Friday, October 21, 2016
Meeting Ray and seeing him smile, one could instantly tell that he was as real as the sunrise. We worked together clear back in the late '70's or even early '80's, for the Forest Service doing some logging road surveying in the CDA National Forest. I think there were three or four crews and Ray led one of those. Correct me if my memory is foggy but he had healthy-looking long, brown hair and a mustache to boot. Always a sense of humor out in the woods and respectful around others, professional and not one to bypass safety just to get those extra yardage numbers. We 'hit it off' from the start, although they transferred me to another crew that was short on staff. Anyway, there's a special bond of trust when you work together in the great outdoors. He loved the tranquility and beauty of our land and trees but at the same time, really missed his family by days end, and couldn't wait to get back.
My sincerest condolences to you Debby and Levi (whom I met and came over to your place but you may not remember me) and also to the rest of the sons and families. It was a very happy time of his life, being in his mid-twenty's or perhaps 27 by then, healthy and optimistic...cheerful and laughing hard and loud. He was a true 'mountain man', father, husband, friend and co-worker. God really must have needed another leader up in heaven. Thanks for the great memories, Ray.
