- Date Of Birth: December 22, 1919
- Date Of Death: December 14, 2008
- State: Montana
Raymond Wamsley, 88, passed away on Sunday, December, 14, 2008 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on December 22, 1919 to Jay Wamsley and Ida Boucher.
Ray received his education in Havre, Montana only having to quit at a young age to help support his mother and sister. He joined the CC camp and worked long hard hours making very little money to send home. Ray knew hard times.
On September 11, 1941, Ray joined the United States Army, serving a short term. In 1942, Ray married the love of his life, Kathryn Turner. Cut Bank, Montana was where they started and resided their family. In 1953, they moved to Kalispell where Ray has lived ever since.
Most of Ray’s working years were spent painting cars and working for Rygg Ford as a mechanic. Ray loved life to the fullest; he was a little man with a big heart. He loved riding Harley Davidsons, and even though his feet could hardly touch the ground, he could still keep up with the best. In earlier years, he played drums and guitar in western bands throughout the Flathead Valley.
Another hobby Ray loved, was racing stock cars; we never missed a Saturday night of racing unless it rained. After retiring from racing, he had the pleasure of watching his grandson Bodie race. What a joy that was for him.
Ray appreciated the simple things in life, such as eating a Cislos and socializing with the other regulars there. He lived just one block down from Julies Café where he loved having Sandy wait on him. He also liked giving someone less fortunate something he had that they might need. Ray was by far the kindest and most gentle man. As a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband and friend, he touched the lives of so many people and he will be dearly missed by those blessed by his love and kindness.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Dad, thank you so much for giving me such a wonderful life; you truly are my hero. I won’t say goodbye, only farewell. Love you and see ya in Heaven.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Claude Williams, his wife Kathryn Wamsley, one son, Jay Wamsley, one daughter, Diane Sigman, one sister, Toots, and one great grandson, Dustin, and two granddaughters, Kelly Kay and Ilene.
He is survived by one daughter; Renae Morton and husband Jeff of Kalispell,MT; 9 grandchildren, Bodie Morton and wife Heidi, Tonya Holden and husband J.J., Leslie Breimon and husband Tim, Jeff Downing and wife Christy, Deana Dennison and husband Gregg, Scott Downing, Jerry Ray Downing, Ernie Holmquist and wife Yahaana, and Tony Wamsley. 24 Great Grandchildren, Marie, Max, Taylor, Gracie, Jaden, Kyle, Janelle, Brad, Madison, Brent, Brendon, Curtis, Lerrick, Doug, Derrick, Josh, Kenny, Shaney, Tory, Kayla, Sam, Brooke, Trenton, and Tanner; 5 great great grandchildren with one more on the way – a little girl named Kayleen Diane.
