Raymond Duane Thares (Ray) passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on December 24th, 2016 in his home with family by his side. Known to friends and family as Papa Ray or Big Papa, he will be remembered for his bright smile, enormous heart and quick wit.
Ray was born May 4, 1947, in Great Falls, MT. He was the only child of Joe and Earlene Thares. His parents worked for Mountain Bell, and as a child and into his teens, Ray lived in Great Falls, Missoula, Butte and Helena. He was meek and mild in his early years and was bullied by other kids. His dad introduced him to boxing, and Ray decided he liked to fight and had a talent for it. He became somewhat of a rebel. When he was 17, he rode a motorcycle down the halls of Helena High and put a cigarette out on the principal’s desk. Shortly thereafter he was on his way to the Navy. During boot camp, all he could think about was having his mommy back, but the fight in him (and a bit of stubbornness) got him through. He became a radar tech in the Navy and travelled with the Naval Boxing Team. He served in the Vietnam War.
After an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Ray returned to Helena. He began his career with Mountain Bell and moved to Glasgow, MT to work. While in Glasgow, he became a father. He and his former wife, Aliene Goodwin, had two children, Raelene and Joe.
Ray loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and the outdoors, but he mostly loved sharing his hobbies and time with family and friends. He was well known in the trap shooting circle as the Dark Horse from the North and captured many awards and titles.
While living in Glasgow, Ray met Debbie Sather, and she would become his best friend and the love of his life. They later married and moved to Helena, MT with her two children, Neven and Quin. Helena quickly became their home. They both thrived working for Mountain Bell. With their four children, they spent their time boating, camping, and skiing. Summers were spent with Ray’s parents enjoying their cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake. Debbie’s large family quickly became Ray’s, and he cherished his time with all his new brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
With the downsizing of the phone company in 1994, Ray and Debbie decided they wanted to stay in Helena. They would need to embark on a new career path, and Papa Ray’s was born. What better way for Ray to work and enjoy his other love, Rainier! He never imagined he would meet so many lifelong friends who would become like family and create so many memories.
In the last few years of his life, Ray spent his time caring for his declining parents. He was the son many could only dream of, making daily visits to sit by their side. While a difficult time, Ray never complained and in fact, he valued the time he had with them.
Ray was a fighter his entire life, but after a year of battling cancer, this was a fight he could not win. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Earlene Thares and his father-in-law, Ivan Zimdars. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Thares, children Raelene (Kumar) Navulur, Neven (Callie) Sather, Joe (Chloe) Thares, Quin (Amanda) Sather, grandchildren Carter and Eliza Navulur and Van Sather, mother-in-law Helen Zimdars, extended family Rocky Zimdars, Penny (Lee) Murch, Dennis (Diane) Zimdars, Lori (Kevin) Huff, several nieces and nephews, and his furry buddy Bailey, who remained at his side until the end.
Special thanks to Dr. Weiner and St. Pete’s Cancer Center, St. Pete’s Hospice –especially Nurse Cheryl. Also to all our friends that helped us this last year with their prayers, thoughts and calls.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Peter’s Cancer Center or St. Peter’s Hospice because we are blessed to have these great organizations in our community.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2017
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Vigil service
Friday January 13, 2017
FoxRidge Golf Course
4020 Lake Helena Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2017
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Vigil service
Friday January 13, 2017
FoxRidge Golf Course
4020 Lake Helena Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
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Deb Walter says
Debbie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless and rest well Ray. Love, Deb & Steve Gray ?
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Debbie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time God Bless………
Laura Fix says
Such a wonderful tribute to a great man. Deb and Family, my heart breaks for all of you. I will be praying that your beautiful memories might bring you some peace at this very sad time. God’s speed Ray…..you are loved by so many….
Kim Ring says
Deb, Neven and Quin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! May Ray rest in peace!
Love,
Kim (Kaycee) (Walter) Ring and family
Daniel Redden says
Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends.
Love you!
Daniell
Janie DiAddezio Holmes says
Debbie and family..,
I am so very sorry to hear this news. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this mist difficult time in your lives.
Janie DiAddezio Holmes says
Debbie and family..,
I am so very sorry to hear this news. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your lives.
Steve and Joanie says
Deb and family so very sorry for your loss. Hoping that prayers and friends get you through this very difficult time in your lives
Bev and Don OPITZ says
Dear Debbie and Family,
We last saw you at the cancer center in the fall So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing Hugs to all of you.
Love, Bev and Don
Denise says
Deb & Kids, So sorry to hear about Ray. He was such a great kind & happy man. Will be missed! Love you all.
Jim and Sue Sampson says
Debbie and Family,
You have our deepest sympathies. Ray was a great guy and fun to be around, he will be missed by many. We hope your memories will bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rose Baker Hardman & family says
Debbie and Family
I so sorry to read about Ray. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ra lph Dixon says
Debbie and family
Sorry to hear about Ray. You have my sympathy and prayers. Had many good times with Ray over the years.
Greg & Julie Goodnature says
Debbie and Family
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless you in this tough time.
Phil & Lois Ranf says
Debbie and family,
Our deepest sympathy. Ray has provided some great memories to treasure and we have some ourselves. You are all in our prayers. God Bless!
Wayne and Janet Kovick says
Debbie and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Ray will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Deb and family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Maybe the Lord needed a good pizza, a rainier and a laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick and Jan
Larry and Kathy Brown says
Deb, Quin , Neven, our thoughts and prayers our with you guys and all the rest of your family he’ll be missed on the golf course
Pete and Debbie Tanna says
Deb and family,
In these saddest of times, please take comfort in knowing that Ray was a role model to us all in the way that he lived his life with respect and warm regard for everyone around him. Our deepest sympathies.
Mel and Cora Lee Kuehne says
Deb and family
We were sorry to hear about your loss. Our sympathies are with you and your family. Ray was one of a kind. He touched many lives and will be missed.
Mel and Cora Lee
Billie LeDeau says
Dear Deb and Family,
Papa Ray was a great man, boss and friend. I will miss him dearly. I will try to live my life by his mantra “I’ve never had a bad day.” Papa, please say hello to Johnny for me.
Ed Phillips says
Once, prior to getting in a fight, someone told Ray to let the guy have the first punch. Did not end well as Ray got his nose broken., but not his spirit.
Rich, Susan & John Proul says
Debbie, Neven & Quin,
We are so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Keep all your memories close in your hearts and he will always be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Runkel says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
As Ray visited his Mother Earline daily we shared some laughter and joy at the special time with our parents. He expressed thankfulness they were able to “go to heaven together”
A truly special person who gave us all a reason to smile !
Brandi Hamilton says
Debbie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and the heartbreak you feel. There are no words…but perhaps some comfort in knowing how loved and respected Ray has always been and what a difference he made in the lives of so many. He was a hell of a man and I am honored to have the opportunity to know him. I am keeping you all in my prayers and sending lots of love your way.
Anne Herzog says
Debbie and Family:
So sorry to hear news of Ray’s passing. He was such a great guy! I have many fond memories hanging out at Papa Ray’s with all of you back in the day – Good times!
Thoughts and prayers all of you.
Jim and Bobbie Pomroy says
Debbie and family, it has been an honor and our time pleasure having Ray and your family as friends. We will miss Ray every time we pass by or stop in at Papa’s. With his courageous suffering ended, May Ray rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Jolene Devine says
Debbie and family,
Ray will truly be missed by all who knew him. His smile and humor were infectious so you can’t help but smile when you think of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jolene
RT and Sherry Sauer says
Debbie, Quin and Neven,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you during this difficult time.
Bob Pennington says
Quin, Debbie and family. I am very sorry for your loss. Ray was a good man and always had a kind word when I stopped in. You are all in my prayers.
Jack Pyatt & Sue Cox says
Debbie, Neven, Quin and families – We are so sorry to read of Ray’s passing. His laughter and love of life will not be forgotten. His spirit will live on at Papa Ray’s. Hugs to you all.
Peggy, Dana and Jeff Shepherd says
Debbie and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. My family had a lot of fun times as well as fond memories of Ray. He will be truly missed. You are all in our thoughts as you go thru this difficult time.
Take care of yourselves.
Deb Waarvik says
We will miss Pap Ray and the pre-Thanksgiving functions and shuffleboard tournaments @ Park Grove. A lot of memories and laughter. Glad I got to bring Mom to see him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families. He will be missed!
Plaskas says
Deb and family: we are so sorry for your loss. Ray was such a ray of sunshine and brought smiles to so many faces! You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and words just seem inadequate..we hope your wonderful memories will help ease the pain of the days to come..Tim and Pam Plaska, Jennifer and Casey Olson, Laura and Bob Kinyon, Sarah Plaska and all our friends and relatives who we brought to Papa Ray’s when they visited Montana…God bless the Thares family
Michelle (Koenig) Calvo says
Debbie, I’m so sorry to hear of Ray’s battle with cancer and his passing. When I knew your family I was a teenager, and even to me the joy that you and Ray shared together was so obvious. The Thares will always have a very special spot in my heart; you and Ray made me feel like a part of your wonderful family every time I walked into your home. I don’t remember how I got the first babysitting gig at the Thares’ home but it was a blessing to me to have known you all. My family sends our heartfelt condolences to your family. Ray will be missed, and he was a blessing to many.
Kelly Rhimer (old Albie's) says
Quin and Family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take Care
Joyce and Ray says
So sorry to hear about Ray. You know we love you and the family. Let me know if I can help in any way. Love you. Joyce and Ray.
Jim and Connee Moffatt says
Debbie and Family,
We’re sorry to hear of your loss in Ray’s passing. He was not just a co-worker, but a friend and a very good person, he will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Jim and Connee Moffatt
Frank and Karen Rowan says
Debbie,
Karen and I want you to know that we are deeply sad to learn of your loss. Ray was a person who always made time for others. We will miss his thoughtful point of view in many areas – from family to business. Please know that our love and prayers are with you, and your family at this time of sorrow.
Traci & Kelly says
Debbie, Neven, Quin & families ~
We’re so sorry about Ray. Words cannot express how we feel. Keep him close to your heart and you’ll always have the memories…… hugs
Julie Steiner says
So sorry to hear the news of Ray’s passing. I will always remember him as a tall, dark haired, and handsome service man. It was an exciting day one Christmas when Raymond showed up at Earlene and Joe’s house with his Navy uniform on. I remember Earlene kissing and kissing and kissing him. I got to sit on his lap while he opened his gifts. It is comforting to know they are all together again. He’s probably smothered in kisses by now!…Peace to your family.
Gary & Donna says
Hi guys! I’m gonna try to stay possitve as that is how I remember Ray! What a goof at times! Huh? He will be missed by so many but we will always remember the fun times we had in Helena with you all. What an awesome man God has with Him now, forever watching over all of us. I’m so glad you have so many friends and family to lean on and depend on. I will say lots of prayers and will put you all on my prayer list, so you will be thought of each day. I will think of Ray every time I see a dragonfly.
Love always, Gary & Donna
Jan (Sassano) Funston says
Debbie, Quin & family
I’m sorry to hear about Rays passing. I have fond memories of You, Ray and the crew 4 wheeling and at Papa’s. I got to see some beautiful country thanks to you two. My prayers and blessings to all of you.
Candy Mitchell says
Deb, we are so, so sorry to hear about Ray. He was such a kind, gentle man. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Pray you can find strength to get through all you have ahead of you. We will keep you in our prayers sweet lady. Our deepest sympathy. Mike & Candy
Denise Etchart Cooper says
Sending love and prayers to all your family. So deeply sorry for your loss.
Andy and Paula Hicks says
We are so sorry to hear of Ray passing….our prayers and sympathies to you and your family.
Debby DeWitt says
I have so many memories of working with you and Ray at Mtn. Bell and later as a customer at Papa Rays. It’s hard to think that such a bright light as Ray is no longer shining in the Helena Valley. Blessings to you at this difficult time.
Rachel Braun says
Debbie,
When I met you and Ray at the Cancer Treatment Center, I immediately felt connected to you both. Definitely special people. I think of both often and am saddened to see Ray has passed. You are in my thoughts.
-Rachel (the nurse you kindly gave a cozy sweatshirt and koozies to before I ventured off to travel nurse)
Rena and Bob Spangler says
Debbie and family..,
We are so very sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time in your lives. Ray was a wonderful, kind, caring man and he will be missed by all.
Craig long says
Debbie and family. Hugs thoughts prayers for all your family. Ray will deeply be missed but will always be with family and friends
Tom Netschert & All Da Boys from So Cal says
Deb, Nevin, Quinn and family. All of our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Too many good times to mention. Keep hitting em long and straight Ray R.I.P.. Papa Rays is always well represented here in So Cal !! Miss you all !!