Ray A Buys "Porkey" "Beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly. Play the death march as you carry me along. Take me to the Green Valley and lay the sod o'r me. For I'm an old cowboy and I've gone home. Ray A Buys returned to his Heavenly Father on March 28, 2005 due to the complications of COPD. He was born January 22, 1920 in Eureka, Utah to Joseph and Lillian Stagg Buys. Even in childhood, Ray was full of fun and mischievous ways, which carried over into his adult life. He was gruff on the outside but was as soft as marshmallow inside. His growing years were spent in the Tintic Mining District and Utah County's Valley Towns. Ray was a man of many interests and talents. He coached and refereed basketball, traveling to Salt Lake to umpire at the state championship games. He loved animals and would talk endlessly about his horse and his riding adventures. He was a skilled leather crafter and loved to give his work to loved ones. He tied flies for himself, family and friends. His hands were always busy. He joined the Navy serving on the SS Casablanca. Worked at Geneva Steel, was a member of Ironer workers Union #27. He had wild tales to tell about each foreign country he traveled to as an ironworker. He was Mr. Fix it Man to the children in his South Salt Lake neighborhood. Ready to fix a bike tire or tighten screws on a wagon or scooter. As his great-grandson Anthony said, "he can fix anything". Ray was an avid fisherman and spent much of his summers at Snow's Marina on Deer Creek Reservoir. He made many long lasting friendships at Snow's. He never met a person that he couldn't call a friend. He is survived by his companion of 30 years Fern Kay her children Lyle Livsey, Arline Pippin and Wayne Kay; grandchildren Calvin Barber, Lisa Schoenfeld; and his two special "pards" Anthony and Dylan Schoenfeld. Also survived by his children Jerry, Ken, Keith, Linda, Karen, and Steve. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe, twin Roy, his beloved sister and best friend Thelma, and his son Gordon. Special thanks to Calvin Barber and Keith Pippin for always being willing to do what ever was necessary so Ray could remain at home as long as possible. Thanks to Hinckley Dodge for the years of friendship that Ray enjoyed over the years. He probably sold as many cars and trucks as some of the regular sales people. To Gwen Mitchell NP of the Veterans Admin. Home Services, much gratitude for the years of excellent care given to Ray. Thanks to Care Source Hospice, and Wasatch Rehab for the compassionate care given, making his final months comfortable. Ray's express wish was for cremation and no services. Directors, Independent Funeral Service.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune on March 31, 2005