Ray H. Malcolm

(0) CommentsMISSOULA – Ray H. Malcolm, 87, passed peacefully from this life in the late evening of Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Hillside Manor in Missoula. Ray was born June 19, 1925, in Fargo, N.D., to Hugh and Pearl (Wickman) Malcolm. He was the first of four boys (Roy, Dale and Carl). He liked to fondly recall his days growing up.

He attended and graduated from Fargo High School in December 1946. The family relocated to Missoula, where he graduated in the spring of 1947 from Missoula County High School.

From 1942 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Army in the Army Transport Service. He served in the Pacific and the South Pacific, Europe, the Panama Canal Zone and crossed the equator twice.

He married Clara Hintz and they had five children, Kathy, David, Mark, Beth and Lincoln. They later divorced.

Following his discharge, he returned to Missoula, attended the University of Montana and later was employed by Universal Motors Volkswagen dealership for many years as the parts manager. In 1972, Ray married (Laura) Karol Whitt and they made their home in Seattle. In 1980, they moved to Walla Walla, Wash., where he continued working for Volkswagen.

Ray enjoyed telling stories and making people laugh. He also enjoyed being around his children and grandchildren.

He was a past member of the Masonic Lodge in Seattle and the Scottish Rite Lodge and Elks Lodge, both in Walla Walla.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Roy and Carl.

He is survived by his wife of 40-plus years, Karol (Knudsen) Malcolm of Missoula; his children, Kathy Rapske (Dave), Dave Malcolm (Gail), Mark Malcolm (Kim), Beth Bensch (Eric) and Lincoln Malcolm (Darcy); stepdaughter, Kris Owen (Mike) of Missoula; stepson, Forrest (Nancy) of Garden Valley, Idaho; his brother, Dale Malcolm of Connecticut; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Home, 5400 Fairview, Boise, Idaho 83706. The family requests that donations be sent to Partners in Home Care Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.

Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Read Ray Malcolm's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.