Raymond Charles Deily, 75

Raymond Charles Deily, 75, a long-time resident of Flathead County and of Rollins, passed away peacefully at his Flathead Lake home Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, after an extended illness. Ray was born and raised in Austin, Minn., the son of Frank and Flora (Hill) Deily and the youngest of seven children, all of whom are deceased.

He moved to California in 1950, and worked as a furrier and then as a painter. In 1957 Ray married Joan Sowden in San Clemente, Calif., and they raised four children.

In 1967 they moved to Kalispell where he became both a painting and building contractor. He loved the engineering aspects of building and always enjoyed solving the many problems involved in building a quality home. Ray and Joan moved to Vancouver, Wash., in 1984. He returned to Kalispell in 1990 to build their "dream home" on Flathead Lake.

During his career, he built numerous homes throughout the valley, including many of the early homes in the growing Many Lakes residential area south of Creston. Ray loved the outdoors and built his homes, including his residence on Flathead Lake, to take maximum advantage of the beautiful views of lakes, mountains and wildlife. One of his favorite pastimes on Flathead Lake was to view annual nesting eagles on nearby Shelter Island through a telescope, watching the young eagles hatch and eventually fly away. He also enjoyed launching his power boat for skiing and touring the lake's many inlets and islands, and was an inveterate world traveler.

Ray is remembered by his family and many friends for his sweet smile and endearing heart.

He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus in Kalispell and was at one time grand knight.

Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie Deily Rodriguez, in 2001. She was well-known in the Kalispell real estate business before marrying and moving to California.

In addition to his beloved wife, Joan Deily, of Rollins, he is survived by a son, Michael Deily, of Butte; two daughters, Jamie Allwine of Toledo, Wash., and Julie Gould of Meridian, Idaho; seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Ray will be at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at St. Matthew's Church, with the Rev. Gary Reller and Father Vic Langhans officiating. Music will be provided by long-time friend, Betty Hanzel. Memorials may be made to Grace Hospice, 1111 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ray's family.