Raymond William Tan, 57, of Esko, died Wednesday, March 10, 2021. He was born in Cloquet, the son of Richard and Ruth Tan. Raymond was a graduate of Esko High School, received a degree in auto mechanics, and graduated from Dunwoody Institute with a degree in drafting.

Raymond was a heavy equipment operator and worked on the boardwalk in Duluth, Gooseberry Falls and on US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. He will be remembered as a quiet, private, fiercely loyal person who loved the simple things in life. Even though he was an avid hunter, Raymond spent hours watching and feeding the animals and birds. He valued his time with family and friends and especially enjoyed ice fishing with them and shooting clay pigeons with his brother around the campfire. Raymond ran Grandma’s Marathon and also enjoyed sports including hockey, racing and football. He loved his sweets and each weekend hoped for either a strawberry, raspberry or blueberry pie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a brother and a sister.

His smile and laugh will be missed by three brothers, two sisters, multiple nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A private family service will be held. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Cards may be mailed to the family c/o Atkins-Northland Funeral Home. To leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.