Ralph "Kay" Obray
September 30, 1929 - August 11, 2017
Pocatello lost one of its great raconteurs and most colorful sons on August 11 when Kay Obray died at home of natural causes, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Pocatello and, except for an absence during his military service, was a resident of Pocatello all his life. He was born to Oriel and Moses Ralph Obray on September 30, 1929 as Ralph Kay Obray. However, he would be referred to as Kay his entire life. Kay attended Pocatello High School graduating in 1948. He had joined the Navy in 1947 and took up active duty after high school graduation where he enjoyed a number of jobs including driver to his Admiral while stationed in Puerto Rico. He survived the sinking of a crew transfer boat off the east coast that killed several of his shipmates.
Following his service in the Navy, Kay returned to Pocatello and earned his living as a painting contractor. From 1954 to 1961 Kay was married to the former Bobbie Bowser. This marriage produced three children - Wendy, Claudette, and Robert. In 1964 he married Betty Ann Dowling Fredericksen - a former high school friend. They were together until her death in 2011. This marriage produced a daughter, Susan Ann.
Kay was very active in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was known for his meticulous uniform and shoes with a mirrored finish. As a reservist he proudly attained the rank of Chief in 1979. Kay retired from the Navy Reserves in 1983. However, he remained very active in veteran's affairs and issues right up to the time of his death. Kay was an energetic and tireless volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. He attended hundreds of gravesite services as part of the military honor guard. He was a member of the Forty and Eight and served as Chef de Gare. He organized and handled the remodeling of the Memorial Building in downtown Pocatello as part of his volunteer efforts. In his later years, Kay was a very active member of the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 where he developed some enduring friendships.
In addition to his work with veterans and on military issues, Kay was a loyal fan and Booster of Idaho State University athletics. He and Betty Ann were regular attendees at basketball and football games. Kay was a member and lively participant of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and did service on the military affairs committee. He was also a member of the Pocatello Chiefs ambassadors of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce. Kay was a member of the local Elks club and a life Member of the Rocky Mountain Council of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America; he participated as an officer in the PDAC's annual conventions and activities. He also served on the City Safety Council and the City Airport Board.
Kay earned his private pilot license in the late-1960s and flying became a great joy. He flew both for pleasure and work-related purposes. He enjoyed taking family and friends for airplane rides and flew all over the western US. As a young man Kay enjoyed boating and was a terrific water skier. He greatly enjoyed big game hunting and loved going on an annual varmint hunt; he attended just such a varmint shoot this May near Dillon, Montana, delighting all with his story telling.
Kay is survived by his brother Jack and his wife Janet of Mackay, Idaho, sister Martha Martin and her huband Jerry of Jerome, ID, brother Larry Obray and wife Alice of Riverside, CA, and half-brother Tom and his wife Char of Pocatello. He is also survived by his daughter Claudette Almeida and her husband Frank of Brentwood, CA, daughter Susan Ann Obray of Pocatello, and stepson Rick Fredericksen and his wife Connie Dunphy of Liberty Lake, WA. Kay has five grandchildren: Edward Obray (Pocatello), Gabby Almeida (Brentwood, CA), Josh Almeida (Rio Vista, CA), Cory Gray (Portland, OR), and Casey Gray (Almeda, CA). There are three great grandchildren. Sadly, two of Kay's children, Robert Obray and Wendy Gonzalves preceded him in death as did his sister Patricia Burton.
The family wishes to thank Kay's many friends and neighbors who provided such sweet support as Kay's health declined. Thanks is given to his Hospice health care provider Marian and to Chaplan Overocker of Heritage Health Services. The family also wishes to thank Rev. Jim Jones for praying at his side. Kay's son-in-law, Frank was with Kay all summer and worked as his health care advocate; this is greatly appreciated. Kay was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.
Burial and a short gravesite service will be held at noon on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Mountain View Cemetery, 39E R21. Following will be a celebration of life from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Memorial Bldg, 300 N. Johnson Ave. In lieu of flowers please donate to an organization that supports our Veterans.
September 30, 1929 - August 11, 2017
Pocatello lost one of its great raconteurs and most colorful sons on August 11 when Kay Obray died at home of natural causes, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Pocatello and, except for an absence during his military service, was a resident of Pocatello all his life. He was born to Oriel and Moses Ralph Obray on September 30, 1929 as Ralph Kay Obray. However, he would be referred to as Kay his entire life. Kay attended Pocatello High School graduating in 1948. He had joined the Navy in 1947 and took up active duty after high school graduation where he enjoyed a number of jobs including driver to his Admiral while stationed in Puerto Rico. He survived the sinking of a crew transfer boat off the east coast that killed several of his shipmates.
Following his service in the Navy, Kay returned to Pocatello and earned his living as a painting contractor. From 1954 to 1961 Kay was married to the former Bobbie Bowser. This marriage produced three children - Wendy, Claudette, and Robert. In 1964 he married Betty Ann Dowling Fredericksen - a former high school friend. They were together until her death in 2011. This marriage produced a daughter, Susan Ann.
Kay was very active in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was known for his meticulous uniform and shoes with a mirrored finish. As a reservist he proudly attained the rank of Chief in 1979. Kay retired from the Navy Reserves in 1983. However, he remained very active in veteran's affairs and issues right up to the time of his death. Kay was an energetic and tireless volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. He attended hundreds of gravesite services as part of the military honor guard. He was a member of the Forty and Eight and served as Chef de Gare. He organized and handled the remodeling of the Memorial Building in downtown Pocatello as part of his volunteer efforts. In his later years, Kay was a very active member of the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 where he developed some enduring friendships.
In addition to his work with veterans and on military issues, Kay was a loyal fan and Booster of Idaho State University athletics. He and Betty Ann were regular attendees at basketball and football games. Kay was a member and lively participant of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and did service on the military affairs committee. He was also a member of the Pocatello Chiefs ambassadors of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce. Kay was a member of the local Elks club and a life Member of the Rocky Mountain Council of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America; he participated as an officer in the PDAC's annual conventions and activities. He also served on the City Safety Council and the City Airport Board.
Kay earned his private pilot license in the late-1960s and flying became a great joy. He flew both for pleasure and work-related purposes. He enjoyed taking family and friends for airplane rides and flew all over the western US. As a young man Kay enjoyed boating and was a terrific water skier. He greatly enjoyed big game hunting and loved going on an annual varmint hunt; he attended just such a varmint shoot this May near Dillon, Montana, delighting all with his story telling.
Kay is survived by his brother Jack and his wife Janet of Mackay, Idaho, sister Martha Martin and her huband Jerry of Jerome, ID, brother Larry Obray and wife Alice of Riverside, CA, and half-brother Tom and his wife Char of Pocatello. He is also survived by his daughter Claudette Almeida and her husband Frank of Brentwood, CA, daughter Susan Ann Obray of Pocatello, and stepson Rick Fredericksen and his wife Connie Dunphy of Liberty Lake, WA. Kay has five grandchildren: Edward Obray (Pocatello), Gabby Almeida (Brentwood, CA), Josh Almeida (Rio Vista, CA), Cory Gray (Portland, OR), and Casey Gray (Almeda, CA). There are three great grandchildren. Sadly, two of Kay's children, Robert Obray and Wendy Gonzalves preceded him in death as did his sister Patricia Burton.
The family wishes to thank Kay's many friends and neighbors who provided such sweet support as Kay's health declined. Thanks is given to his Hospice health care provider Marian and to Chaplan Overocker of Heritage Health Services. The family also wishes to thank Rev. Jim Jones for praying at his side. Kay's son-in-law, Frank was with Kay all summer and worked as his health care advocate; this is greatly appreciated. Kay was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.
Burial and a short gravesite service will be held at noon on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Mountain View Cemetery, 39E R21. Following will be a celebration of life from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Memorial Bldg, 300 N. Johnson Ave. In lieu of flowers please donate to an organization that supports our Veterans.
Ralph "Kay" Obray
September 30, 1929 - August 11, 2017
Pocatello lost one of its great raconteurs and most colorful sons on August 11 when Kay Obray died at home of natural causes, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Pocatello and, except for an absence during his military service, was a resident of Pocatello all his life. He was born to Oriel and Moses Ralph Obray on September 30, 1929 as Ralph Kay Obray. However, he would be referred to as Kay his entire life. Kay attended Pocatello High School graduating in 1948. He had joined the Navy in 1947 and took up active duty after high school graduation where he enjoyed a number of jobs including driver to his Admiral while stationed in Puerto Rico. He survived the sinking of a crew transfer boat off the east coast that killed several of his shipmates.
Following his service in the Navy, Kay returned to Pocatello and earned his living as a painting contractor. From 1954 to 1961 Kay was married to the former Bobbie Bowser. This marriage produced three children - Wendy, Claudette, and Robert. In 1964 he married Betty Ann Dowling Fredericksen - a former high school friend. They were together until her death in 2011. This marriage produced a daughter, Susan Ann.
Kay was very active in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was known for his meticulous uniform and shoes with a mirrored finish. As a reservist he proudly attained the rank of Chief in 1979. Kay retired from the Navy Reserves in 1983. However, he remained very active in veteran's affairs and issues right up to the time of his death. Kay was an energetic and tireless volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. He attended hundreds of gravesite services as part of the military honor guard. He was a member of the Forty and Eight and served as Chef de Gare. He organized and handled the remodeling of the Memorial Building in downtown Pocatello as part of his volunteer efforts. In his later years, Kay was a very active member of the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 where he developed some enduring friendships.
In addition to his work with veterans and on military issues, Kay was a loyal fan and Booster of Idaho State University athletics. He and Betty Ann were regular attendees at basketball and football games. Kay was a member and lively participant of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and did service on the military affairs committee. He was also a member of the Pocatello Chiefs ambassadors of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce. Kay was a member of the local Elks club and a life Member of the Rocky Mountain Council of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America; he participated as an officer in the PDAC's annual conventions and activities. He also served on the City Safety Council and the City Airport Board.
Kay earned his private pilot license in the late-1960s and flying became a great joy. He flew both for pleasure and work-related purposes. He enjoyed taking family and friends for airplane rides and flew all over the western US. As a young man Kay enjoyed boating and was a terrific water skier. He greatly enjoyed big game hunting and loved going on an annual varmint hunt; he attended just such a varmint shoot this May near Dillon, Montana, delighting all with his story telling.
Kay is survived by his brother Jack and his wife Janet of Mackay, Idaho, sister Martha Martin and her huband Jerry of Jerome, ID, brother Larry Obray and wife Alice of Riverside, CA, and half-brother Tom and his wife Char of Pocatello. He is also survived by his daughter Claudette Almeida and her husband Frank of Brentwood, CA, daughter Susan Ann Obray of Pocatello, and stepson Rick Fredericksen and his wife Connie Dunphy of Liberty Lake, WA. Kay has five grandchildren: Edward Obray (Pocatello), Gabby Almeida (Brentwood, CA), Josh Almeida (Rio Vista, CA), Cory Gray (Portland, OR), and Casey Gray (Almeda, CA). There are three great grandchildren. Sadly, two of Kay's children, Robert Obray and Wendy Gonzalves preceded him in death as did his sister Patricia Burton.
The family wishes to thank Kay's many friends and neighbors who provided such sweet support as Kay's health declined. Thanks is given to his Hospice health care provider Marian and to Chaplan Overocker of Heritage Health Services. The family also wishes to thank Rev. Jim Jones for praying at his side. Kay's son-in-law, Frank was with Kay all summer and worked as his health care advocate; this is greatly appreciated. Kay was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.
Burial and a short gravesite service will be held at noon on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Mountain View Cemetery, 39E R21. Following will be a celebration of life from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Memorial Bldg, 300 N. Johnson Ave. In lieu of flowers please donate to an organization that supports our Veterans.
September 30, 1929 - August 11, 2017
Pocatello lost one of its great raconteurs and most colorful sons on August 11 when Kay Obray died at home of natural causes, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Pocatello and, except for an absence during his military service, was a resident of Pocatello all his life. He was born to Oriel and Moses Ralph Obray on September 30, 1929 as Ralph Kay Obray. However, he would be referred to as Kay his entire life. Kay attended Pocatello High School graduating in 1948. He had joined the Navy in 1947 and took up active duty after high school graduation where he enjoyed a number of jobs including driver to his Admiral while stationed in Puerto Rico. He survived the sinking of a crew transfer boat off the east coast that killed several of his shipmates.
Following his service in the Navy, Kay returned to Pocatello and earned his living as a painting contractor. From 1954 to 1961 Kay was married to the former Bobbie Bowser. This marriage produced three children - Wendy, Claudette, and Robert. In 1964 he married Betty Ann Dowling Fredericksen - a former high school friend. They were together until her death in 2011. This marriage produced a daughter, Susan Ann.
Kay was very active in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was known for his meticulous uniform and shoes with a mirrored finish. As a reservist he proudly attained the rank of Chief in 1979. Kay retired from the Navy Reserves in 1983. However, he remained very active in veteran's affairs and issues right up to the time of his death. Kay was an energetic and tireless volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. He attended hundreds of gravesite services as part of the military honor guard. He was a member of the Forty and Eight and served as Chef de Gare. He organized and handled the remodeling of the Memorial Building in downtown Pocatello as part of his volunteer efforts. In his later years, Kay was a very active member of the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 where he developed some enduring friendships.
In addition to his work with veterans and on military issues, Kay was a loyal fan and Booster of Idaho State University athletics. He and Betty Ann were regular attendees at basketball and football games. Kay was a member and lively participant of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and did service on the military affairs committee. He was also a member of the Pocatello Chiefs ambassadors of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce. Kay was a member of the local Elks club and a life Member of the Rocky Mountain Council of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America; he participated as an officer in the PDAC's annual conventions and activities. He also served on the City Safety Council and the City Airport Board.
Kay earned his private pilot license in the late-1960s and flying became a great joy. He flew both for pleasure and work-related purposes. He enjoyed taking family and friends for airplane rides and flew all over the western US. As a young man Kay enjoyed boating and was a terrific water skier. He greatly enjoyed big game hunting and loved going on an annual varmint hunt; he attended just such a varmint shoot this May near Dillon, Montana, delighting all with his story telling.
Kay is survived by his brother Jack and his wife Janet of Mackay, Idaho, sister Martha Martin and her huband Jerry of Jerome, ID, brother Larry Obray and wife Alice of Riverside, CA, and half-brother Tom and his wife Char of Pocatello. He is also survived by his daughter Claudette Almeida and her husband Frank of Brentwood, CA, daughter Susan Ann Obray of Pocatello, and stepson Rick Fredericksen and his wife Connie Dunphy of Liberty Lake, WA. Kay has five grandchildren: Edward Obray (Pocatello), Gabby Almeida (Brentwood, CA), Josh Almeida (Rio Vista, CA), Cory Gray (Portland, OR), and Casey Gray (Almeda, CA). There are three great grandchildren. Sadly, two of Kay's children, Robert Obray and Wendy Gonzalves preceded him in death as did his sister Patricia Burton.
The family wishes to thank Kay's many friends and neighbors who provided such sweet support as Kay's health declined. Thanks is given to his Hospice health care provider Marian and to Chaplan Overocker of Heritage Health Services. The family also wishes to thank Rev. Jim Jones for praying at his side. Kay's son-in-law, Frank was with Kay all summer and worked as his health care advocate; this is greatly appreciated. Kay was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.
Burial and a short gravesite service will be held at noon on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Mountain View Cemetery, 39E R21. Following will be a celebration of life from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Memorial Bldg, 300 N. Johnson Ave. In lieu of flowers please donate to an organization that supports our Veterans.
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