Raymond Knutson

1921 - 2014

Raymond Knutson, 93, passed away on December 18th, at home surrounded by family. Ray was born on his parents' farm near Heron Lake Minnesota on November 25, 1921. He was the third son and grew up farming during the great depression, which framed many of his ideals and work habits throughout his life. Ray greatly wanted to enlist in the Army Air Corp during WW II, like his older brother Don Knutson, but was denied because he was running the farm and the youngest son was to remain home farming. On October 5, 1945 Ray married Marjory (Dee) Mead in Windom, Minnesota. In 1948 Ray went into sales for the Standard Oil Company and eventually into Insurance sales with Prudential Life, where he obtained his CLU certification. Ray and Dee had five children, Gary, Jane, Steve, Jon and Susan. After living in South Dakota in the 1950's, he moved the family to Boulder in October 1959. One of the most cherished times for Ray and his family was when he and Dee decided in 1962 to move the family overseas to Germany, as civilians, where he worked for Capital Life until 1965. The many adventures, German schooling and travel throughout Europe, are looked upon as highlights for everyone in Ray's Family. Moving back to Boulder in 1965 he started his own insurance and investment agency. 1969 saw Ray enter the Real Estate profession with Van Schaack. Ray formed Benchmark VII Real Estate in 1976 with several of his business associates which then merged with Re/Max of Boulder in 1990. Through the years Ray was very active in many Civic Organizations and activities including; the Jaycees in South Dakota, Kiwanis Club in Boulder where he was a past President, Boulder Board Of Realtors, where he was a past President and Realtor of the Year in 1984, and many legislative committees both in Boulder and at the State level. Ray volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of America serving as District Commissioner for the Longs Peak Council and was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1987. Ray loved travel, camping, hiking and skiing. He especially felt privileged to be near the mountains and to live in Colorado. Ray is survived by his wife Dee, children Gary Knutson (Jennifer) of Boulder, Jane Sharp (Chuck) of Superior, Steve Knutson of Boulder, Jon Knutson (Brenda) of Los Angeles and Susan Knutson of Superior. He is also survived by 13 Grand Children; Aeron, Heather, Erik, Jamie, Alycia, Scot, Kelly, Trevor, Chelsey, Savanna, Cosette, Ashley and Kylie, and his 4 Great Grand Children; Logan, Eileanor, Lily, and Ethan. Ray will be greatly missed for his absolute honesty and fairness with all people, outstanding commitment to excellence and most importantly his love and support of his family, which is his best legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America or Children's Hospital of Denver. Cremation will be handled by Crist Mortuary. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date per his wishes.