Ray Managhan Jr., 86
Ray Managhan Jr., 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at Hidden Meadow Memory Care in Columbia Falls.
Ray was born June 19, 1934, in Kalispell to Ray and Bernice Managhan and raised on the family farm in Smith Valley. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1953.
Ray went to work in the United States Forest Service in Whitefish at age 18, and retired in 1983. He spent the majority of his Forest Service Career cruising woods, working in Whitefish Lookout, Fighting Forest Fires, you name it he did it. Ray logged 10-15 miles walking a day for most his career, and maintained that level fitness his entire life.
Ray met the love of his life, Beverly at the Bald Rock Community Center in April of 1953 at a monthly dance. Ray married Beverly in October 1954, having three children. They lived in Whitefish until 2006, then Kalispell.
He was a construction expert, before, during, and after his career with the Forest Service. He built the family home by hand at 433 Iowa Ave. in Whitefish. Drive by sometime and see it. He constructed several homes for others during his life, and countless roofs, sheds and garages.
Ray was a dedicated member (Pilgrim) of the Loyal Order of Moose. He spent 1000s of hours in his life working on Moose related causes and charity events. He supported Beverly’s dedication to her singing group, the Calamity Singers, spending countless hours typing sheet music, and helping Bev with organization during their live and recording engagements.
He loved gardening, he would come home daily from work and spend a couple hours working in the garden. He loved fresh strawberries, and 90% of the time for breakfast or lunch he had a big strawberry waffle. Hamburgers, and strawberry waffles made Ray tick! He was an avid camper, using the same camper for 35 years, both in the woods cruising timber for Plum Creek months at a time, or at Tally Lake or Radnor with his wife Beverly.
Ray lived a strong, resilient independent life. For 86.5 years he took care of himself and only had a couple rough months, undoubtedly a result of his great physical fitness from a lifetime of walking and hard work.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother Bernice, father Ray, wife Beverly, and grandson Christopher.
Ray is survived by his younger sisters, Faye (Freeman), Thelma (Diciocco), Patty (Binegar); and brothers, Robert and Richard; sons, Mike (Lil), Doug (Norma); and daughter Cindy (Gary); six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held for Ray at the Whitefish Moose Lodge when large gatherings are allowed again.
In lieu of flowers, make a donation to Dad’s charity, Mooseheart.