Raymond Carl Urbom, 92, of Laramie passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Hospice of Laramie. Born in 1926 in Rockford, Illinois to Carl W. Urbom and Alberta I. (Mefford) Urbom, both who predeceased him, as well as brother Albert “Bud” Urbom of Lincoln, Nebraska in January 2000. Growing up the two boys were most often called “Buddy” or “Sonny”. Ray was also predeceased by his first wife Glenda Teel with whom he divorced in 1971 and who passed in 1988; and his second wife Suzanne (Reid) Walton he married in 1976 and who passed in 1982. He is survived by his very close friend, Joyce Stoner, his six children Karen McLean, Barbara Zinkhan, Steven Urbom, David Urbom, Nancy Arnold and Beverly Toelle as well as three stepchildren Dee Gipson, Toby Bricker and Jami Roberts, multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren and step grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.
Ray served in the U.S. Navy During World War II from 1944 to 1946. He graduated from Utah State University in 1949 with a degree in Forest Management. He worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service for 35 years in Steamboat Springs, Idaho Springs, and Montrose, Colorado, retiring in July 1981 in Laramie, Wyoming with the Medicine Bow National Forest. He received numerous awards during his time in forestry and taught his children much with frequent trips fishing, hiking and skiing in the mountains.
Ray was a member of the St. Matthews Episcopal Cathedral in Laramie, the Laramie Lions Club, Moose Lodge #390, Garden Club of Laramie, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at St. Matthews Episcopal Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Ray’s name to either St. Matthews Episcopal Cathedral, 104 S. 4th St. Laramie, Wyoming 82072, or ARK Regional Services, 1150 N. 3rd St. Laramie, Wyoming 82072. He will be missed as a father, friend, and a forester who strived to make a difference.
Thank you for sharing your dad with our family. We know there will always be a void but the many memories and lifelong lessons can always be shared and keep Ray in our hearts. Hug each other and enjoy each other now. Our love, Mike & Amelia Reid (Suzanne’s baby brother)
We will forever remember Ray and Suzanne as our backyard neigbors. Suzanne's daughters growing up. The granddaughters coming over toplay on tbe swing and having tea parties. Ray's most important contribution was his years as a loyal NARFE member helping many members as the service officer. He also introduced us to his wonderful neighbor Joyce. He is missed. Leroy and Karen Dockter
Prayers for all of Ray's family and friends at this time. He was a good man and will be sorely missed. Ed and Pat Cummins (Suzanne's sister)
To the Family , I would like to express how sorry to hear of your loss. The pain of losing a loved one is a pain that seemingly never goes away. However, the pain can lessen when we think of what God has promised to do for us. What comfort does he provide us? First of all, at 1 Cor 15:26 it says: "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." So God views death as an enemy and will eventually remove death. Secondly, Jesus gave us hope when at John 11:25 he said: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" So there is a chance to see our loved ones again under better conditions. This comfort from the Bible has helped me in dealing with the loss of my father and I hope it will help your family to some degree with your loss.
The staff of Wyoming Public Media sends condolences in the death of Ray Urbom to Joyce Stoner and Ray Urbom's Family. We know because he strove to make a difference he will be missed by many. His on-going support of WPR is greatly appreciated. Cindy Elrod Broadcast Assistant
Dear Family of Mr. Urbom, I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s promise bring you comfort. There will be “a new earth... and He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore... I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:1-5
Thank you, D. Hetrick. Yes, we do believe that very much and are thankful he is now at peace in his new life.