Wray Ranier Freiboth, age 84, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 11, 2023 at the St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Lakewood, Colorado. Wray (Curley) was born on September 23, 1938 to Ray and Roberta Freiboth in Terry, Montana where he set a high standard for his three brothers and one sister including athletic exploits that are long remembered among the Terry Terrier faithful. Following his graduation from Terry High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Ramona (Kaul) Freiboth in 1958. After working and living in Terry for a few years, they moved to Missoula, Montana where he pursued his accounting degree at the University of Montana. With both working multiple jobs, and welcoming their first child Celeste in 1962, Wray completed his accounting degree in 1964 and successfully passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam on his first attempt. They moved to Colorado where he started his first job with the accounting firm Haskins and Sells, and in 1965 welcomed their second child, Cameron, after which they settled in Boulder, Colorado.
Wray’s career continued at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) working his way to Deputy Director of Administration and ultimately serving as part of the Director’s senior leadership team. He was active in the Boulder community through charitable organizations like the United Way and serving on the Board of Directors of the University of Colorado Federal Credit Union. He was also active in Celeste and Cameron’s school activities. While he was an avid Colorado Buffalo and Denver Bronco fan, he was forever a Montana Grizzly. One passion he developed after leaving Montana was playing golf with his children. Wray’s kindness, sense of humor, and sense of community was clearly passed to his children and grandchildren, Conner and Kierya, both of whom he adored and who carry on the Freiboth character.
Wray and Ramona were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Boulder, and their strong Christian faith was demonstrated through their service to family, friends, and neighbors. Wray was preceded in death by his wife Ramona and his parents Ray and Roberta. He is survived by his children Celeste Gibbs (Frank), and Cameron Freiboth (Kristen), and two grandchildren, Conner Freiboth and Kierya Freiboth. He is also survived by his brothers Lane Freiboth (Sherry), Wade Freiboth (Dianne), Jere Freiboth, and sister Toni Kalfell.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Wray’s name to the American Cancer Society, the Denver Dumb Friends League, or Save The Terry Pool Fund/Playground Fund.
A service will be held on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 at 11:00am at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry, Montana, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering in Colorado this Fall. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Carolyn says
Toni, Jere and families,
Sorry for your loss of Wray. Tough losing our siblings!
Julie Kaufman says
Sorry to hear about your brother, Toni. Hugs and love.
Craig Dunnam says
Freiboth family, I didn’t know Wray as he was 10 yrs older than me, but I do know most of you. Our thoughts and prayers go out for you all,
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Wade,Diane,Jere, and Toni, our deepest sympathy at your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers
Kent Walter Frette says
Sorry to hear of Wray’s passing. Sincere condolences to all the Freiboth family.
Joanne sturdevant says
To the Freiboth family so sorry for the loss of Wray .He was a wonderful person as well as his brothers and sister. My mom was a great friend of Berta and I miss her a good kind hearted soul. She definitely passed that on to her kids. I have high regards for the Frieboth family! Jo seteren young Sturdevant.
Don and Dorcas says
Your parents are so missed! We have been friends for such a long time and always enjoyed seeing each other and visiting on the phone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.