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Paid

Raymond Morrison of Helena passed away Sept. 1, 2007.

Ray was born to Alex and Norvena (Sara) Morrison on April 2, 1917, in Butte. The family moved to Philipsburg in 1920. Ray grew up in Philipsburg and had many fond memories and countless humorous stores of his adventures growing up there. Ray graduated from Granite County High School in 1935 and attended college in Bozeman.

He worked in mines and mills in Philipsburg, Marysville, Lincoln and Anaconda. In June 1941 he married Belle Longmaid. They had three children, Lynne, Jim and Ken. Ray went into the service with the Army Air Force in August 1942 and was discharged in February 1946.

After World War II he went to work for the Veterans Administration at Fort Harrison. He started in the finance department and then to the GI loan division. He retired in 1977.

Ray’s main interest was his family and they spent many weekends and vacations camping at places like Vigilante Campground, Little Blackfoot Creek, Lincoln, Seeley Lake and Yellowstone Park.

After retirement he spent many years as a volunteer treasurer for several organizations including: Boy Scout Troup 214, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Friendship Force and Lewis & Clark Mended Hearts. During his retirement years Ray and Belle were active in Friendship Force and hosted couples from Korea, Japan and Germany. They also traveled to Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Belle passed away in June 1990. Ray married Lorraine Belville in March 1992 and Ray expanded his family by one son, two daughters, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Lorraine and Ray had 15½ good years together. Ray and Lorraine together had a large extended family and had many family celebrations at their home. Ray and Lorraine traveled with the Summit Club to Elko, Reno and Las Vegas. They also visited many New England states to view the fall foliage. The couple also traveled to New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to tour historical sites.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Norvena and his father, Alex; daughter Lynne Morrison Soderberg; and brother Alex.

Ray is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Helena; sister, Muriel Sichveland of Kennesaw, Ga.; sons, Jim of Phoenix and Ken of Sherwood, Ore.; stepson, Leon Belville of Helena; stepdaughters, Donna Anderson and Sherry Wenger, both of Helena; grandsons, Jason Morrison of Canton, Mich., Kai Soderberg and Tomas Soderberg of Portland Ore., and Han Soderberg of Astoria, Ore.; one great-granddaughter, Breanna. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will be held Thursday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Donations may be made in his memory to the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church building fund or the charity of one’s choice. Service arrangements are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home, Helena.

Express condolences at www.legacy.com/HelenaIR/.