Raymond Wamsley, 88, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born in Grand Forks, N.D., on Dec. 22, 1919, to Jay Wamsley and Ida Boucher.

Ray received his education in Havre, 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 Sept. 11, 1941, Ray joined the U.S. Army, serving a short term.

In 1942, Ray married the love of his life, Kathryn Turner. They started their family and resided in Cut Bank. In 1953, they moved to Kalispell, where Ray had 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 at Cislo's and socializing with the other regulars there. He lived just one block down from Julie's Cafe, 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.

"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; two granddaughters, Kelly Kay and Ilene; and one great-grandson, Dustin.

He is survived by one daughter, Renae Morton, and husband, Jeff, of Kalispell; nine 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; five great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way - a little girl named Kayleen Diane.

Graveside services for Raymond Jay Wamsley will be held for family and friends at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with Chaplain Carolyn Kuhr officiating. A celebration of his life will follow at the Moose Lodge. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. today, Dec. 17, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ray's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Ray's guest book.