Ray Carlisle Barker Obituary (1939 - 2016)

Ray Carlisle Barker December 15, 1939 - October 20, 2016 SOUTH OGDEN, UTAH - Our cherished husband, father, and grandfather, Ray C. Barker, age 76, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, October 20, 2016 as a result of a recent illness. He was born December 15, 1939 in Denver, Colorado, son of Max Ray Barker and Elvie Helga Engdina Nielsen Barker. He grew up in Lakewood and Denver, Colorado and graduated from South Denver High School in 1958. Ray received a BS degree in Industrial Construction and Management from Colorado State University and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1963. He entered Jet Pilot Training in 1964 at Williams AFB, Arizona, after which he completed Jet Aircraft Maintenance Officer training at Chanute AFB, Illinois, and was assigned to Hill AFB in Utah. Ray served dutifully in the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. He left active duty in 1968 and served 13 years in the Air Force Reserve at HAFB, Utah. On August 5, 1966, Ray married Judy Olsen Nielsen in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had seven outstanding children together, later divorcing in 1995. Ray and Judy remained life-long friends as they delighted together in the many activities and accomplishments of their children. Ray married Sheila Rasmussen in 2004. Sheila has spent countless hours of selfless service to Ray as his health deteriorated over the years. In 1969, Ray accepted a career position as an Engineering Technician with the USDA Forest Service on the Ashley National Forest at Flaming Gorge, Utah. Many memories were made with his family floating the Green River, with endless hours of fishing and hunting. During his career with the Forest Service, he also served on the Clearwater National Forest, Orofino, ID; then as a Personnel Officer on the Fishlake National Forest, Richfield, UT, Dixie National Forest, Cedar City, and his final assignment being with the Intermountain Region, Regional Office in Ogden, Utah as the Pay Administration Expert for the Region. Ray was a man who refused to accept any standard short of perfection in all that he did. Ray hobbies included antique vehicles, elk and deer hunting, camping, fishing and good movies. He was a man of intelligence and never failed to instill in his children a profound work ethic that has lead each of them on a pathway to a lifetime of success. His children knew they could always rely on him for guidance and counsel in any situation. Ray is survived by five of his seven children, all in Utah: Max (Cindy) Barker of Hurricane; Robin Hoggan of Centerville, Heidi (Rod) Pearce of Perry, Kimberly (Matt) Christensen of Hooper, and Karen (Dirk) Bishop of Taylor; 25 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. His devoted wife Sheila, and a close friend, Kim Marshall of Clearfield; numerous cousins in Denver, Reno, Honolulu, and Minnesota. Ray was preceded in death by two of his seven children, Jason and Jennifer; his former wife and long-time friend, Judy; his parents and only sibling, Arthur Jay "Bud" Barker. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy, Utah. A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, October 28, 2016, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., prior to services. Interment at the old Salt Lake City Cemetery. Ray will be buried between his mother and grandmother. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 October 28, 2016 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 October 29, 2016 11:00 AM CemeterySalt Lake City Cemetery 200 N St. E Salt Lake City, UT 84103 October 29, 2016 1:00 PM