– August 26, 2023

Raymond John May passed peacefully at 95 years young on August 26, 2023, in his home with family by his side. Ray lived a very active life filled with passion and purpose. He proudly served as a war veteran in Korea, championed family, education and excelled in business and finance.
Ray’s educational journey took him to St. Precopius College in Illinois, the University of Innsbruck in Austria and the University of Idaho in Moscow Idaho where he earned his business degree. In his early years he bought one of the Army’s Harley Hog and rode it all over Illinois. His first job was a lumber salesman covering all of Idaho and he even obtained his pilot’s license to efficiently manage his territory. He briefly ventured into the dairy business owning a Dairy Queen in Palatine, Illinois where he delighted customers with Dilly Bars and ice cream cones. However, his true calling emerged during his 55-year career in financial planning with Equitable Life Insurance. Through this role, he assisted families in preparing for their future. In the process he earned numerous centurion awards for leading advisors in production. He played a pivotal role in establishing insurance programs for many school districts in Colorado, impacting the retirement accounts of approximately 20% of Colorado teachers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ray was dedicated to his community. He served as a board member for the Jeffco School District in Denver, was a valued member of the Rolling Hills Country Club’s board, and even served as president of the Chicago Navy League.
Ray had a deep love for being active in sports. He was an avid golfer at Rolling Hills Country Club, always choosing to walk the course. Skiing, however, was his true love. He stood out as a ski instructor at various resorts, concluding his 37-year ski instructing journey at Winter Park, where he retired at 87, making him the oldest ski instructor. Remarkably he continued to ski until he was 91, passing on his passion to his kids, grandchildren, and great granddaughters.
Ray was married to Rosemary Ann Kullman for 65 years until her passing. Together they raised six children: Roger of Granby, Colorado, Jeff and Amy of University Park, Texas, Gary of Golden Colorado, Paul (deceased), Cindy of Lakewood, Colorado, and Ray J May Jr. “Chip” of Golden Colorado. Ray grew up in Highland Park, Illinois alongside his younger brothers Donald and Earl and his sister Monica. His parents, Raymond, and Marie provided a strong foundation for his upbringing.
Ray J. May’s legacy is one of a life well-lived, characterized by his love of family, friends, and skiing. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial service to honor Ray’s life will be held September 16 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4291 Evergreen Pkwy, Evergreen, CO 80439.

A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at the Genesee Pub at 4 pm.
in the Genesee Business Center (exit 257 off I-70).