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Jeffrey Rayman Obituary
Jeffrey Alan Rayman, 44, died doing what he loved on Sunday, May 25, 2008, on the Dearborn River while rafting. Recovery by the diligent efforts of Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue occurred on Friday, June 20, 2008.
Jeff was born June 3, 1963, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Donald and Rose Marie (Healy) Rayman. He attended St. Joseph's Cathedral and then graduated from O'Gorman High School in 1981.
Jeff later moved west to Montana. He considered the Montana rivers and mountains his home by spending his springs, summers and falls fishing and floating it's world-class rivers and his winters hunting the prized large game.
He enlightened many of his friends to his love and passion of nature and the great outdoors.
Jeff considered rafting and fishing his main job and in his spare time, worked as a materials training specialist for the Montana Department of Transportation, traveling throughout the state.
His infectious smile and genuine spirit will live on in all of the hearts of those who he touched.
Many family and friends were blessed to share his life - companion, Jody Bachini of Helena; many friends from Butte, Helena and throughout Montana; brothers, Brian (Kim) of Burnsville, Minn., and Dan (DeEtt) of Eagan, Minn.; sister, Carmen (Brian) Bauer of Sioux Falls; ex-wife, Dawne Rayman and daughters, Jessyca, Heather, Chandra, Melissa and Monnyca; and nieces and nephews, MacKenzie, Tanner, Courtney, Brittany, Brianna, Lexi and Austin.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rose Marie Rayman and younger brother, Greg.
A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, in Retz Funeral Home in Helena. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena.
A celebration of his life will follow at Eagles Lodge 16, 801 N. Fee St. A memorial in honor of Jeff can be made to Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue Association, P.O. Box 473, Helena, MT 59624.
To offer a condolence to Jeff's family or to share a memory of Jeff, please visit www.mem.com. or www.mtstandard.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Rayman
Kristie Kent
June 20, 2022
Still missing you each and every day. I just wish I could chat with you and enjoy your smile. You are truly missed. Keep watching over us. We love you Jeff!!
Kristie Kent
June 23, 2020
We think of you every single day. Life was too short for you. I guess god needed you. I love and miss you. RIP until we meet again.
Lonnie Sayler
June 18, 2019
If there is a river to float in Heaven, I am quite certain you have found it. Continuing memories of your goodness and the positive inspirations that defined you, Jeff.
Janice & Curly Muniz
May 25, 2017
You are thought of today and always Jeff. Hard to believe you have been away from us for 9yrs. I hope your fishing and floating with Dano and all those who went before you. We love and miss you dearly Jeff Rayman. God's speed friend (((hugs)))
Cindy Barnett
July 3, 2008
My sincere sympathy to the Rayman Family and to Jane for the tragic losses you have experienced.
God Bless You.
Hikki (Hyacinth) Kustin
June 30, 2008
There was an incredible sadness that came over me when i heard that Jeff was missing. Then i realized, he is with his brother Greg.
I have fond memories of Jeff at the family reunion on the lake.
I was blessed to have him on my side-he actually held me up when I needed him.
I will miss you Jeff Rayman
Buzz and Carolina Roberts
June 26, 2008
There is no words to express the emptiness that we feel, you will be deeply missed, a friend that put everyone else before himself, living life to the fullest,as it should be. our thoughts and prayers go out to his kids, Jody, Carmen, Brian, Dan, nephews, nieces and friends. RIP my friend.We love and miss you
Fred Ziesman
June 25, 2008
I first met Jeff while working in the Butte District with MDT. He was a very likable guy and would always stop to talk to you whenever you saw him. It is hard to come up with words to describe him though, because he was such a unique individual. I was unable to attend any of the services due to being in the Asphalt plant, so I wish his family my deepest sympathies.
Kristie Kent
June 25, 2008
Jeff, you will deeply missed with your affectionate smile as well as your happiness. My condolences go out to all your family and friends. Wish I could have attended. I am now living in Reserve MT. I will never forget you and you have a special place in my heart. God definitely needed you or he would not have taken you from your family and friends. You are in a safe place now. Everyone that has come in contact with Jeff will agree he is the best man any woman or man would want to meet. Jeff you are the best...Keep smiling as I know you will be with me wherever I go and looking down on me. I will miss you and all the fun times we had together for hunting, fishing camping, and rafting. I will meet up with you in HEAVEN. I LOVE YOU. KRISTIE KENT. condolences to Jodi, Dawne and the girls, as well as the rest of the friends and family. RIP JEFF
Tom & Sandy Taylor
June 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Charlie Pepos
June 25, 2008
Jeff, the fishing just isn't going to be the same. When the trout take a fly I'll remember your excitement.
LaDonna
June 25, 2008
Jeff and I dated several years back. Jeff taught me so many things about myself that I will be forever grateful for. He was a good man and I will never forget him. Although our lives took different paths, the time we shared will never be replaced. I will miss his smile as well. My condolences go out to all his family and friends. God only takes the best and must've needed Jeff. Good bye Jeff. I will remember you every time I look at the mountains, rivers, or lakes.........RIP......................
Jane Barnett
June 24, 2008
Whenever I saw Jeff, he always said “Jane – you’re family”. That statement meant more to me than he will ever know, especially after the loss of Greg. I will cherish that feeling he gave me forever. I am truly fortunate to have been and will always be part of the Rayman family. I will always remember Jeff as he was a significant part of my life during the time I consider to be the best years of my life.
I will miss Jeff’s infectious smile and laugh, but most of all I will miss his unconditional love for me and his incredible outlook on life.
My never-ending love, tears and prayers are with everyone.
Jane Barnett
Kristie Dale Chris Nathan Don Kent
June 24, 2008
Jeff you will be deeply missed. I loved and adored you and you were the best with your smile and always bubbly. I will also miss the camping and float trips. You were the easiest person to ever talk with and always positive. You laugh will also never be forgotten. Nathan even drew a letter for you to see. It included you and him fishing and of course he caught the bigger fish. Take care and RIP. I will always think of you. I LOVE YOU... Kristie Don Christopher Nathan and Dale Kent....
Tammy Zemljak
June 24, 2008
If there were more people in this world like Jeff the world would be a much more enjoyable place to be. What a heart he had. God must need him. Jeff you will never be forgotten. Your smile and stories will live on forever.
Roy Muniz
June 24, 2008
I knew Jeff to be a great person to be around. Every time I was around Jeff and we did not know one another well, he always treated me with great respect as though he'd known me all his life. Thanks Jeff, rest in peace my friend.
Roy and Wendy Muniz
Lonnie Sayler
June 24, 2008
You are cherished, always, as a good friend, Jeff, and the times we spent together will never be forgotten.
Lynn Doherty
June 24, 2008
To Jeff's family and friends,
I am so sorry for your loss, and know how much you will miss Jeff's infectious smile and personality. I worked with him at MDT in Butte and he would light up the office whenever he came through. His life was short but he lived it to the fullest. God Bless!
Bubba Maloney
June 24, 2008
Jeff was one of a kind Thank God,he was a great guy and had a kind heart we will miss him,he will always be a Butte Lab Rat
Jan & Curly Muniz
June 24, 2008
We will miss you Jeff. Memories will last a lifetime and you will never be forgotten.
Our Deepest sympathy to Jody and all of Jeff's family and Dawn and the girls. He loved all of you very much.
He was one of a kind and loved life
This life will not be the same without Jeff in it. His smile was so infectious and there wasn't a time we ever saw him he wasn't smiling.
Our floating trips will be sad but we will always have Jeff in the boat with us letting Curly catch the big fish now.
Rest in peace now Jeff and we will see you when we meet up in heaven. Have some beer on ice!!!
we love you Jeff, you were a great friend.
Warren and Carol Schuetzle
June 24, 2008
We're going to miss Jeff's visit to Miles City and going out for a fun night and a good laugh. We've always had a great time. Your a great guy Jeff and we will miss you and your big smile.
"A good laugh is sunshine in a house" William Makepeace Thackeray
We're sorry to the family for your lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. Hugs and Love.
PJ Shea
June 24, 2008
Here's to Jeff.......... and the elk, deer, trout, and Wild Turkey I miss you buddy.
Jack Brown
June 24, 2008
You will be missed my friend.
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