Ray W. Burnside, 74, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Saturday, July 21, 2012.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1938, in Walkerton, Ind., to Glen R. and Mabel Marie (Murphy) Burnside. Ray moved with his family to the Flathead Valley when he was still a young boy and received his early education. He began working with his father at an early age and helped him guide in the Bob Marshall.

On a trip to Birch Grove to buy hay, he met A. Marie Rodriguez. On Sept. 20, 1958, they were married in Kalispell. As a younger man, Ray was very active in the rodeo circuit, relay races, O-Mok-See.

Ray was a member of the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 1686 since March of 1969 and worked in Montana, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. In retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and, most of all, his family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rex and Jerie; sisters, Fay and Sue; and his grandson, Christopher Schmalz.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie; one daughter, Billie; and a son, Glen; sisters, Gay Rose of Bend, Ore., and Hazel Stefanatz of Kalispell; brother, Bill Collier of Post Falls, Idaho; grandchildren, Sadie and Shawn of Kalispell; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Ray will be held at 1 p.m. on July 28 at the Moose Lodge in Evergreen.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ray’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ray’s tribute wall.