RAYMOND KEITH JORGENSEN

RAYMOND KEITH JORGENSEN Raymond Keith Jorgensen was born on April 1, 1929 in Anthon, Iowa He passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2023 at his home in McCall, Idaho. His parents were Earl Jorgensen and Clara Hahn. His father was a farmer and leased land. His mother, Clara, had been a school teacher. In 1935 the family moved to Wyoming and leased a ranch near Sheridan on Big Goose Creek. Ray attended Sheridan High School and was active in the local section of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and in 4H. He attended the National FFA conference in Washington DC in 1946. He always had a project calf during his years in High School. In 1947 Ray attended the University of Wyoming and joined the Rodeo Club where he competed in saddle bronc and bull riding. Ray left the University after two years and worked on his father's ranch located near Decker, Montana. Ray met the love of his life, Harriett Francis Wilson in Sheridan, Wyoming and they were married in Sheridan on October 9, 1954, immediately becoming "a pair to tie to". After marriage Ray returned to the University of Wyoming and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Ray worked almost 30 years for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with assignments in Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho. Fighting fire was a big part of his career at the BLM. As a firefighter Ray earned his place by cutting fireline and later worked as a fire boss. At the BLM he would do a first-of-a-kind environmental impact assessment and operational plan for the initial installation of what is known today as the Red Rocks National Conservation Area, which has become one of Las Vegas's most popular outdoor attractions with over 60 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of road, three picnic areas, and a Visitor Center. A big part of the family's winter adventures involved alpine and cross country skiing. He especially enjoyed the hard exercise associated with cross-country skiing which he continued to enjoy well into his 80s. When his daughters competed at Junior Nationals in 1973 in McCall, Ray and Harriett fell in love with the area. They immediately started making retirement plans for building a home there. Several years later they bought 10 acres in McCall and started construction. In 1979 the home was completed but Ray was still 8 years from retirement so he continued to live in Boise during the week and commuted home every Friday afternoon to enjoy the great outdoors. In 1987 Ray retired from the BLM and moved to McCall full time. Ray and Harriett traveled a bit to the American Southwest and Mexico. But most of all they loved McCall. Ray and Harriett hosted fun parties and put on haunted houses for Halloween. Their house was also a crash pad for traveling ski racers. Ray spent his time fishing and skiing. He was an animal whisperer who took care of cats and dogs and horses. Ray played bridge and went bike riding to keep Harriett in line. One of the things that he said was "I don't know what I do but it takes all day". Ray was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 but with early detection and treatment by Dr. David Barrica and Dr. Brian Auge was able to be active for the rest of his life. Ray was known around McCall for his funny one-liners and positive attitude. "Lookin' Good Kid!" Always remember when you have self doubt to "Go get 'em Tiger!" A going away party will be held this summer at the Jorgensen Residence. Please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice and hoist a beer for Ray! Ray is survived by his son Mark K Jorgensen (Terri) of Centennial, Colorado, his daughter, Cindy R. Rawlings (Scott) of McCall, Idaho and daughter Toni J. Geer (Drew) of Boulder, Colorado. Ray also is also survived by eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Harriett Francis Wilson, his wife of 54 years, his parents Earl E Jorgensen and Clara Bertha Gertrude Hahn, and his brother Rowlland D. Jorgensen.