Welcome to the memorial page for
Ray Hanel Jr.
November 6, 1947 ~ February 5, 2017 (age 69) 69 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Wade Hanel
April 1, 2017 8:01 PM
Ray was a terrific uncle and I will miss him greatly! He was very thoughtful and always was more than generous when remembering me on my birthday and Christmas! I Aspire to be as great of an uncle to my nephews as Ray was to me! I'm thankful to have shared the experiences with him that I did, but regret not having more opportunities to get to know him even better.
A poem came into my life recently and I thought of Ray when I read it!
"Do not stand at my grave and weep for I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumns rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.
A poem came into my life recently and I thought of Ray when I read it!
"Do not stand at my grave and weep for I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumns rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.
Message from Dean Hanel
March 16, 2017 9:28 PM
Uncle Ray said everything with a chuckle and a smile.
I’m thankful that he got to meet his grand nephews a few years back.
I personally wish that I had gotten to know him better, too much geography is my excuse.
We were going to see him on a road trip to Canada this summer. We’ll still visit, but now to say goodbye.
Miss you Ray
I’m thankful that he got to meet his grand nephews a few years back.
I personally wish that I had gotten to know him better, too much geography is my excuse.
We were going to see him on a road trip to Canada this summer. We’ll still visit, but now to say goodbye.
Miss you Ray
Message from Joan Hanel
March 7, 2017 7:10 PM
Ray was my brother-in-law for 53 years and there are lots of memories of him. One that first comes to mind was watching him dig huge, beautiful red potatoes in his backyard. We noticed he threw away the small ones and told him in Oregon those small, red potatoes were a delicacy and expensive. Later on, he sent us a box of them by mail. He drove to Oregon bringing his mother Evelyn so they could both join us for many Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I remember how kind and friendly he was to my mother also at those holidays. Ray spent time with us at the coast where he was always an active participant in fishing and crabbing. I recall how helpful he was to me in the kitchen making crab cakes out of all that crab he helped crack with his brothers, brother-in-law and nephews. Everyone else stayed away from the kitchen, but not Ray. Ray always remembered his family never missing birthdays and Christmases and sending cards, usually with something inside them. Ray loved photography and was always so good sharing his pictures with us. He sent many pictures of family events in Montana we were unable to attend. But, most of all I appreciate what a wonderful uncle Ray was to our sons Dean and Wade; always remembering them. They always thought of him as a special uncle. What great fun it was for them to have an uncle who rafted some of the Oregon rivers with them. He was always game for anything. It's hard to believe he's passed on and much too soon. Our family will miss a great brother, brother-in-law, and a great uncle. Joan Hanel, sister-in-law
Message from Gary Hanel
February 15, 2017 3:50 PM
My Brother Ray was a wonderful friend and a loving brother. Ray enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors and was prepared with his equipment for whatever he wanted to do that day. Ray was surrounded by 2 close friends that looked after him, he thought very kindly of them, and loved them very much.
Ray was a very caring and generous man in many ways especially when it came to his family and Grandkids. He once came to Oregon to visit and raft the McKenzie River with family and friends, we came down the river a little wet but with laughter in our bellies and great memories were made for all.
Ray Served Proudly in Vietnam and received the Distinguished Flying Cross Award for his Heroic duties. After retiring from the military, he dedicated his life to teaching which he took great pride in and loved very much.
Ray was a Montana Man through and through, he loved Great Falls and never intended to leave.
He is in a much better place now with you our Dear Lord.
Take care Ray.
Gary
Ray was a very caring and generous man in many ways especially when it came to his family and Grandkids. He once came to Oregon to visit and raft the McKenzie River with family and friends, we came down the river a little wet but with laughter in our bellies and great memories were made for all.
Ray Served Proudly in Vietnam and received the Distinguished Flying Cross Award for his Heroic duties. After retiring from the military, he dedicated his life to teaching which he took great pride in and loved very much.
Ray was a Montana Man through and through, he loved Great Falls and never intended to leave.
He is in a much better place now with you our Dear Lord.
Take care Ray.
Gary
A candle was lit by Gary Hanel
on February 15, 2017 9:54 AM
A candle was lit by Garlyn Hanel
on February 14, 2017 5:50 PM
Message from Scott Smith
February 13, 2017 5:14 PM
Ray was a good friend of mine over so many years, from our days in school on. I am blessed to have thoughts of his wonderful smile and unique laugh come to mind. We shared many adventures in high school, especially the two week road trip we took in the '66 El Camino an hour after we were graduated!! Ray and I went separate ways for a few years, then reconnected after both of us were out of the Army. His experiences in Viet Nam changed his views on the world somewhat, and we talked about things he might do to help his PTSD (although they did not call it that at that time.) His excitement and success with the outdoor course he embarked on helped him regain some of the "old Ray", and once again we shared a few adventures. As happens, each of us followed a different path for a few more years, and then reconnected through the friendship of my sister Wendy as well as through mutual friends in Bozeman. More opportunities to know that quick smile and that great laugh of his. I am a better man for having known Ray, and so enjoyed him as my friend. Be at Peace Ray.
A candle was lit by Scott Smith & the Smith Family
on February 12, 2017 5:57 PM
Message from Kim Shallue
February 12, 2017 2:58 PM
We were fortunate enough to meet Ray through Nancy. It saddened me to hear of Ray's sudden illness and passing. I loved his kind heart and giving spirit. He always had a smile on his face and kind words. I remember him helping Nancy and her parents with whatever needed to be done and birthday barbecues. He was such a sweet man and will be missed by many.
A candle was lit by JUDY GALLAGHER MILLIKEN
on February 11, 2017 9:41 AM
Message from Nancy Rowell
February 11, 2017 9:00 AM
My dear friend Ray. I send love and condolences to Ray's family-brothers, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. He spoke of each of you by name often. He is remembered as strong and courageous, but I also knew his kindness and compassion. He helped my parents, Matt and Hazel, so much. He provided help when my dad didn't have the strength to do things at the house, and he brought the sparkle back to my mom's eyes when he brought her bright yellow happy face balloons from the Dollar Store! The times I remember with Ray include perusing the Real Estate Guide over a steak dinner at Prime Cut, internet searches for John Deere's and Audi's, digging potatoes on cool fall days, and summer days on the Missouri in Ray's canoe. Ray was surrounded by love of family and friends in this life and he is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Hallelujah!
Nancy
Nancy
Message from Patty Gallagher Hallock
February 10, 2017 8:03 AM
Our Thoughts and Prayers our with All of You
A candle was lit by B.C. And S. K. GRANT
on February 9, 2017 6:03 PM
A candle was lit by Ken and Marian Permann
on February 9, 2017 2:54 PM
A candle was lit by Ken and Marian Permann
on February 9, 2017 2:54 PM
A candle was lit by Beverly Williams
on February 9, 2017 2:19 PM
Message from Beverly Williams
February 9, 2017 2:19 PM
my dear friend
oh i remember so much
i will miss you
thank you for being a friend
Bev Williams
oh i remember so much
i will miss you
thank you for being a friend
Bev Williams
A candle was lit by Andy, Nicole, Mia, and Harrison Mortimer
on February 9, 2017 2:16 PM
A candle was lit by Garlyn
on February 9, 2017 2:11 PM
Message from Janny (Hanel) and Dave Parsley
February 9, 2017 7:41 AM
I have many fond memories of Ray Jr and the entire Ray Hanel family. When they lived in Glasgow and we (Frank Hanel family) lived in Wolf Point we visited back and forth throughout our youth. Please know that you are in our prayers and we pray that your faith and love of our Savior will sustain you at this difficult time. Janny and Dave
Message from Darla Whitehead
February 8, 2017 9:15 PM
Remembering Ray
Ray was a lover of the outdoors....nature, rafting a river, being out in the canoe with friends were simple pleasures.
Ray was also a an amazing research guy, he wasn't afraid to ask questions and would do endless research with friends and family for months before he would consider a decision.
Ray spent 15 months in Viet Nam while there he received the Distinguested Flying Cross awarded for heroism while participating in an ariel flight rescue operation. His aircraft hovered 10 ft off the ground, with no disregard for his personal safety he lowered himself down with a rope, crawled to the wounded mans position, secured a rope and pulled him into the helicopter. Ray was a brave soldier, he left for Viet Nam strong and tough however his tender heart was changed forever.
Ray served his country and retired from the government. He attended school and received a certificate to teach.
As a young brother at home I recall the handsom tough guy, great football seasons and lots of girls calling the house.
I will miss you brother, you always were my go to brother for family news and advice, it comforts me that you had great friends and good times in Great Falls. Ray loved Montana it was his home and now he will rest eternally with his Lord and Savior.
I love you Ray, your sister
Ray was a lover of the outdoors....nature, rafting a river, being out in the canoe with friends were simple pleasures.
Ray was also a an amazing research guy, he wasn't afraid to ask questions and would do endless research with friends and family for months before he would consider a decision.
Ray spent 15 months in Viet Nam while there he received the Distinguested Flying Cross awarded for heroism while participating in an ariel flight rescue operation. His aircraft hovered 10 ft off the ground, with no disregard for his personal safety he lowered himself down with a rope, crawled to the wounded mans position, secured a rope and pulled him into the helicopter. Ray was a brave soldier, he left for Viet Nam strong and tough however his tender heart was changed forever.
Ray served his country and retired from the government. He attended school and received a certificate to teach.
As a young brother at home I recall the handsom tough guy, great football seasons and lots of girls calling the house.
I will miss you brother, you always were my go to brother for family news and advice, it comforts me that you had great friends and good times in Great Falls. Ray loved Montana it was his home and now he will rest eternally with his Lord and Savior.
I love you Ray, your sister
Message from Jeanie Hanel Bickle
February 11, 2017 1:08 PM
I was saddened to learn of Ray Jr's diagnosis and his sudden passing. My condolences to you, Gary, and Garland. I did not keep contact with you all after moving from Wolf Point, but have some childhood memories of your mom and dad and visiting at your home in Glasgow. I remember Gary pointed a cap gun at me and I ducked behind a chair. Being raised in a family of girls, I wasn't familiar with such a "toy" and it scared me, much to his delight.
Thank you for sharing about Ray Jr's service to our country. What an admirable and brave man he was. Growing up, we were known as the Hanel Girls + one and I think of your family as the Hanel Boys +1.
God bless Ray Jr and his memory to all who knew and loved him.
Jeanie Hanel Bickle in Texarkana, Texas
Thank you for sharing about Ray Jr's service to our country. What an admirable and brave man he was. Growing up, we were known as the Hanel Girls + one and I think of your family as the Hanel Boys +1.
God bless Ray Jr and his memory to all who knew and loved him.
Jeanie Hanel Bickle in Texarkana, Texas
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