RAY BOYUM

RAY ALLEN BOYUM MARCH 4, 1940-JULY 25, 2024 84 YEARS 143 DAYS Ray was born March 4, 1940 in International Falls, Minnesota, the 7th child of Clarence Oliver and Irene Lillian Pollard Boyum. He grew up "across the tracks" in the family home at 100 West Thirteenth Street of the Hadler's Addition of the Carson Lupie development. Ray often provided a touch of humor to the family, and one of his better activities was sliding down the stairs on a checker board, frightening his Mother half to death! Ray attended school in International Falls, graduating in 1958. He played hockey and was quite successful, the skills being developed at the Holler Skating Rink four blocks east of his home. The St. Paul Pioneer Press carried a large write-up of him, with photos, as he was playing in the State Hockey Tournament, and winning, in February 1958 as one of the best players in the tournament Ray was employed at the National Tea Grocery Store in High School, and upon graduation volunteered for the draft, serving two years in the U.S. Army. Following basic training, he was assigned to the Washington D.C. Area. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned home for a time, then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he worked for Binks, a manufacturer of spray equipment, and attended Court Reporting School. He then returned to the Washington area and worked for Ace Reporters, eventually transferring to the House Reporters where he became the Chief Reporter for the House of Representatives for 25 years. As the chief reporter he would get the top secret hearings and never once shared any type of classified information. It was required that he be on a first name basis with every member of Congress. He was extremely efficient at his job, and even known and well-liked by members of the Senate. A portion of his career was spent as the reporter for the Air Force courts martial in Turkey as well as other countries on east to India. He also served as the reporter for the hearings aboard the Battleship Missouri that followed the attack on the Marine Barracksin Lebanon. He was a part of many of the major, critical, and classified events that happened around the world during his tenure. While in Turkey, he met and married Sonmez, the harpist for the Ankara Philharmonic Orchestra. Returning to the United States they settled in the Washington area. Together they had one daughter, Yasemin (Yaz). The marriage did not last. Ray later remarried to Gladys for several years before that marriage ended as well. He remained single for the remainder of his life. Ray was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Irene, siblings Helen Satterberg (Dan), Ervin (Muriel), Joanne Adams (Earl), Lois Braaten (Larry). Ray is survived by his daughter Yasemin Boyum of Washington D.C., and siblings Dean (Donna) of North Oaks, MN, Lee (Gloria, deceased)of Phoenix, AZ, Loren (Marilyn) of Little Falls, MN, and Nancy Helland (Lowell) of Binford, ND. And many cousins, nieces and nephews.Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.