Raymond P. 'Ray' Serra, 72

Raymond P. "Ray" Serra, 72, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. He was born Jan. 31, 1936, in New York City to Camillo and Grace Serra.

Ray spent his early years in New York state. At age 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served in the Strategic Air Command. He was based at Jacksonville Air Force Base in Arkansas. Ray was part of the refueling squadron, working on aircraft as a mechanic and going on refueling missions. He spent six years in the Air Force.

In 1960, Ray returned to New York City where he met his wife. He later moved back to Arkansas. Ray and Ingrid wed Nov. 13, 1965, in Little Rock, Ark. They moved to Montana in 1967. A short time was spent living in Butte and Raynsford before finally settling in Coram in 1968.

He was an accomplished mechanic. He also enjoyed doing custom paint jobs on cars and motorcycles. Ray always made himself available to friends and strangers in need. His expertise as a mechanic was used to help these people with their vehicles.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, and kayaking. He even designed and built his own sea kayak.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, lnez Serra.

Ray is survived by his wife of 42 years, lngrid, of Coram; daughter, Christine Hilde, and husband, Todd, of Pocatello, Idaho; son, Raymond, of Gillette, Wyo.; grandchildren, Troy Hilde, Dylan McClain, Erick R. Serra and Filip Serra; and nephews, Dominick Monopoli and Vito Monopoli.

Memorial service arrangements are pending.