Claude Raymond Troupe Jr., 90

Claude Jr., “Ray” or “Raymond” Troupe, 90, passed away on March 21, 2024. A graveside service was held at Conrad Cemetery, in Kalispell, Montana. 

Born in 1933 in Carlin, Nevada to Claude and Maxine Troupe, Ray and his sister, Ruth Ann, grew up enjoying the wild outdoors of Nevada. Their parents owned a movie theatre where his love for movies began, especially Westerns and John Wayne. 

Ray graduated from Carlin High School in 1951. He was drafted for the Korean War and trained as a radio operator. He married Ruth Evans and had three daughters, Debra, Terri, and Denise.  Ruth passed away in June of 1962, so Ray and his daughters created a new life while he attended school at Weber State University and the University of Nevada, Reno, and graduated with a biology degree. Ray worked as a Health Inspector in San Diego, when he met “his angel” Anne Kane, at a party where she told him naughty jokes and swept him off his feet. They were married in June of 1964, and along came Christopher, Suzanne, and Daniel.  

In 1971, Ray partnered in purchasing Arctic Lockers in Kalispell. The family made multiple friends as members of St. Matthews Church and The Knights of Columbus. Raymond taught multiple classes of Hunter’s Safety, investing extra time to ensure each student was successful. Raymond was an avid outdoorsman, an excellent shot, and cofounded the Flathead Valley Clay Target Club. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, and was always up for any adventure or a road trip. Big Ray’s unique voice was loved, especially when he recited Robert Service poems or sang Jonny Cash. 

He is survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Micheli and her family; his children, Terri Temple (Robert), Denise Frankino, Christopher Troupe, Suzanne Troupe (Todd Denler), Daniel Troupe (Nathalie Annau); and his 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  

He will be loved forever, and we are thankful for the legacy that he leaves behind. Cheers! 

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ray.