Ray was born in Newark, New Jersey to Selma Thome Aregood and Nelson Edward Aregood II, on October 22, 1941. Early in his childhood, the family moved to Colorado, making it their home. His life was defined by perseverance, accomplishment and above all, an unwavering love for his family and the Lord.
Ray graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1959, the first graduating class at the new high school on 32nd Avenue. During high school, Ray had a natural talent for athletics and excelled in sports. Ray served as the captain of the Wheat Ridge High School wrestling team, winning a State championship. He also played football and baseball and lettered in all three sports. At the time Ray started college, his mom remarried a man named Charles Arnold, where they created a loving and supportive home for their blended family. Ray was always a trailblazer, attending Colorado State University, he worked hard to put himself through college, making him the first in his family to graduate. Ray graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, in 1964.
Ray’s hard work and determination, led to a fulfilled career as a Civil Engineer and allowed him the opportunity to work on many enormous projects, including surveying for Coors Brewery, the Eisenhower Tunnel and the Grand Canyon, where he lived with the Navajo Indians. Ray’s 40 years of outstanding work as an Engineer touched many different states and the people he worked with.
Ray accomplished much in life, but his greatest pride and joy was his family. He married his soulmate, Jan Black Aregood, who he met at CSU. Together they built a life of love, laughter, hard work and a life built on traditions that will last for generations. In July 2026, they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.
Ray loved the ocean and enjoyed taking long walks on the beach with his wife. They traveled on several cruises and loved being anywhere near water. Ray was a skilled Scuba Diver and certified with PADI. While in Bermuda on vacation in the 1970’s, he was approached by filmmakers, asking him to teach Louis Gossett Jr., to dive for the movie being filmed, called “The Deep”. He graciously agreed, but always joked, “Why couldn’t I have worked with Jacqueline Bisset instead?”
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jan Black Aregood, his daughter Kari Omland (Doug Omland), grandchildren Dillon and Alyssa Omland, his son David Aregood (Jen Aregood) and grandchildren Baylee Moench and Addison Aregood. Ray was preceded in death by Nelson Edward Aregood II, Selma Thome Aregood, Charles Arnold, Nelson Edward Aregood III, Brian Aregood and Helen Arnold.
Ray will be remembered not only for the things he accomplished, but for the love he gave so freely to the people that mattered the most. His legacy is the family and friends he loved, the lives he touched and the fond memories he leaves behind.
