RAY, Michael Roy

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Thursday, July 12, 2012 - Michael Roy Ray was born Aug. 17, 1946, in Alamosa, Colo. He went to be with the Lord July 9, 2012 in Lake Havasu City. When Michael was a year old, his parents, sister (Jacque) and he homesteaded in Alaska. Three additional children then joined the family. He lived there until 1959, when his family moved to Climax, Colo., and then the town was moved to Leadville, Colo. In November 1967, Michael joined the Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam in the infantry and attained the rank of Staff Sgt. He was discharged in November 1969. After his military service, he returned to Alaska. Michael and Patsy met in June 1979 and married June 1983. Michael worked for the USAF as a civilian, first at Eielson AFB from June 1971 until July 1989 first in the AGE shop on the flight line and then at the power plant on base. He then transferred to Elmendorf AFB where he worked as a working supervisor with the 5099th CEOS and traveled worldwide. In December 1996, after 25 years with civil service, Michael and Patsy drove down the ALCAN for the last time. They bought a fifth wheel and spent the next 12 years traveling around the United States leading a workkamper lifestyle working in RV parks. Michael always said he loved to work and upon retiring from civil service he quickly realized he couldn’t give up working and used his many skills wherever he went. Michael and Patsy settled in Lake Havasu City in the summer of 2009. After being diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer in August 2011, he started attending Abundant Grace Church and gave his life to the Lord. In January 2012, he was declared totally cancer free. Michael was such an inspiration to others due to his unwavering faith and dedication. He positively impacted many people. He is survived by his wife, Patsy; their son, Sean, and his daughter, Mihkayla who live in Georgia; their son, John, and wife, Lisa, and their children Janessa, Jace, and Jackson, who live in Poulsbo, Wash.; their daughter, Christina, and husband, James, and their children Joshua, Ethan, Taya and Carissa, who live in Vilsech, Germany; his sister, Jacque, and husband, Dexter, who live in Elko, Nev.; his sister, Terri and husband, Rick, who live in Elko, Nev.; his sister, Pattie, who lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.; his brother, Jeff and significant other, Jeanne, who live in Wickenburg, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Maranta Ray, and his father, Garland Roy Ray. A memorial service will be Sunday, at 2:30 p.m. at Abundant Grace Church, 3516 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406. Pastor Lan Blair will be officiating. Michael’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Abundant Grace Church. Condolences can be sent directly to the family or through http://www.lakehavasumortuary.com/. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.