Raymond Egan Simmons, 77, died of cancer September 14th at his home in Salt Lake City.
He was born February 15, 1914 to John Winn and Ora May Egan Simmons, in Byron, Wyoming, where his grandfather helped colonize the Big Horn Basin.A son, John Loren, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife and three children: Deanne (Mrs. Stephen T. Evans), Salt Lake City; Paul T., Salt Lake City; and Bonnie Rae Curley, (Mrs. W. Thomas Curley), Park City, Utah.
Survived by 18 grandchildren: Matthew,
Marilee, Maureen, Colleen, Thomas and James Evans; Heather, Stacey, Jennifer, and Adam
Simmons; Natalie, Walton and Joseph Booker; John Jr., Daniel, Andrew, Michael, and Jeffrey Simmons. Two sisters: Rosalin Ahlin, Orem, Utah; Barbara Van Veen, Ramona, California: two brothers, John Robert, Hurst, Texas and James Brent, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ray was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He treasured his many close friendships! Such friends made his life meaningful and gave him courage during his long illness
He was a graduate of West High School,
LDS Business College; he attended the University of Utah, and was a charter member of
Lamba Delta Sigma.
As a lighting expert for Westinghouse, he won regional andnational awards, and was respected for his abilities and integrity. He was chosen many times to write sales campaigns, skits and programs for company functions.
Ray had an active and creative mind and during the last several years composed much poetry - from corny verses to deeply meaningful philosophy and wrote many tender tributes to his loved ones.
Ray created many original games for his children, grandchildren, and their friends. His keen sense of humor and loving ways endeared him to his grandchildren and all who knew him.
He was devoted to his family, friends and church, and treasured friendships from several social groups developed over the years.
He lived an active life and enjoyed sports and the out-of-doors, including tennis, golf, and skiing. When the children were younger, the family enjoyed camping with close friends and their children.
As an active member of the LDS Church, Ray was a High Priest at the time of his death and held many positions of responsibility, the most recent being ward clerk in the Edgehill Ward.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 12 Noon, September 18, 1991 in the Edgehill Ward, 1750 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City. Friends may call at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive. on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and at the Edgehill Ward on Wednesday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
A special "thank you" to Connie Wineriter and the Hospice organization for their tender loving care the last few weeks of his lengthy illness.
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