Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Raymond.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Raymond D. "Ray" Nystrom
Raymond "Ray" D. Nystrom, beloved husband of Molly Motiff, of Morrison, CO, died unexpectedly on September 27, 2016 at the age of 68. Ray was born in Chicago, IL, on May 6, 1948 to the late Donald and Marvel (nee Soucie) Nystrom.
He graduated from North Park Academy in 1966 and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from North Park University in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army in the early 1970s and was honorably discharged. Ray was, unambiguously and emphatically, a liberal in the fullest, richest understanding of that much-libeled word; a news and political junkie.
A visit in 1957 to Estes Park as a young child captured his heart and set him on a path to return to Colorado to live. A snow skiing trip was the beginning for this “flat-lander” from the Midwest and he made the move in 1975. He and Molly were most at home together in the mountains or national parks, camping under the night sky and enjoying the creatures of nature, especially owls, hawks and falcons. The “Island in the Sky” in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, was his favorite scenic area and he had hoped to take Molly there. At home, Ray loved dogs, was a skilled woodcarver, a competitive swimmer and had a beautiful bass voice. Riding bicycles with Molly through the neighborhoods and on long bike paths was a favorite pastime. He was a professionally trained Master Gardener, as evident in his flower and vegetable gardens and at the beautiful gardens that he maintained at the Briarwood Inn and the Jolly Rancher factory. Ray was a member of Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, CO, for over 30 years. He thoroughly loved music – all kinds – jazz being his favorite. And, Ray was known to plunk out a few tunes on the piano and had a few good licks on the guitar.
He was a highly regarded and sought after server in the food industry, most recently at the Briarwood Inn. In semi-retirement, he enjoyed working at Costco Wholesale.
It was love at first sight for Ray and he loved Molly unconditionally. After spending seven years together, they married on April 2, 1997. His dedication to Molly was like none other and he was looking forward to 2017 when he was going to take her on a special two-week vacation to celebrate a personal 25-year milestone of Molly’s. A gentle soul and a romantic at heart, it was not unusual for Ray to bring flowers home for Molly after walking the dog or put a steaming cup of coffee at her bedside to wake her in the morning or turn on the electric blanket to warm the bed for her. He professed his devotion to “the Love of My Life” and told Molly frequently how blessed he was to have her in his life. Ray will be remembered for his positive attitude, always with a smile on his face, quick wit, having a kind word for everyone and always going out of his way to say hello to a stranger.
Roots to grow and wings to fly were provided by Ray to Chris. He loved him as his own son and was so proud of him and his many accomplishments. He lovingly told Chris that he’d “turned into a fine young man.”
Ray is survived by the love of his life, Molly and her son, Christopher Lucas; sister, Joyce Sprengelmeyer and her children, Anami and Mario; mother-in-law, Jane Rosenhoover, Colorado Springs; siblings-in-law, Michael (Terry) Motiff of Madison, WI; Mary (Robert) Regan of Nashville, TN; Marsha (Paul) Zmuda of Colorado Springs; Marlene (Thomas) Roome of Lakewood; Mark Motiff of Colorado Springs; Matthew (Dale) Motiff of Colorado Springs; Missy (Kristy Topel) Motiff of Green Bay, WI and many cousins, nephews and nieces. “We will love you until the day after forever. No words can describe our sense of loss.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marvel; father-in-law, Robert Motiff; step-father-in-law, Charlie Rosenhoover; brothers-in-law, Tom Sprengelmeyer and Dale Copenhaver; aunts and uncles and a nephew.
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at The Chapel at Ellis Family Services, 13436 West Arbor Place, Littleton, CO, with the service to be conducted by Rev. Barry Ebert of Mile Hi Church at 4:00 p.m. A reception to celebrate Ray’s life will follow the service at The Meadows Grill at The Meadows Golf Course, 7007 Meadows Golf Club Dr., Littleton, CO. Inurnment at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver will occur at a later date.
People interested in a memorial might consider donations to Molly Motiff or in Ray’s name to the MaxFund Wellness Center, 1000 Inca St., Denver, CO 80204.
