Raymond "Ray" Otten, 85

Raymond "Ray" Otten, 85, passed away Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, at Healthcare Northwest in Kalispell. Ray was born Dec. 28, 1918, in Riceton, Saskatchewan, to Otto and Minnie (Bohlken) Otten. The family moved to Outlook, Mont., in 1926.

Ray joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 for four years.

He married Elizabeth Nelson on Nov. 2,1940, in Glasgow. After they married, they lived in Plentywood and then moved to Kalispell in 1948. Ray was involved in farming and Otten Logging and Sawmill with his sons.

Ray was on dialysis for 14 years and was recognized as the longest patient on dialysis at Glacier Regional.

"Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, we love you. Your kindness and memories will be with us forever."

Ray had a zest for life and lived life to its fullest. He believed you were only as good as your word and he was. He was honest, hardworking and had a great sense of humor. He made a huge difference in the lives he touched. He was someone you could look up to - the salt of the earth. Ray was a good neighbor, willing to help anyone out that he could. He loved his woodworking and sharing his beautiful pieces with family and friends. Ray loved his wife of 64 years very much and had enough time and love to share with all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was like a dad to several and was called "Papa" by the grandchildren.

Ray will be missed very much by his friends. He appreciated the rides to and from dialysis.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; and a son, Harvey, in 1995.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Kalispell; children, Rachel Johnson, and husband Harry of Billings; daughter-in-law, Cheryl, of Missoula; Donald and special friend Rhonda, Rita, Robert and wife Cindy, and son Art, all of Kalispell; siblings, Lena Weimer of Kalispell, Laura and husband Cole Wyatt of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Millie LeMay of Glasgow, Helen Konshur of Bigfork, Clarence and wife Margaret of Thompson Falls, and Clifford of Harlowtown; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

As Ray requested, there will be no funeral services. Urn burial will take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.