Ray Remp

Raymond H. (Ray) Remp, 73, Libby native and longtime Kootenai Valley resident, died on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, at Pahrump, Nev.

Ray had operated Remp Sand & Gravel for more than 33 years when he retired in 1998.

Born in Libby on April 21, 1931, to H.C. (Pete) and Bonnie Dunwoody Remp, Ray was raised and educated at Libby, graduating from Libby High School with the Class of 1949.

He attended the University of Idaho, studying engineering and agriculture.

Ray entered the U.S. Army in 1954 and was discharged from active duty in 1956, later serving as a company officer in the Libby unit of the U.S. Army reserves.

He married Iris Biggers on Dec. 6, 1953, at Boise, Idaho.

They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2003.

Following his discharge from active duty, Ray returned to Libby where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service and later for J. Neils Lumber Company and St. Regis until starting Remp Sand & Gravel in 1965.

He was also among the original owners of Lincoln Lanes bowling alley.

An avid golfer, Ray served on the board of directors of Cabinet View Country Club, working on many development projects.

A Little League coach for more than 20 years, Ray served as president of the Libby Little League Association, was a longtime member of the American Legion¹s Austin Reedy Post 97, and participated in league bowling for more than 50 years.

Ray donated time, labor and equipment for numerous community projects, the most recent was the completion of the new city baseball fields.

A Polaris Snow Cat dealer, Ray participated in Snow Cat racing, was an avid fisherman and, in retirement, enjoyed traveling and being grandfather to his 15 grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Iris, Libby; children Ron Remp and his wife Susan, Randy Remp and his wife Linda, Russell Remp and his wife Kathy, all of Libby; Roxanne McCallum and her husband John, Commerce, Mich.; Renee Schad and her husband Al, Libby; Robbie Remp and his wife Darla, Kent, Wash.; sister Ramona Thornton, Vineta, Okla.; and 15 grandchildren.

Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home Chapel.

Services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Libby Memorial Center, followed by interment with military honors at the City of Libby Cemetery.

A public reception followed at the VFW Club banquet facility.

Memorials may be made to the Raymond Remp Memorial Fund, in care of Glacier Bank of Libby.