Ramon (Ray) Ivo Carmichael passed away September 25, 2024 at his residence in Laramie
WY. Ray was born on May 22nd, 1937 in Hammond Indiana to Velma and Ivo (Buck)
Carmichael. When Ray was 8 years old his mother and father divorced and shortly after Velma
married Alex Bakken. Alex brought 3 boys, Paul, Bob, and Clifford to this marriage and Velma
brought Ray, Ruth, and David. Velma and Alex went on to have 2 more children, Mary and
Nancy. Ray loved all of them deeply.

Ray graduated from Portage Township High School in May of 1955. He subsequently joined the
Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After discharge he met Marguerite Ann
Johnson, they married in 1961, and went on to have 3 children, Bryan Dean, Edith Ann, and
Andrew Jon.

In 1976 Ray brought the family to Cokeville, WY where he found employment as a journeyman
electrician for Utah Power and Light. Thus, began a new chapter for the family, and satisfied
Ray’s deep fascination with the American West. The Carmichael Family became quick converts
to the western way of life.

Ray and Marge were divorced in 1987. He then moved to Rock Springs WY where in 1995 Ray
suffered a massive stroke which left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. He eventually
came to reside with his daughter Edie and her family in Laramie, because of the rural nature of
Wyoming services were more accessible there. Through his determination and grit he was able
to gain enough mobility to live independently and move back to Indiana to be nearer to his
brothers and sisters. As his mobility became more restricted he returned to Wyoming to live with
Edie and Craig in the early 2000s. He spent the remainder of his life in Laramie.

Ray was a multifaceted, intellectual and talented person. Not only was he a journeyman
electrician (lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), he also
trained and worked as a farrier, was a certified blacksmith and could create beautiful wrought
iron implements. He was a true bibliophile and voracious reader; he always had a library card in
his wallet. Ray loved good food and was an avid amateur chef and epicurean!

Ray is survived by his children, Edith A. Barthelmes (Craig), Bryan D. Carmichael (LouAnn),
Andrew J. Carmichael (Jill). His grandchildren, Cassandra Hunter (Marcus), Natalie Howarth
(Johnny), and Michele Carmichael. Great grandchildren, Sienna, Brooklyn, Zachary, Solomon,
and Maya. Sister Nancy Martin (Dennis), brothers Paul Bakken, Bob Bakken, and Cliff Bakken.
Cremation will be held September 30th, 2024 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Albany County Public Library Foundation. Ray
was able to read and learn, until his passing, through the Outreach Delivery Program, who
delivered books to his door.
https://foundation.acplwy.org/ways-to-give