Jeffrey Alan Rayman, age 44, died doing what he loved on Sunday, May 25, 2008, on the Dearborn River while rafting.
Recovery by the diligent efforts of Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue occurred on Friday, June 20, 2008. Jeff was born on June 3, 1963, in Sioux Falls, S.D. to Donald and Rose Marie (Healy) Rayman. He attended St. Joseph’s Cathedral and then graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1981. Jeff later moved west to Montana. He considered the Montana rivers and mountains his home by spending his springs, summers and falls fishing and floating its world class rivers and his winters hunting the prized large game. He enlightened many of his friends to his love and passion of nature and the great outdoors. Jeff considered rafting and fishing his main job and in his spare time, worked as a materials training specialist for the Montana Department of Transportation traveling throughout the state. His infectious smile and genuine spirit will live on in all of the hearts of those that he touched. Many family and friends were blessed to share his life: companion, Jody Bachini of Helena; many friends from Butte, Helena and throughout Montana; his brothers, Brian (Kim) of Burnsville, Minn. And Dan (DeEtt) of Eagan, Minn.; one sister, Carmen (Brian) Bauer of Sioux Falls; ex-wife, Dawne Rayman; daughters, Jessyca, Heather, Chandra, Melissa and Monnyca; nieces and nephews, MacKenzie, Tanner, Courtney, Brittany, Brianna, Lexi and Austin. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rose Marie Rayman and younger brother, Greg. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at Retz Funeral Home in Helena. Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena. A celebration of his life will follow at Eagles Lodge #16, 801 N. Fee St. A memorial in honor of Jeff can be made to Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue Association, P. O. Box 473, Helena, MT 59624. To offer a condolence to Jeff’s family or to share a memory of Jeff, please visit www.mem. com.
