Raymond Edward Gustad

Ray is survived by his Wife Barbara, Son Richard (Rick), Brother Merle and Sister-in-Law Debbie, Grandchildren Derek, Allison, Scott, and Ashley, and Nephews Chris, David, Daniel, Todd, David, Brian, and Jason.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Helen, his Father- and Mother-in Law Carl and Caroline, his Sister-in Law Cindy, Brother-in-Law Mike, and his Daughter-in-Law Sheri.

Ray was born on December 24th, 1940 to Martin and Helen Gustad in Volin, SD. He attended DeVoe and Pleasant Valley Schools, and Volin High School, graduating with the class of 1958. While in high school, Ray played basketball and was a pitcher on the baseball team.

After graduating, Ray worked for Jay-Shon Chevrolet in Sioux Falls and attended Springfield State in Springfield, SD before moving to Denver, Colorado to attend Parks School of Business.

Ray met Barbara sophomore year of high school, and the two married in 1961 in Mission Hill, South Dakota. They had Rick in 1966. Barbara described Ray as a “perfect” husband who was compassionate, caring, a good father and an even better grandfather. Rick described Ray as a great father who was always there for him, whether in person or a phone call away.

In Denver, Ray worked as an accountant for JC Penney, First National Bank, Feld Truck Rentals, and Sundstrand Corporation before receiving an early retirement in 1987. Afterwards, Ray and Barbara answered an advertisement to manage Rocky Point Resort in Klamath Falls, Oregon, before splitting time between Arizona in the winter and Klamath Falls in the summer.

As a young adult Ray became an avid bowler, developed a love for fishing, camping, and drag racing at Bandimere Speedway. In his later years, he took up carpentry, golf, collecting Ertl model tractors, and doing puzzles. He kept up with his friends through hosting at his and Barbara’s home, playing card games, or meeting for a quick burger.

Ray was dedicated to his Faith and attended services at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale every week.

Ray’s greatest achievements were his family, especially being a grandpa, his work as an accountant, and later keeping the resort in Klamath running well, and his amazing marriage of nearly 65 years to Barbara. He was an easygoing, laid back, caring man, who would always tell stories with a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous grin. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him.

Ray’s memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of Hope, 1305 W 10th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020 at 7:00pm. There will be a livestream of the event.