Ray Dzikowski (Fiddlin’ Ray)

Ray claims he is called Fiddlin’ Ray because nobody could pronounce his last name. 

He was taught the fiddle by his brother Paul when he was five years old. His first fiddle was borrowed and it wasn't until he was 17 that he had his own fiddle purchased for $20. 

While living in Toronto during the years of 1954 to 1959, Ray played on weekends at wedding receptions, earning $4 to $5 a night. He claims the most exciting place he played was in Toronto on TV, but does not recall the channel and also mentioned he played on the radio as far East as Prince Edward Island with a sort of bluegrass band saying it was a good experience but he was a little nervous. 

Ray released a CD in 2004 titled “Cabin in the Pine” where every summer for almost 30 years he played at the four day Jamboree with the same street name in Cowan. 

Entertaining for large crowds is something he enjoyed the most, saying once the crowd is on the dance floor, it just came naturally. 

At the age of 74, Ray retired playing his last performance at the Swan River Community Legion Hall. He claimed he was just too old and it was just so hard to get up and down off the stage. After retirement, he kept practicing every now and then so he wouldn't forget how to play and so everyone could keep calling him Fiddlin’ Ray.

1931 - 2007.  Fiddling Ray (Dzikowski) played violin with the homesteaders.  

Miroslaw (Morislaw) “Fiddlin' Ray” Dzikowski

BIRTH 26 Sep 1931

Lady Lake, Yorkton Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada

DEATH 3 Feb 2007 (aged 75)

Cowan, Swan River Census Division, Manitoba, Canada

BURIAL Cowan Community Cemetery

Cowan, Swan River Census Division, Manitoba, Canada