In the early hours of November 13, 2024, a bright ball of fire streaked across the western Montana sky. Astronomers tell us it was a meteor, but we know it was Ray Johnson’s ride to the universe– he would never settle for anything less than something flashy and fast. Ray left us later that morning surrounded by friends and family.
Today we celebrate the life of Ray (superdad)– a life well-lived, well-loved, and full of quips, puns, and witty jokes.
Ray was born on July 6, 1943, in Helena, Montana. He attended Helena High School, where he tried football for two weeks before switching to wrestling. He would go on to letter in that sport. Ray attended MSU college in 1961 promptly flunking out, more interested in partying and playing chess than attending class. While he worked for Morrison and Maierle as a draftsman, he was convinced to give college another try.
During a game of touch football, Ray noticed a beautiful woman whom he had seen before sunbathing on her front lawn. Bonnie Chittim and Ray joke that they define his life into two eras: “BB” (Before Bonnie) and “AB” (After Bonnie–when he got straight-As in college).
Bonnie’s father was 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds; Ray always had Bonnie home by curfew. He and Bonnie were married on July 23, 1966. He graduated college in 1968.
After graduation, Ray enlisted in the Army Reserves and spent eight months in active duty, where he became a pharmacist. Ray was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Bonnie remained in Helena working in the Secretary of State’s office.
Knowing he and Bonnie were planning to start a family and finish building a house, Ray returned to Helena to work again at Morrison and Maierle as an architect. When Ray introduced Bonnie to his boss, he forgot her name and called her Phyllis. She was then known around the office as Phyllis-and might be to this day.
The architects left M&M and formed CWG, where Ray later became president. He worked there for 48 years. Ray loved his profession; each day was something different, and he enjoyed them all (except opening bid day). Ray’s favorite job with CWG involved rebuilding Carroll College following the train explosion in 1989. He spoke many times of the frozen toilet bowls and frozen fish suspended in frozen fish bowls.
Ray retired in January 2011. He missed his clients and coworkers, but not the many hours of keeping up with ever-changing building codes, which had grown from one two-inch binder to three, three-inch binders.
Ray was the architect of many things: beautiful buildings, a busy household, and an arsenal of “Ray-isms” that made his family and friends groan in appreciation. One of his favorite sayings – “It’s better to be seen rather than viewed” -will be honored by Bonnie in his passing. He believed that cleverness and humor were the foundation of good conversation.
Ray lived life with a sprinkle of mischief. He believed in living life to the fullest, whether it was holiday gatherings full of warmth and laughter, exploring new places with an unquenchable curiosity, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the house with those he loved. Ray began running in 1977 and competed in his last race, The Early Bird 5 mile in 2017, at the age of 74. Ray worked out most days with Bonnie, lifting weights, completing pullups and run-walking at the local health club. Ray lived life loud, and brought wit, laughter, and a healthy dose of playful sarcasm to everyone he met. Ray spent 58 wonderful years by the side of his beloved bride Bonnie, who was not only his partner but the rock upon which he built his life. As Ray repeatedly said, he was so lucky to “get it right the first time” and convince Bonnie to take a chance on him.
Together, they created a family of two children, Tandi and Bryan, and four grandkids: Xander, Sofia, Addie, and Ashlin, who all knew Ray’s propensity for quips, wordplay and jokes (though they might not have always understood the punchlines, they’ll remember them fondly forever). Additionally, Ray and Bonnie hosted two exchange students from Russia, Stas and Lianna, who remain important parts of their lives to this day.
Ray and Bonnie also enjoyed many friendships which were as close as family, including Shari and Ron Mercer. Ray met Ron in high school, and the two later reconnected while Ray was designing the Helena Airport. Their families hit it off so well they started going out to dinner each Wednesday night more than 14 years ago and continue this tradition today.
Family was an essential part of Ray’s life. He loved watching his son compete on the world stage in arm wrestling and ultra running. He never missed a performance, game, graduation, or tournament for his grandchildren. He was easily identified at the soccer or softball fields as the only spectator wearing shorts in a snowstorm. Ray, Bonnie and the kids enjoyed traveling to many zoos around the country. Lots of time was spent in the mountains gathering wood, having picnics, and getting Christmas trees.
Professionally, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail as an architect. Ray’s buildings stood as testaments to his skill, while his stories and sayings will live on in the memories of everyone who ever heard them.
We celebrate you, Raymond. At this moment, the world seems a bit quiet without you here. We acknowledge this moment with the utmost respect, and we pause with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts. We will continue to retell your stories- and we promise to add a little embellishment. We know you would want it that way.
A public celebration of Ray will be held at the Helena Airport Conference room (a building that he designed) on Monday, November 25, 11:00. Bring your best stories, your loudest laughs, and a memory of Ray that will make everyone else smile. Please send contributions to Pads for Paws, Lewis and Clark Humane Society, or the Angel Fund.
Ray is survived by: Bonnie, daughter Tandi, son Bryan (Sarah), brother Eric (Deb), sister-in law Lynne, grandchildren Xander, Sofia, Addie (Austin), and Ashlin, niece Jamie, niece Deb (Bob), nephews Mark (Karen), Dean, and Nathan.
Ray is preceded in death by parents Milton and Pearl Johnson, brother Gifford, in-laws Lewis and Viola Chittim. brother-in-law Ed Chittim. and niece Cindy Ross. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Ray or a Condolence to the family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2024
Helena Regional Airport
2850 Mercer Loop
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2024
Helena Regional Airport
2850 Mercer Loop
Helena, Montana 59602
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Susan Bjerke says
Dear Bonnie and family, We are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. His professionalism, humor and knowledge inspired many in the architectural profession. I admired his skill with people and how proud he was of his family.
Peace to you all.
Dean and Susan Bjerke
Amy (Bisom) Moody says
Bonnie, Tandi, Bryan and family,
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Ray’s love for cars, and his love for fireworks on the 4th of July. I hope you are able to find joy in your memories of times together.
Hugs to all of you!
Henry Flatow says
I enjoyed visiting with Ray and Bonnie on numerous occasions while working out at the club. I will miss him.
Dean Retz says
What a shock! Knowing Ray since high school, and then on a professional level, ALWAYS, when I went to the Capital City Health Club, Ray was there and always had a smile and a great personality. If I was not at the club for a few days, Ray would worry about me and then ask how I was doing! We would talk about the old days, and who was no longer with us. Bonnie and Bryan, I will always think of Ray whenever I see you. GOD BLESS.
Dave Lewis says
What a great guy. He and Bonnie were king and queen of Birdseye.
Terry Harris says
Ray and I were class mates at Helena High School class of 1961. He was a great friend and in later years we had several business projects that we worked on. I appreciate him and everything we did together. Rest in peace my friend.
Tasa Miles says
Bonnie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rays passing. Ray was always such a wonderful man and always took the time to visit with me when we would run into each other. Prayers to all who loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Bob and Kathy Morrison says
Dear Bonnie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. He was a fabulous architect. It was more than just being very good technically…he really cared about people and what they wanted in their designs that made him great. He will certainly be missed by many people. All of you are in our prayers.
Allan Stricker says
Ray was great guy and a fine architect. Certainly one of my favorites at CWG among their architects and also one of my favorites of all the architects both in Helena and around Montana with which I had the pleasure of working. All around classy person. He will be missed.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Ray was a friend since High School and Bonnie was a classmate of mine. Thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and the rest of the family 🙏🙏🙏
Jim and Chari Nelson says
We became acquainted with Ray and Bonnie at the health club, and enjoyed our many conversations with them — when we should have been working out. Ray always had some funny comment, and in due course we were introduced to Charley and Wiley in Ray’s and Bonnie’s home. Ray was a diamond in the rough, and he will be missed by all that knew him.
Jan & Tim Horan says
The M.S.U. Bobcat football team just lost their number one cheerleader! We met Ray & Bonnie through the Capital Health Club. We are also alums from M.S.U.,sharing the same years as Ray & Bonnie. Many conversations were held on how the “Cats” were going to do or how they did. We will miss his presence at the club! Our heart felt condolences to the family!
Rose (Brechbill) Cheff says
Ray was always charming, thoughtful and funny. Whether he just saw you yesterday or 25 years ago, the welcome and hug were always warm and heartfelt. God bless, Bonnie, Bryan, Tandi and the grandkids.
Doug Kralicek says
I got to know Ray in the 80’s when I was working at Yuhas Millwork. I worked on many projects with Ray then , and when I worked for myself for 30 years. What a great guy to work with. He had a great personality, demeanor, and sense of humor as you all have stated. You couldn’t ask for a better architect to answer to on a project.
We will miss you , Ray. If I’m not mistaken, the Pearly Gates need some updating. You work in that.
Michelle & Peter Van Nice says
We are so saddened and sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. A truly wonderful man. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy and Gary Barker says
Bonnie and family,
My husband, Gary Barker, has always wanted to live in our house until he could no longer manage to do so. I am sending this to share some reasons why.
I watched saw the flash of the meteor on a sleepless Wednesday morning from my window room at St. Peter’s. Hospital on Wednesday, November 13th, at 8:15 am.
After many years of rental living, we purchased this lot on the west side near Mt. Helena. It sloped with a 360-degree view. My farmer/rancher Dad was not impressed; “Why I the did you chose a sidehill, I’ve lived on a sidehill all f my life!“ he remarked.
We could not just drop a modular box structure on this sloped lot. A group of Helena architects, Whitney, Crossman and Griffith had formed, later becoming CWG. When Gary was having a teacher conference with a parent, Wayne Whitney, (W) he asked him if he could suggest an architect. Wayne told Gary that he did not do house plans, but he would find Gary an architect who does. If we didn’t like his design ideas, Wayne would send another.
Richard Griffin (G) of CWG was a board member of the Home Economics Advisory Curriculum Council while I was teaching Interior Design in the Home Economic program at Capital High School and the class visited many of the old mansions on the West side of Helena and students drew their dream plans. Richard Griffith designed the home economics kitchen laboratory at Capital High. I served with Ray on the Board for the Old Governir’s Mansion in the earl 1990s.
Wayne Whitney found Ray Johnson, who later became president of CWG and was a new architect in that firm a great match and choice. Ray stated that he would not draw plans for $100. When he finished, the cost that he billed us was in the range of $200-$250 and we built this house that we have lived in for nearly 50 years. I can’t imagine what the design cost would be today!
Later, Ray had suggested the addition of sky lights on our West wall kitchen. When a contractor was replacing windows and siding, he consulted Ray about the best way to proceed. Ray’s answer: Just leave it alone.
If we happened to meet Ray , he indicated that he had ridden by to check on our home. We hope that you have or will create a visual history book of his wonderful design work that has graced Helena.
Sandy and Gary Barker
Christine Johnson says
Deepest condolences to you Bonnie and your family. Ray was such a fun man and you both were the cutest couple. You were always together and always having fun. Sending lots of love and prayers to you. God Bless you and your loved ones.
Joseph F. & Cherie L. Shevlin says
Bonnie and family: So saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. Will always remember his sometimes corny jokes and loyalty to the Cats. Parents, neighbors and fellow members of the Downtown Kiwanis Club would always bring a smile to one’s face. Thoughts and prayers for the entire family! Joe & Cherie Shevlin
Mike Casey says
Bonnie and family I’m sorry for your loss. I first met Ray when I joined the 396th Hospital Unit. I was a scared kid and Ray took it upon himself to make friends and try and make us kids feel welcome and comfortable. That was in 1968 and we have been friends ever since. I always saw Ray at the Governors Cup and other local events.
Ray was always quick with a joke and always had that Ray sense of humor. Ray and Bonnie were always part of the experience of going to the health club. It wasn’t that long ago when I was doing assisted pull ups and Ray said just do it without the assist. He took me by arm over to the pull up bar and proudly jumped up and grabbed the bar and knocked out some pull ups for me.
Ray I know you will be running with us in the sky. We will miss you my friend.
Deb mccabe says
Dear Bonnie Bryan Tandi and family, This is so unbelievable that he isn’t here anymore. He always was in a great mood and always made our crazy family laugh. He was silent when needed as our family always had a lot to say. But when he spoke everyone listened. I cried the day you got married as I thought he was taking you away from me. But instead I got an amazing Uncle. I loved going for rides in his amazing cars And was so proud that he was my uncle with all the amazing buildings he designed. He always told me to be good if I wanted too. He always answered the phone well how the hell are you. I am so very sorry Bonnie for this great loss He now can ride in heavens sport cars with my dad. I know grandma had fried chicken and gravy waiting for him in heaven. Love you so much Deb and Bob and family
Ron and Shari Mercer says
Bonnie, Bryan, Tandi and family. Shari and I are broken hearted over Ray’s passing – it still seems like he is with us making his jokes and helping everyone he could. Ray leaves a huge mark on Helena with all the outstanding buildings and homes he designed. He was an outstanding architect that always stood behind his work. On the personal side we both loved that guy. We had so many good times together and always looked forward to dinner with Ray and Bonnie. We are continuing that 14 year dinner streak with Bonnie tonight. Ray loved chips and salsa and giving the waiter a little trouble. When asked if we were ready to order it was Heĺĺ no (Ray liked to have a beer and talk about stuff first). Then it was “we are putting this on your card” and a few other quips. We always split the bill regardless of who had steak or a hamburger and paid in cash. Ray would make sure all the bills were flat and brightside up and in numeric order (that architect mind). His work on the their home is so outstanding that it is hard to describe. He liked cars, art, people and loved Bonnie unconditionally. He always opened the car door and made sure Bonnie was comfortable and was happiest when there were together which was most of the time. We loved that guy and miss him a lot but have such great memories with him.
Gale & Rita Pikkula says
Bonnie…….it was nice to see you at the bank the other day. I’m sorry you lost your love but comforting to know he’s at pe ace now. Take care of yourself.
Gale still delights in his and Rays wooden trickets they shared.