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Ray Collishaw Obituary

Ray H. Collishaw Entrepreneur and businessman Ray H. Collishaw, 75, died Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Helena, MT. Born to Madeleine "Jonnie" Johnson and Howard Collishaw on March 2, 1934, Ray joined the Marines in 1952, shortly after graduation from Helena High School earlier that year. It was at Helena High where Ray met his high school sweetheart, Earlyn Bjork, and they married on February 26, 1954. They were married 55 years until Ray's passing. After his discharge from the Marines in 1955, Ray decided to relocate to seek his fortune, and he and Earlyn moved to California 1956. It was in California where Ray began a career as a successful entrepreneur. He built and managed many successful business ventures, spanning several areas of interest, including Collishaw Sprinkler Company, Collishaw Development, Twin Creeks Sports Complex, Mountain. Winery, and J R Chops Restaurant. Ray lived in Los Gatos, CA until he semi-retired, returning to Helena MT in 2002. However outstanding his career achievements, they pale in comparison with his life's greatest achievement: his family. Ray was an avid family man who wanted to give his family the world - and decided to do it one location at a time! His trips with them spanned the globe, including forays from Japan to Italy, Africa, New Zealand, and Hawaii. And yet his favorite trips were often the annual summer visits to his mountain cabin in Nelson, MT, with those he loved. Always a man of many interests, it's no surprise that his personal interests were as varied as his business ventures, and included hunting, fishing, traveling, and playing cards. His competitive spirit would often appear during games of backgammon and cribbage. Ray loved waterskiing and snow skiing with his children, and later enjoyed watching grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. Well loved and remembered by all who knew him for his generosity, Ray gave just as tirelessly to his community. He was a constant supporter of multiple charities, giving frequently to schools, parks and recreation. His support benefitted many, including the Crippled Children's Society and the Fisher Middle School Gym. He left an enduring, living legacy with the donation of York Community Park to the city. Facts are not enough to pay tribute to this man. He will continue to live in the memory of his family, his friends and his employees. He is remembered as the husband who once chartered a plane to get his wife to Denver to see her family when the commercial flights were all snowed in, or the father who proudly presented a huge album to his son of every picture and clipping of each game pitched - none were missed - or simply as the friend who offered a young friend of his grandson's a thousand dollars if she would only quit smoking. His employees say he was the best boss they had ever known, and his reputation only grows from there. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Earlyn Collishaw, and his five children Bob, Mike, married to Lisa, Patti, Dave, married to Kathy, and Penny, and his "adopted" daughter Margaret. He was the proud Grandfather of 14 grandchildren: Sara, Dylan, Renee, Lindsay, Megan, Tara, Nic, Casey, Alexa, Jake, Carly, Brianna, Heather and Leslie; and 2 great grandchildren Victoria and Alex. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Gary. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, May 21, 2009, 11:00, AM at Retz Funeral Home, 315 East 6th Avenue, Helena Mt 59601. Those wishing to pay their respects may send flowers to the funeral home or send donations to Westmont, 2708 Bozeman Ave., Helena MT 59601, or to a charity of their choice. To offer a condolence to Ray's family or to share a memory of Ray, please visit www.mem.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on May 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Collishaw

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Kelly DeGrange

June 2, 2009

Dear Collishaw Family -
We Lochner's send our love and condolences. Our families grew up together and we have nothing but fond memories of Mr. Collishaw. He was such a huge powerhouse of support for our family when Jeff had his accident - he stepped in and helped as if it were his own son. We will always appreciate the generosity and friendliness of your family.

Catherine Williams

May 31, 2009

Dear Lyn, Patty and the rest of the Collishaw family,

I worked at Collishaw Corporation from 1976 to 1980, and at that time I was known as Kit Baccelli. I also lived with Lyn's mom, Clara for a period of time when I was in beauty school at San Jose Community College.

I wanted to pass along my sympathies to you, and to mention how very formative my experiences were during my early adulthood, while working with Ray and Jack and the entire staff at Collishaw Corp., CVE, Braman Pipe, Lowery & Little, and Honda Corp. I loved Ray's mantra of "work hard, play hard." My experiences at Collishaw Corp. left impressions that helped form me into an adult and I will forever remember Ray and his company's contributions to my life.

I am married now, and dropped the nickname "Kit," and go by my given name Catherine. My husband and I live in Colorado Springs, CO. I would love to hear more about how Ray died and get updates on the family, if you care to get in touch. My e-mail address is included.

Very Sincerely,
Kit Baccelli aka Catherine Williams
[email protected]

Brett Jones

May 29, 2009

Lyn, Bob, and the rest of the Collishaw family: I was greatly saddened to hear of Ray's passing this week, when I ran into Mark Collishaw at an event. Ray was a big part of my early years, and his generosity was second to none. As a young boy, Ray was my role model and the countless hours I spent at your home in Monte Sereno were some of the better memories of my life. I will never forget Ray out in the driveway playing basketball with us, always wearing only his socks, and how he grew the chili peppers in the yard, purposely not watering them much so they'd get extra hot, and popping them into his mouth like they were candy! Riding motorcycles, skiing in Colorado- I learned from him and looked up to him. My deepest sympathies to you all, Ray was indeed larger than life itself, and he will be missed.

Brett Jones

May 26, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Gary Morton

May 26, 2009

Dear Lynn, Mike, Dave, Bob, Patty, Penny

I only had one way to address your dad and that was " Mr. Collishaw, a man with honor, respect, and a heart so large I am lost for words. A man whom I had the privilege of knowing and whom taught me some very good family values " like not to try to throw Mr. Collishaw in the pool, it will hurt and you WILL get wet. He was one of a kind. From myself and my family's heart and thoughts and most of all respect go to you all.

Larry WALKER

May 23, 2009

Lynn, Mike, Bob, Dave, Patti, Penny

This is going to be very hard for me to write and I am so sad for the Collishaw family.
Mr.Ray Collishaw is a man who I will never never forget. Ray Collishaw helped me in so many ways I feel this man gave me my PHD in Bus. I very often think of the Collishaw family and all the great times and generosity this family has given to many. Ray is one of kindest, gentlest,toughest men I have ever met and I am going to miss this man named Ray Collishaw immensely. I will think of you and remember you forever Mr. Ray Collishaw.

Tori O'Halloran

May 23, 2009

Dear Lyn, Bob, Mike, Patti, Dave and Penny~
The O'Halloran Family wants to pass along our heartfelt condolences to all of you. Ray was truly 'larger then life' and a great man. He left this earth a better place and left a big positive impact on all of those he met. We will truly miss him. We have a lot of fantastic memories of Ray and all of you. We certainly all had a lot of great times over the years-many of which we will never ever forget in our Lifetime. Lyn, you and Ray's generosity to us with your beach and tahoe homes while we were a young family will forever be appreciated and remembered with fond gratitude. You and Ray were always first in line to offer up a beautiful party, offer someone the use of one of your homes or just invite everyone over to get together. Some of Tim and I's favorite memories are at your house on Daves Ave back in the day and we truly just appreciated everything and love all you guys so much. All of us are truly better having met and known Ray all our lives. God Bless all of you and we look forward to seeing you soon. The O'Halloran's
Tim, Tori, Ryan, Jordan and Cameron

Matt Ambrose

May 22, 2009

The Ambrose family wishes to pass their condolences on to your family. Ray was truly a special person. I personnally, will always be grateful to him for making it possible for me to play baseball in Hawaii while I was still in High School! Memories like that are never forgotten and I thank him for that.

May 21, 2009

To all the Collishaws, and especially Lyn. Sadness for your loss only deepens the gratitude we express for all the wonderful times we shared with you and Ray. The memories are almost endless, and a tribute to a man who was "larger than life". The lives of all of us were enhanced by having known him.

All the Williams Family.

RHETTA ROUSE

May 20, 2009

Lynn and family, John let me know that Ray had passed and I was very saddened. What great times we had, skiing, and just being together. He was a great man and we are fortunate to have been able to share a little part of his vibrant life. Sincere sympathy, Rhetta

Pam Hawthorne

May 20, 2009

To Lynn, Dave, and the rest of Ray's children -
Ray was such a special and caring man. Since moving to Oregon in 2001, I have thought of him often. A couple of times when he was at Mariani's with my friends, they have called me up here, and he would get on the phone and start teasing me!
Just out of high school in 1976, I worked in the construction industry and heard of Ray and his landscaping company, only good things of course! Many years later, I used to spend time with my friends at JR Chops several times a week. Ray was so much fun and always buying a round for everyone. After Chops closed and we all spent time at Mariani's, Ray always livened things up when he visited.
I even worked at the softball complex for Ray temporarily, transcribing his messy handwriting :)
I will always remember how kind and caring Ray was when he rented a bus for all of the JR Chops gang, so we could go to Lou's service near Sacramento.
Ray was the best. He spoke often of Lynn and his kids.
My thoughts and prayers go to all of you at this difficult time.

Douglas & Linda Gruehl

May 20, 2009

Dear Lynn and family
Linda and I are deeply saddened to read of Ray's passing - you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers - his kindness and generosity will always serve as a shining beacon for those striving to help ease the burdens of those less fortunate - it is with the deepest respect and admiration that we send you our heartfelt condolences.

Dave Bakke

May 20, 2009

Big Ray...

I was shocked & saddened to hear of your untimely departure from our presence. You've been a lifelong friend to my Dad and our family. You've left my Dad with many great memories while you both attended grade school, high school, the Marine Corps, and even while you worked together in California. You even introduced my Mom to my Dad in high school, and your persistence in having my Dad keep in touch with my Mom while serving in the Corps together eventually led to their marriage in 1956. I was also touched by your generosity & friendship over the years with many of your kind deeds... too many to list here. My Mom & Dad can find solace in the fact that you were able to visit with them the day you passed away... having a nice meal and a few drinks while reminiscing about the good ole days you & he spent together. Not too many people have that opportunity to see someone close before they leave this world unexpectedly like you did. I only wish that "I" too had had that same opportunity to visit & say goodbye. I know you can't read this letter, but in some small way I guess it's the only way I can thank you too for your time spent here on Earth. I don't think many people realize just how many lives you affected in a positive way. I know if you "did" read this letter, I could just hear that heartfelt laugh of yours... the same laugh that always left people with a smile on their face. Just know this... many people today have lost a great friend with your passing but your memories will live forever... that I can guarantee. Thanks again Big Ray... We'll sure miss you... God Bless you and your family. - Dave

Ledesma Family

May 20, 2009

To the family of Mr Collishaw, our sympathy and condolences to a great man our community has lost. I want to express our familys deepest respect and gratitude for all the organizations Mr Collishaw represented, built, supported, etc. It was thru CCS my daughter benefitted from and will always think of Mr Collishaw and his family with the greatest memories one could give a child and family a great start in life. May God Bless you always.

Maureen Conlin

May 20, 2009

To Lynn, Bob, Mike, Dave, Patty and Penny,

It is with sadness in our hearts that we send our deepest sympathy to you all. Believe me that we understand what your going thru and we pray with all of you. Over the last few days our family has talked about all the fun over the years we have had with all of you and the "legend" that your husband and dad was brought happiness to us so many times. The bigger than life person that Ray was it was an honor to have known him and spend time with him and all of you. Our thoughts during this most difficult time.
Josephine, Maureen, Shawn, Myles and Ruthann McEntee.

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