GARDNER, Ray

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Ray Gardner, legendary Prescott fiddle player and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at the age of 92. In addition to being a talented musician, Ray was also a teacher, a WWII veteran, and one of Arizona's last true cowboys. He loved telling stories and he was known for his generous heart. Ray was born in Los Angeles in 1922. His family moved to Wilcox, Arizona during the Great Depression, where taught himself how to play the fiddle and guitar. He served honorably in WWII before attending Eastern Arizona College and then earning a degree from Colorado State University. Ray married the love of his life, Lois, in 1948, and raised two children while making a living as a sixth grade teacher, cowboy and professional fiddle player. In 1976, he began working in Prescott as the director of the youth horse program at Friendly Pines Camp, where he worked happily for 25 years. Ray has been playing music around Prescott for decades - at dances, concerts, events and over 20 summers on the plaza at the square. In 2010, Ray was inducted into The Greater Arizona Country Western Music Association's Hall of Fame. He played his fiddle all the way up to the last few months of his life, most recently performing as part of the Prescott Playboys. Most significantly, Ray was a faithful and devoted husband, father and grandfather with a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was married to Lois for 53 years before she passed away, and he has been married to his second wife, Betty, since 2003. His two children, Larry and Raelene, preceded him in death. Ray also leaves behind four grandchildren, Nathan, Michael, Ivy and Gina; and seven great-grandchildren. Ray will be missed greatly, but his family is joyous knowing that he is finally home with Lois, his children, and his Savior. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, 1001 Ruth St., Prescott, Arizona. Information provided by survivors.