L. Ray Wicks, 72
L. Ray Wicks, 72, longtime certified public accountant, died at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Friday, May 4, 2007, of apparent natural causes.
He was born June 3, 1934, in Strathmore, Alberta, to Annie Parsons and Perry Wicks, now deceased. Born an American citizen, a fact that Ray was always proud of, he moved to Mullen, Idaho, until shortly after his father's death. At the age of 10, he returned to Strathmore, where he later graduated from high school.
He moved to Great Falls at the age of 19 and was drafted into the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged he moved to Columbia Falls, where he later married his lifelong love of 42 years, Peggy Jean Stanley, on March 27, 1965.
Following the birth of their sons, Ray and Peggy moved to Missoula, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, and became forever a Grizzly fan. After graduation, the family moved to Helena for a short time before returning to Columbia Falls.
Ray started his own CPA office with Dale Bjorge, and the business later was sold to JCCS when he "retired." Ray continued to work at JCCS until his death, often time working 62-plus hours each week. He loved his job almost as much as he loved his family.
Ray is survived by his wife, Peggy; his son and his wife, Rich and Ginger; his son and his wife, Pat and Heather; and two grandchildren, Michael and Will; his brothers, Gary Wicks, Bob Parsons, Dave Parsons and Albert Parsons; his sisters, Joyce Stalk, Shirley Fredenberg, Loretta Capristo and Sharon Parsons; and his best friend of 43 years, Randy Bocksnick, and his wife, Barb.
A memorial service will the held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Pastor Darrel Newby will officiate. A gathering will be held at the Wicks' home after the service.
The family would like to thank Three Rivers EMS, ALERT, Columbia Falls Fire/Medical, the Columbia Falls Police Department and the staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center for their efforts and support.