Raymond Williams

Raymond Joseph Williams, age 85, passed away peacefully at home in Loveland, with his wife Jeanette, grand nephew Kirk, his wife Summer and sister Jean by his side on Thursday August 3, 2017. He was born on November 28, 1931 in Newark, New Jersey to William and Regina (Zesir) Williams. Ray attended Saint Antoninus’ Grammar School and High School in Newark, New Jersey. To honor his brother Joseph Williams killed on Okinawa during WWII, he joined the Air Force on January 10, 1949. He served during the Korean War and was discharged honorably on October 8, 1952.

Ray was passionate about his many causes. He was President of the Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District, a Special Duty Responder for the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, President of the Crystal Lakes Water and Sewer Association, served on several committees and service groups including the Crystal Lakes Community Fund Association, the Crystal Lakes Fire Information, Education, and Resources Corp (CL FIRES), and the Crystal Lakes Wildlife Committee. He has been a property owner in Crystal Lakes since 1970 and built his cabin in 1975 on his little piece of heaven on Black Mountain. He married Jeanette Gould on July 22, 1995 with family and friends surrounded by the beauty of Crystal Lakes.

Ray began his 40 year working career in Newark, New Jersey with Western Electric and New Jersey Bell. When there was so much turmoil in Newark during the late 1960’s he decided to research moving west. He inquired about jobs in Phoenix, Arizona and was told too many people are transferring to Phoenix so he decided on Denver, Colorado. The best decision he ever made. He loved the Rocky Mountains; the Denver Broncos and the Rockies; and Crystal Lakes. As a result of the AT&T Telco split, he worked for Mountain Bell, US WEST and Quest in Colorado. He was a proud union member of the Communication Workers of America for many years, served on the CWA 7777 Local Board as Secretary Treasurer and worked closely with the CWA District 7. He missed his many friends and co-workers when he retired in 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, stepchildren Jenny (Tony) Graham and Michael (Carly) Gould, sister Jean Deutsch, Grandnephews Kirk (Summer) Rapczynski and Kevin (Stephanie) Rapczynski and Grandchildren Hunter Graham, Ethan, Jayce and Lyle Gould and Great Grandnephew Colten Rapczynski and loving family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Regina Williams; his brothers Harry, Clifford, William Jr. and Joseph Williams; and his sister Eleanor (Giesiki) Williams.

The family wishes to express gratitude and sincere appreciation to Banner Home Health Care in Loveland and Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado. They were professional and compassionate when caring for Ray.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 11 am at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens 8426 S. Highway 287, Fort Collins, CO 80525.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department in care of CL FIRES, PO Box 113, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80454 and the Crystal Lakes Community Fund Association, PO Box 557, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545.