Raymond Choriki

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.