Raymond Joseph Boylan was born February 27,1943 to Pearl and John Boylan in Butte, Montana, and was raised on the Eastside. He attended St. Joseph school, Central High school, and graduated from Butte High in 1961.
Ray joined the US Navy after high school. Upon retiring from the Navy in 1967, he started his painting career and worked for many paint contractors until 1975 when he began to work for the Anaconda Job Corps. Ray mentored many students who went on to have successful careers. He retired from the Job Corps in 2000.
Ray married Ruth in 1971and together they raised thoroughbred horses. Many happy days were spent at the racetracks around Montana.
Ray was an excellent hunter and had many antler mounts which he proudly displayed in the basement of their home. He also excelled in tying flies for fishing and was generous in sharing them with others. Ray also enjoyed telling fishing and hunting stories to anyone who would listen.
In 2013, Ray was one of 154,000 people who attended the Kentucky Derby. It was one of his great joys in life.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pearl; his special aunt, Marion Ella; stepson, George Stanich; as well as memorable sisters and brothers-in-law’s and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Paulette Stanich and John Coles of Butte; step-son, Tom Stanich of Maui; sister-in-law, Betty Roberts; and special family members in Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Rest in Peace, Ray.
Graveside services will be held October 11th at 1:00 at Holy Cross Cemetery followed by a reception at the Finlen Hotel.
Please visit below to share a memory of Raymond.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Raymond and his family.
Darlene Allen says
Ruth and family, I was so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Even though I did not know him, I often heard from my DAV drivers how the respected him and realized the turmoil he was going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Shelia Schumacher says
Grew up with Ray on the East side was a nice guy RIP Ray
Lisa Kunz says
I have fond memories of going with my dad, Bud Wanke, to visit Ray and hang out with Shawn or ride horses when we were in school. RIP Ray. Condolences to the Ruth and Shawn Boylan families.
Kathy finigan says
Ray was an awesome instructor and will be missed thoughts and prayers to the family.
Shawn J Boylan says
I was sorry to hear of Ray’s passing as his Son Shawn Joseph Boylan (wife Amy R Boylan)we were not able to stay in touch through the years. And all that lost time is behind us. The time we could have spent hunting, fishing with his grandson’s Shawn Joseph Floyd Boylan , Patrick Joseph Pierre Boylan(wife Sydney Boylan) bonus grandson George Raymond Wachholz and the latest addition to the Boylan Family great grandson son Garret Joseph Boylan is now lost to time and never to be made up. Just know that your grandson’s and there family are doing well. R.I.P with Grandmother and Aunt Marion at least now you all know the truth of the missing pistol.
Mike Jeffery says
Rest in peace Ray, my condolences to Ruth and the Boylan family.
John H Lovell says
Ruth, My sincere condolences to you and the family. Long May He Run. God Bless
Kay Phillips says
My dearest Ruth; I was in CA and just found out about Ray’s passing. I will always cherish our years together at the Vigilante Saddle Club! God speed❤️❤️❤️❤️. Kay
Elliot little bear says
Ray was my painting instructor at anaconda job corps in 1984 he made an impact on my life and I’ve never forgotten him over the years ‘ my condolences to his family