Raymond Strash

Raymond L. Strash left us to be with his wife Loretta on Oct. 8, 2020. For just over a year, he was residing at the Beehive Assisted Living Home in Columbia Falls where they took exceptional care of him.

He was born June 2, 1933, to Lewis and Margaret (Layton) Strash in Mays Landing, New Jersey. He enjoyed fishing the Atlantic Ocean and his annual hunting trips with his buddies at the cabin in Maine. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the Hamilton Township Fire Department in Mays Landing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and his wife Loretta (Mieth) Strash, whom he married in September 1975 and lost to cancer in December 1996.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Jenkins (and husband David) of Lewiston, Idaho, and William “Bill” Strash, as well as his former son-in-law and very best friend, Kris R. Woll of Kalispell. He also leaves behind two grandsons, Adam (and wife Laura) Strash and Nathan (and wife Emma) Strash and several great-grandchildren.

Ray was a 1950 graduate of Egg Harbor City High School in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 as an aircraft mechanic. He returned to his home town to run his family's automobile service station upon his father's passing in 1960. He later worked as a foreman with Wheaton's Glass in Millville, New Jersey. Soon after he married the love of his life, he moved the family to Montana in 1977. It was always his dream to fish, hunt and explore the Big Sky Country. He worked as a machinist for years and later followed his passion selling guns and telling stories to all that would listen! He worked in the gun department at Drug Fair, Snappy's and Brass and Bullets, where he could tell you everything you ever wanted to know about gun history and how to respect the safety and preservation of guns.

He enjoyed exploring the Flathead Valley on his four-wheeler and heading east of the mountains. Weekly breakfasts with friends and dinners with family were always very important to him. He spent many hunting seasons and holidays telling stories and making memories at the Woll Family Farm.

He was a loving husband, a loyal friend and devoted father. His memories of buddies he worked with, grew up with, and shared some crazy shenanigans with, always made for some very lively stories! He spoke his mind, cared deeply and will be missed more than he will ever know!

Viewing will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct.17, at the C.E. Conrad Cemetery, Kalispell, followed by a lunch reception at Scotty's Bar, Kalispell. Family and friends are welcome.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.