Ray Severson

Ray H. Severson, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at the age of 91 in South Jordan, Utah. Born on February 26, 1934, in Murray, Utah, Ray was the son of the late Harvey and Pauline Severson.
Ray was known for his love for family and friends, his generous spirit, and always helping those in need. He was a friend to many and a rock to his family. In his youth, Ray was a proud Boy Scout and sang in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as a teenager. He attended Murray High School and his first job was at Tom Neff's Service Station. Nicknamed "Speed Demon", Ray had a passion for fast cars-an enthusiasm that once led to rolling his first car, a 1937 Plymouth, and walking away unscathed with a friend by his side.
In 1951, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Korean War, while stationed in Alaska, San Francisco, San Diego and Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1956. The following year, he married the love of his life, Donna Cain. Together, they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, building life rooted in love, laughter, and family.
Ray opened Ray's Barbershop on State Street in Murray, where his love for racing continued, he even sponsored a race car. Later, he transitioned into electrical work becoming a Master Electrician and opening two successful businesses: Severson Electric and S/A Electric Company. He worked for Kennecott and retired after 37 years of dedicated service. During his time with Kennecott he lived in China as an advisor to the mine workers for 9 months, a testament to his expertise and adventurous spirit.
Ray had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing at Strawberry Reservoir and Flaming Gorge, deep-sea fishing in Mazatlan, Mexico and Kona, Hawaii, and salmon fishing in Illwaco, Washington and Sitka, Alaska with family and friends. An avid golfer, Ray proudly achieved two hole-in-ones and served as a Golf Marshal at Bear Lake, a place he cherished. Never one to sit still, Ray was always lending a helping hand, whether with electrical work, construction, or demolition. In his later years, he discovered a passion for woodworking, crafting everything from furniture to cradles and treasure boxes for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Wayne; sisters Joyce (James) Sawaya and Betty (Warren) Hawkes; sister-in-law Carolyn Severson; brother-in-law Brent Howcroft; and nephew Paul Sawaya.
He is survived by his devoted wife Donna; his brother Richard Severson; Sister-in-law Pam Howcroft; and his children Wayne (Anna) Severson, Kathy (Keith) Harris, Greg (Kellie) Severson, Andrea "Andy" (Baric) Lawson.
Ray was immensely proud of his 11 grandchildren, Aaron, Mischon, Melyssa, Matt, Devin, Shalee, Dustin, Cole, Nathan, Ryder and Katelyn, and adored and loved his visits with his 14 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary in Murray, Utah. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:00am to 11:00am, followed by a graveside service with military honors at 11:30am at Murray City Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Sagewood at Daybreak.
We would like to thank Canyon Home Health and Hospice for their wonderful care, especially Karen and Dusti for the past three years. Laura and Kylee with Mobile Medical and the wonderful caregivers at Sagewood who will miss him.
As Ray would often say "Sounds like a winner". Dad, you were more than a winner - you were our hero. We love you deeply and miss you always.