Raynor Kaminska

Loving Memory of Raynor Neal (Ray) Kaminska
February 25, 1934 – October 19, 2026

Raynor Neal Kaminska, lovingly known as Ray, passed away on October 19, 2026, at the age of 92. He lived a life shaped by hard work, adventure, friendship, and, above all, family.

When Ray was just two years old, his birth father, Raymond Earl Kaminska, died in an accident. Ray was raised by Roland Holyoak, who became the father who shaped his life, alongside his mother, Valeria.

Ray grew up in Parowan, Utah, where his early years helped shape the hardworking, adventurous, and devoted family man he became. As a young boy, he spent days in the mountains with his brother Rod, and those early adventures became stories he shared throughout his life. One family favorite was the time he and Rod ran out of food in the mountains and had to kill a porcupine for dinner, a story that reflected Ray’s resourcefulness, determination, and humor.

On November 19, 1952, Ray married the love of his life, Jean Benson, in the St. George Temple. Their nearly 74 years together became the heart of his story. Jean was at the center of Ray’s world, and their marriage was an example of love, respect, and devotion to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and everyone who knew them. Together, they built a life and a family grounded in lasting love.

Ray worked at Thiokol for 32 years, where he retired as the Machine Shop Manager. Throughout those years, he was grateful not only for his work but also for the friendships he formed and the memories he made with the people he worked alongside. Those relationships were an important part of his life, and he appreciated the people who became part of his journey along the way.

Ray had a lifelong love of the outdoors. An avid bowhunter, he especially loved hunting mule deer and elk. Hunting was more than a hobby; it was a passion that connected him to the mountains, the land he loved, and the traditions he shared with family. He looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Alaska with family and continued making those trips right up to the end of his life. These adventures gave him treasured time with loved ones and created memories that will be shared for years to come.
Those who knew Ray, knew how much he loved German shepherds and horses. Throughout his life, he had many of these loyal companions and they were always much more than pets to him.

He treated them like family, giving them the same affection and care that came so naturally to him. Just another reflection of his love and loyalty. He held these four-legged friends close to his heart.

Family was the center of Ray’s world. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment were the family he and Jean built together.

He often spoke about how "lucky" he was to have the family he had, and anyone who knew him understood just how sincerely he meant it.

One of Ray’s most cherished places was the cabin he built on the family property near Brian Head, Utah. More than just a cabin, it was a place where family traditions were born and memories piled up year after year. It became a gathering place for hunting trips, reunions, and quiet moments together. For Ray, the cabin represented family, togetherness, and the joy of being with the people he loved. Those who gathered there knew that leaving was never easy for Grandpa. There was often a little tear in his eye when family said goodbye, quiet proof of how much those moments mattered.

Together, Ray and Jean raised four children: their oldest daughter, Kimmy Nessler; Jim Kaminska; Curt Kaminska; and Shelly Norr. His family was his greatest blessing, and each of his children held a special place in his heart. The love he shared with his children grew into 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren and one on the way, as well as 8 great-great-grandchildren and one on the way, each bringing him immense pride and joy.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his son Jim and wife Cherisse; his son Curt and wife Gamila; his daughter Shelly and husband Bryce Norr; his brother Rod (Sandra); and his sisters Aileen (Scott deceased) Bulloch, Sharon (Dean) Cottom, and Michelle (Kenny) Orton. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ray also made many lasting friendships throughout his life.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved oldest daughter, Kimmy Rae Nessler; his son-in-law, Brian Nessler; his son-in-law, Mike Hubble; his grandson, Cade Nessler; his birth father, Raymond Kaminska; Roland Holyoak, the father who raised him; and his mother, Valeria.

As family and friends remember Ray, may they find comfort in the years shared, the traditions carried on, and the memories made in the places he held dear. May they remember his pride in his family, his devotion to Jean, and the quiet tears when it was time to say goodbye. Ray will be deeply missed. His cabin will keep welcoming family, his stories will keep being told, and the love he shared with Jean will live on through every generation.

He was a lucky man because he had his family, and his family was lucky to have him.
Forever loved, forever remembered, forever missed!

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Maple Springs and Ascend Hospice for the care given to Ray.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Honeyville Church, 2620 West 6980 North, Honeyville, Utah, 84314. A viewing will be held at the church from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Honeyville Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Brigham City.

Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared with the family on his Remember Page: www.myers-mortuary.com