents in law Amy and Cameron Hans.
Raymond will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by his wife, Marcia Wiman; children, Marcia (Ronald) Schenk-Pouteaux and Keitha (Terry) Hansen; sister, Dianne (Dan) Hawken; brother, Edwin (Maxine) Wiman; sister-in-law, Audrey (David) Boardman; grandchildren, Ryan Schenk (Caylee Storzcyck), Nicholas Schenk (Jaden McLennan), Emily Pouteaux (Deo Dequina), Maria Pouteaux, and Emily Hansen; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and all who were fortunate to know him.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the caring and compassionate staff of Central Butte Regency Manor, where Raymond spent his final month. Diagnosed with cancer in 2005, Raymond was treated successfully, but in 2017 the disease returned and metastasized to his bones. He faced his illness with courage and determination, never willing to give up the fight. Now, he is finally at rest and free from pain.
A very special thank you goes to the Palliative Home Care Team, whose tireless efforts supported both Raymond and his family throughout his cancer journey. Their care made it possible for him to remain as comfortable and independent as possible.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday July 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 15 Paul Drive Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Public viewing will be at 1:00 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Pastor John Kreutzwieser will officiate. For those so wishing memorial donations may be made to Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation or charity of one’s choice.
Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Blake Seebach - Funeral Director
