Raymond Lester Peck, a Montana educator, counselor and longtime Democratic legislator and activist, died surrounded by family and friends Friday, May 27, 2011, at St. Peter’s Hospital after a massive stroke. He was 84.
Ray was born June 23, 1926, in Whitefish to Pearl McBride and Asa Peck, one of 14 children.
After high school, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II as a tail gunner.
Ray began his career as an elementary teacher in Gildford before becoming a teacher and coach in Harlem on the Fort Belknap Reservation. He coached Harlem to a state championship in six-man football in 1951. He stayed in touch with the members of that team all his life, and more than 60 years later, they still called him Coach.
He later worked as a teacher/coach/superintendent in Hingham and Big Sandy; a part-time counselor in the office of the dean of the College of Professional Schools Office at Montana State University; associate professor of education and psychology at Northern Montana College; and assistant superintendent, director of special education and of federal programs at Havre Public Schools.
Ray married Ilse Sonnek in 1947 in West Germany and they had six children: Pete, Carla, Pep, Gregory, Raymond and Cynthia Rae Peck. They later divorced after 27 years of marriage.
In 1975, Ray married Betty (Collins) Peck and gained another family in Betty’s children, Holly, Carley, Darla and Kelly.
Betty inspired Ray’s second career as a legislator, and he was devoted to her until her death in 2002.
Ray represented Havre in the Montana House of Representatives from 1983 to 2001, where he was known as a knowledgeable and ferocious advocate for K-12 public education. He was elected House minority leader in 1995 and was the recipient of numerous local, state and national awards.
After Betty’s death, Ray became friends with Annabelle Richards; Annabelle was Ray’s partner and constant companion until his death.
After leaving office, he stayed very active in politics. He worked as a resource person to the Democratic Caucus in the Montana Senate, lobbied to abolish the death penalty in Montana, and provided counseling and support to combat veterans in the Vet2Vet program at Fort Harrison until his death. He volunteered at the Montana Democratic Party offices the day of his stroke.
Ray was a master bridge player. He enjoyed walking, reading, having coffee with his friends every morning, giving his dogs Tuffy and Boo treats, politicking and visiting with his grandkids.
Survivors include his partner, Annabelle Richards; children, Pete (Sheryl) Peck, Carla Johnson (Denny Lammerding), and Pep (Wally) Jewell; stepchildren, Holly (Stan) Kaleczyc, Carley “Tack” (Alex) Tomaskie, Darla (Doug) Kaercher, Kelly (Lisa) Darlington; sisters, Helen Haugan of Florida, Jacie Ressler of Texas, brother, Tom (Delores) Peck of Columbia Falls; 23 grandchildren, Courtney Peck, Trevor (Alex) Peck, Danyelle (Ryan) Dotson, Nikki (Justin Pyper) Golden, Jayci (Bryan Beckman) Johnson; Kaylee Johnson, Jeremy (Angie) Jewell, Greg Jewell, Jenny (Joe Menden) Kaleczyc; Andy (Lisa) Kaleczyc; John (Emily) Kaleczyc, Karl (Shawna) Jarvis, Jane (Shane) Moe, Nicole (Jon Washburn) Tomaskie, Michelle and Kevin Tomaskie, Kate Kaercher, Mary Kaercher, Anna Kaercher, Jacie Darlington, Justin Darlington, Shelbi Darlington and Jesse Darlington; great-grandchildren, Dyllan, Landyn, Riley Dotson; Burke Jewell, Austin Jarvis, Annie and Will Menden, Elle and Jack Kaleczyc, Maya Smith and Auden Moe, Anya Murphy, Emme and Job Washburn, Carrie and Ryan Fredricksen, Kaylie and Shane Tomaskie.
Other survivors include Kent (Linda) Richards; Brent Richards; Lisa Rusk and Griffin and Rachel; Tuffy and Boo, who miss Grandpa’s treats already; Democrats and veterans.
He was preceded in death by son Gregory Charles Peck; Raymond Anthony Peck and Cynthia Rae Peck; son-in-law Daryl Johnson; five sisters and five brothers with two siblings in 2011.
Ray lived his life with courage, conviction and deeply held beliefs that education and social and economic justice would level the playing field and create opportunity for all.
Memorials in Ray’s name are suggested to: The Montana Democratic Party, Box 802, Helena, MT, 59624; Vet2Vet Program, P.O. Box 1500, Fort Harrison, MT 59636; Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604; or Poor Clares of Montana, 3020 Eighth Ave. South, Great Falls, MT 59405.
Viewing hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 650 Logan St., Helena. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil service to be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be noon Monday, June 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception to follow at Jorgenson’s. Burial with military honors alongside his wife Betty and son Greg will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7th at Big Sandy Cemetery. A Celebration of Life memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7th at Big Sandy High School Gymnasium.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Annette Bertelsen says
My great sympathy to the family and friends of Ray Peck. He was such a fine, honest, brilliant, kind, and generous man of great class and distinction.
I met Ray through my father Verner Bertelsen who has been a good friend of Ray’s for many years.
I feel he had a great life but certainly is a huge loss.
Bob and Linda Lanning says
We were saddened to learn of your famiy’s great loss. Ray was very good to both Bob and myself. We know that his passing leaves a great void for family and his many friends. Our prayers remain with you all,
Bob and Linda Lanning, Billings, MT
Brenda Miller says
My sincere sympathy to all of Ray’s family and loved ones. He was a wonderful man.
Dana Seidel says
I feel fortunate to have had the chance to know Ray, the last couple of years. He was truly somebody I respected for his integrity and knowledge that he was so willing to share with me. We also agree on how cute those dogs are. 🙂 He will be missed greatly but leaves behind a great family and an serves as an inspiration in education and political fields forever.
Dorothy McCarter says
Dear Holly and family,
Mike and I were very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. He was a memorable, and very respectable member of the Montana community, and will be very much missed. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
sincerely,
Mike and Dorothy McCarter
Doug & Lorraine Larson says
Sorry we were not able to make the service for your dad. Our daughter in Wyoming had a baby.
Lorraine, “I always enjoyed and respected your father. He hired me as a special ed teacher in 1975. I felt like I could always turn to him, when I needed advice. He was a terrific administrator to work under. He was a lot like my dad.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug & Lorrainie Larson
Ed Argenbright says
While Ray and I differed in our political views we maintained an educator’s respect and worked for our Montana schools. My last contact with Ray was several months ago when he took it upon himself to invite former Montana school administrators residing in Helena for a coffee gathering at Jorgenson’s. It was fun reminiscing with folks who shared common experiences. Accept my condolences.
Ervin Davis says
Long-time friend. 1943-1944, played basketball against Ray (Columbia Falls) vs Cut Bank. CF won 32-22. Served 3 terms with Ray in Montana House. Great public loss. Ervin
GLENNA BRANAGAN says
Hello Carla, Pep, and Pete, I was so saddened to hear of the death of your dad. He and my dad, Glen Branagan were good friends in Big Sandy, both being Democrats. I remember so many times your parents and mine at the bridge table, mostly waiting for Ilse to bid! Carla, you and I had some fun times in High School; I would love to hear how you are doing. My sincerest condolences, and my parayers and love are with you and your whole family.
Helen Christensen says
To Ray’s widely dispersed family and multitude of friends, we were so sorry to hear that Ray passed away. To say he will be missed is such an understatement. There will be no one to take his place because he was in a league of his own.
joe and carri robertson says
we will miss him at the head of the table at our vet 2 vet group. dear friend and advisor that i will surely miss.reminds me a lot of my dear father. when i was in the service my father would send me absentee ballots to vote and he would say i don’t care how you vote joey as long as it is democrat.
Joe Callahan says
To Carla and Pep and the entire family: Please accept our sincere condolences, Ray was a good friend and avid supporter of MSU-Northern. I first met Ray in 1974 in Havre. I was always impressed with how Ray was always supporting educators and trying to help them advance their careers. Please accept our sympathy. Joe and Kim Callahan
Linda Vaughey says
When we talked politics – in Havre in earlier days and later here in Helena where we had both moved – Ray and I didn’t agree on much: he a Democrat and I a Republican. Our discussions were always respectful….he modeled that by his demeanor. I wasn’t surprised when I read he had been at Democratic HQ the day before he passed. He loved politics…the game, the intrigue, but most of all the participation. He walked the talk.
Sincere condolences to his family and friends. He made a difference in the communities he served.
Linda Vaughey
Mary (Pappas) Pyette says
I was very sad to hear about Ray. I was in Gildford H.S. when he was a teacher there. In Fact I have a nice picture I took of him sitting behind his desk. I would be happy to send it to some of the family.
He was very personable and I had a lot of respect for him.
Mary Pyette
Susan Deming says
Pep, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I always enjoyed Ray’s letters to the editor and will miss them.
Be assured that you and your family are in my prayers.
Teri Wing says
Pep,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. By all accounts he was quite a man!
The Nemelka and Restum Family says
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful man who has accomplished so many wonderful things.