Raymond grew up on a farm in Aurora, South Dakota, where he spent his childhood milking cows, doing farm chores, and helping with field work. He attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Egan High School in 1962. Before moving to Colorado, he worked for Beckman John Deere in Brookings and later in the oil fields of California.
After relocating to Colorado, Ray worked for Barton Brothers for 52 years, becoming the longest continuous employee in the company’s history. He later continued his career with Nesco, a solar contracting company.
Ray is survived by wife of 20 years, Kathi Avery; son, Kevin (Ramona); daughter, Karie (Douglas); grandchildren, Morgan and Jacob Caswell; step-children, Tyler Avery (Mary), Amy Ready (Mike); step-grandchildren, Case, Kassidy, Cutter, Colson, Sara, Emily and Jamey; siblings, Rose, Hazel, Judy, Doris, Lois, Darrel and Duane; and his beloved dogs, Dillon and Frisco. Ray was loved by many and will be missed by all.
A celebration to honor Raymond’s life will be held in the spring.
