Raymond Choriki
January 26, 1932 - October 03, 2014
Obituary
Dad always lived by the belief that you should leave the world in better shape than you found it. He lived this belief through his family, God and work. After dedicating his life to Agriculture throughout Montana and the surrounding states, he now goes to work with his greatest client ever to help cultivate peace and love in paradise. Raymond was born in Waimea Kauai, Hawaii on January 26, 1932 to Hifumi and Sue Isemoto Choriki. Growing up on a Sugarcane plantation, agriculture was ingrained in him at a young age. After serving in the 504th Army Airborne division, he married the love of his life, Doris Barcarse Choriki on December 31, 1955, with the promise, “Come with me to Montana until I finish school, and we will come back”. From this marriage they were blessed with 7 children, and 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren. After graduating from Montana State College in 1959 with his Masters in Soil Science, he went to work at the Central Montana Research Station in Moccasin. Where his research in soil fertility revolutionized the farming world. In 1971 he moved to Great Falls to bridge the gape between research and real life application of the research. In 1984 he moved Billings to Open B&C Agriculture Consultants, where he worked with some of his children to continued his research on crop fertility, insect and disease control. Being one of the first crop consultants in the state, he mentored and worked with many farmers to reach their maximum crop potentials. He always believed we would one day grow 200 bushel wheat and barley here in Montana. He would push all of us to reach a little farther every day, for nothing was ever out of reach if we believed in ourselves. He would greet everyone he met with a smile and a big hug, for he never met a stranger and you never felt left out. Ray is survived by his wife Doris of 58 years, children Danny Choriki, Michelle & Brad Colbrese, Donna & Sid Ayers, Tony Choriki, Patrick Choriki, Mike & Misty Choriki and Lani & Greg Monical all of Billings. His sister Ethel and Tad Tsuda of Vista California and Lorraine Habu of Hawaii. Numerous nephews, nieces,cousins grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents Hifumi & Sue Choriki, siblings Harold, Hiromu, Danny, Marion, Hideto, Chisato, and Hiroshi. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Dahl Chapel. Vigil 7 p.m. Wednesday, Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Thursday, both at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Committal in Holy Cross Cemetery.
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Memories
NC
Neda Culic
Other •
I spent all night thinking of Ray and Doris. Are families are vastly different. Mine came from Croatia to Montana, while the Chorikis came from Hawaii. Ray and Doriswere married 2 years before my parents were. My two sisters and I went to Great Falls High with at least one of the Choriki kids. They were then and are now a musically gifted family. My family? Well, not so much. As different as we were there is one thing we shared. A strong Catholic faith that has always guided us. I'm proud to say that I've known them over 39 years.Now we share another bond. My mother was a month older than Ray. She went to Heaven in February. Now Ray has gone. I know that no matter how much the Chorii children were prepared to let Ray go, you are never fully prepared. There isn't one emotion that the Choriki children and grandchildren are feeling that my sisters and nieces haven't felt. I will really miss Ray. His smile was bigger than he was and he always greeted me with a warm hug. He and Doris shared a deep love of God and faith in him. I know Ray is at home with Jesus and out of pain. I pray for God's love and guidance for Doris and their family. Ray will always be with you.
GT
Gilbert Tauscher
Other •
Ray, I met you and Doris through the Cursillo/Cum Christo community in Billings and Laurel. I saw both of you as very committed and spiritual, eager to assist others on their faith journey and to share of what ever you could, for someone else in need. Both you and Doris went out of your way to make a new acquaintance feel welcome. GOD BLESS, my friend.
JG
Jenni Grove
Other •
My prayers go out to your family. I remember him as a kind man. Remembering his family from the Experiment Station in Moccasin, then to run in to two of his children years later in Bozeman during and after college. May god bring you comfort and peace in his passing.
M
marj
Other •
The first time I met Ray, I had only a moment to glimpse at that big, warm smile before he grabbed me and hugged me. He and Doris welcomed me into a wonderful family from that moment - and I will always be part of that family, because of the way they both raised and nourished loving and giving sons and daughters. Peace to you, Ray.....dad!
DF
Dolly Fisher
Other •
Tony and family , I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of a dear part of the community. I will not forget his enduring smile that he had each time he came into Denny's or how proud he was of each and every grandchild. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grief. God bless, Dolly Fisher.
FR
Fred Rogers
Other •
My sincere condolences to the Choriki Family on the loss of Ray. I was in the plant nutrition business for many years and Ray was one of the best soil sciencetists I have ever known, Not only that he was a great guy and always having a smile on his face was very comforting. I was glad to know him.