Raymond F. Young Jr., 61

Raymond F. Young Jr., 61, passed away on Nov. 10, 2010, at the University of Washington Medical Center of complications from acute leukemia. Ray was born Oct. 10, 1949, in Kalispell. He graduated from Flathead High School, and then moved on to Montana State University in Bozeman for a short period of time before returning to the Flathead. Ray met the love of his life, Vicki, on a blind date and soon after they were married in July 1972. They had just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. His wife and four children were his proudest achievement. Not a day went by when he wasn't bragging to his co-workers and friends about his children and four beautiful grandchildren. Ray worked several jobs in his earlier years, but had been with the Flathead County Road Department for the past 18 years. Throughout his life he was very involved in the Evergreen community. He retired from the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department after 20 years, and was a member of the board of trustees. He was also a longtime member and former president of the Evergreen Lions Club. He served two terms as a school board member for Evergreen School. When not working, Ray spent his time with his children and grandchildren. He spent the summers working with his two sons on their stock cars, and riding bicycles with his grandson Raif. One of his greatest loves was his Harley Davidson, which he rode whenever he could. He took many long trips with his sons Raymond and Jason, and his best friend Heinz. He will always be remembered to them as a "wild hog." No matter what he was doing, he spent nearly everyday with his grandchildren who kept his smile wide and his eyes full of life. He was a friend to all who knew him and his infectious smile and love for life was contagious. Whether it was with his family or friends, Ray never left his feelings unspoken and was never afraid to say, "I love you." The world will never again see a man with a family more proud of the husband, father, grandfather and best friend he was. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alyce Young, and father-in-law, Vern Corpron. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Young; son, Raymond Young, and wife, Terah; daughter, Kristi, and husband, Tim Hatlen; twin son and daughter, Jason and Jolene Young; grandchildren Raif, Micheal, Tayler and Tanah; mother-in law, Lois Corpron; brothers-in-law, Steve, Bruce and Jay Corpron; sisters-in-law, Pamela, Roni and Tana Corpron; numerous nieces and nephews; and too many cousins and friends to list. Ray was a man who left no words unspoken and left this earth with no regrets. He was a truly amazing man who will be terribly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21, in the Trade Center building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds with Pastor Jim Davey presiding. Bring your favorite dish for a potluck to follow. Ray's family would like to invite all who knew him to join them and honor the legacy of his life.