Carl Ray Obituary
Born on April 27, 1946, in Traverse City, Carl was the son of late Edward and Helene (Makerevich) Ray; the loving husband of Alice; the brother of Gerry and Bill Lain of Wisconsin, twin brother Charles and Fran Ray of Kalkaska and Elizabeth Bryan of Minnesota; and friend to many.
Carl was a graduate of Elk Rapids High School. He served in and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1971, during the Vietnam War. He earned an associate's degree from Northwestern Michigan College.
He married Alice Stoppels on Aug. 9, 1975, in Omena. Carl was a lifelong resident of Barker Creek. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a rural route mail carrier in Fife Lake. He had his building contractor license; was an avid bicyclist; a private pilot; a wood carver, as well as a teacher of woodcarving for 4-H; enjoyed sailing and nature photography. Because of Carl's sailing knowledge, he was involved with the Coast Guard in Traverse City and would become Commander of the Auxiliary.
Carl was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc., Beaver Island Historical Society, Cherry Capital Cycling Club, Experimental Aircraft Assoc., Grass River Natural Area and Grand Traverse Audubon Club.
Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given on behalf of Carl to the Grass River Natural Area, P.O. Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
bob larsen
July 29, 2020
met carl at a woodcarving club in Alden. what a great carver. Had a good time with him and is truly missed. Remember him showing me the plane he was building in his garage. Was going to fly to Beaver Island. What a great guy
Alice Ray
August 23, 2008
Dear Friends & Family
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all your words of comfort and encouragement during this time. Carl touched so many lives and his spirit lives on and in the hearts of many. Thank You,
Alice
Geraldine Laine
August 11, 2008
Carl was a red-haired, loving brother. We shared his interest in good nature photography and model trains. I am grateful that I phoned him just before his tragic death. Carl gave me a lovely carving of a
schoolmarm when I retired as a Professor of college English. I cherish it and the other carving of a chickadee on a stump. When I came to visit Mother et. al., Carl picked me up at the Traverse City airport, and later Carl and Alice treated me with dinner at The Outback and a speciality chocolate place in Traverse City and a tour of T.C. He was an excellent builder and built his home in Barker Creek and Beaver Island. We share his love of biking and keeping fit. Carl was strong in his convictions and was quick to help others such as cutting Mother's grass amd shoveling her snow. Carl had a quick wit and sense of humor and he and Alice loved each other dearly. Carl and I kept in touch when he was in the service in Antartica. It is still somewhat of a shock that he died so tragically. I loved him and have no doubt that he is now in heaven.
Don and Barbara vyverberg
August 7, 2008
Alice: We met Carl when we owned the marine store on 131 and he became a friend, When you were building your home on Beaver Island we sailed our boat over with "Penigan" and helped put the roof on your house. My brother in law who was a pilot flew over to see us and that was when Carl became interested in flying and then later sold your sail boat and bought a plane. In appreciation for our help doing that he carved 2 beautilful ducks for us and we have in our living room and will cherish always.
You can always be proud of Carl and the nice things he did.
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Tena Evans
August 6, 2008
Alice, I am so sorry to hear about Carls passing. Please know that I hold you close to my heart and share your sorrow. When you find yourself lonely and in need of some evenings with some of your old painting buddies, give me a call. I would so love to have you in class again and I know that Carl would be pleased to know you are with your friends. Many hugs today and always.
Dave Buck
August 6, 2008
There are no words that seem to appropriately express what we as friends feel when we have lost one of the positive people in our lives. We can only celebrate their LIFE and do something on a regular basis to keep them alive in our minds.
DICK & BETTY CIESLIK
August 6, 2008
Dear Alice, We are sad to hear of your loss. Betty & I will remember Carl in our prayers.
Nancy Gauld
August 6, 2008
Alice,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Carl at the Fife Lake Post Office. He was a man of strong opinions and values and was very intelligent and talented. I truly enjoyed seeing all of the pictures he brought in. I shared an interest in photography with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Sheri Timsak
August 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carl's family- he was definitly one of the bright spots on the island. Always had a smile for everyone. Beaver Island will miss him.
Nancy Sussex
August 5, 2008
To Carl's Family,
I was saddened to hear of Carl's passing. I enjoyed getting to know Carl when I worked with him at the Fife Lake PO. He had so many interesting hobbies and talents. It was thanks to him that I got serious about bike riding. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cindee DuBey
August 5, 2008
Alice and family,
So very sorry to hear of Carl's accident. We will truly miss the photos that he so generously shared with us on the Audubon web site. God be with all of you during this time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. The Audubon Club with surely miss him.
Ann and Terry Blakely
August 4, 2008
To Alice and all Carl's family: It is coming up to 20 years we have lived permanently at River Ridge and Carl was the only mail carrier we had. Long ago he became a friend and we admired all his humor, talents and the obvious love he had for you Alice. We still are having trouble believing this has happened and I know we are not alone. We went and looked at the photo website right away to see all the pictures of both of you again. We will miss him always.
David Province
August 4, 2008
So very sorry to get this news. I only knew of Carl's kindness and willingness to help others. I have never met him in person but from the posts and comments at a photo site he cared. He was a frequent poster and commentor. I always opened his posts to see what he was up to, G*d blessed him and others which were in his circle. I will miss Carl's online presence.
My heart goes out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
dp
Yvonne Cunkle
August 4, 2008
I still remember the day I met Carl on the VST, probably his first ever single track ride. He announced that he had signed up for the Iceman and was there to practice. He was wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes. It did not take him long to become a very skilled rider and to learn the trails, and he did ride the Iceman that year! Carl later came on board as Mountain Bike Director for the Cherry Capital Cycling Club. I deeply cherish the carved Santa Claus that sits right up front in my china cabinet. Don and I will miss Carl forever. He was one-of-a kind and a friend to all who knew him. I can still see that impish grin of his.
Tom Lieb
August 4, 2008
To the family of Carl John Ray:
I never knew John, but as a fellow bicyclist, I wish to convey my condolences to you. I live in the Rapid City area, and have ridden that stretch of highway many times and always worry about the traffic and the people who speed along there. I rode my bike to the accident site the other day to offer my respects, and I'm sure I felt his spirit, and that he is in good hands now. God bless you.
Tom
Mike/Patti Goodreau
August 4, 2008
Carl,
We sure will miss seeing your smiling face. I will always cherish my wizzard that you carved for me and gave to me at the single track, and giving me an update on how many miles Alice has ridden, you were so proud of her.
Alice,
We certainly will miss Carl and are so sorry to hear of the tragic accident. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Charles&Frances Ray
August 4, 2008
Love you always brother
The Schlagel Family
August 4, 2008
Dear Alice,
We are sorry to hear of Carl's passing. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Karen Ely
August 4, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Carl was our mail carrier for over 20 yrs. He will be sadly missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Larsen
August 4, 2008
It was always a pleasure to carve with carl.You will be deeply missed.I will always remember all the good times at the carving club....
Debby Page & Mike Schaeffer
August 4, 2008
Carl -- We will miss you. We will miss riding with you at the singletrack.
Alice -- We are all shocked, and we are grieving with you. Carl was certainly a genuine friend to all. He will be missed.
Richard Whiting
August 4, 2008
We are very sorry for the loss of Carl. He was a great asset to the area and friend to all.
Fred Schaafsma
August 4, 2008
Dear Alice,
A profound sadness overcomes me as a result of the loss of Carl. My heart and prayers go out to you. I wish you strength with hope for comfort during this terrible time. We will miss Carl greatly.
I have ridden with Carl a time or two as part of the Cherry Capital Cycling Club. We will not forget him and will find a way to honor him. With deepest sympathy,
Fred, CCCC member
Bruce Bodjack
August 4, 2008
Carl,
Thanks for the friendship, the humor, the advice the companionship. I enjoyed cycling with you and the times we spent taking photos.
Over the years you gave me a lot of help and enriched my life.
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