Ray Virgil Bucy, 97, died peacefully at home on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, November 22 at 2:30 PM at the Caldwell Christian Church, 3207 E. Ustick Rd., Caldwell, ID.

Ray, the second of four children, was born March 1, 1914 at the family farm near Wolbach, NE to Henry Elden and Flora Clapp Bucy. He attended the local country grade school and Cushing High School. Driven by the depression and severe drought, he rode boxcars to Idaho in the spring of 1935 seeking work. He found enough farm work to survive and in 1936 he and friend Charlie Foxx rented the Hockberger Ranch just south of Lake Lowell. It was during this time that he met his lifes partner, Gertrude Van Curen. They were married on May 21, 1937 and in 1939 they moved to a farmstead they purchased south of Wilder. It was here that Ray farmed and lived for the rest of his life. Ray and Gertrude had three children, Marjorie, Larry and John and were married for 66 years.

Ray was a dedicated father and family man. He was generous with others, not only monetarily but also with his service. He was a longtime member of the Caldwell First Christian Church where he served in various capacities and was an elder for many years. Ray was a founding member for the Intermountain Church Planters Association and served on its board for many years. He also donated his skills and support to theBoise Bible College. Many people have come forward and shared how his gifts have had a positive effect on many people and how they continue to assist what are now complete strangers, having never met or heard of Ray or his contributions. While Ray was the pebble in the water, the ripples continue to be numerous and far reaching

Another great joy of Rays was feeding large groups of people. This included donating a beef to feed participants at church camp, working in the church kitchen on Wednesday nights to feed those attending services and activities or donating his time with Meals-On-Wheels to feed the elderly. What he probably was most known for were his Fourth of July pig roasts. This annual event went on for over twenty years and when he decided to call it quits, he made an announcement for fear people would just show up!

Ray was a farmer. He had a love and passion for the land, a true steward of the soil. For those reasons he loved the Treasure Valley area of Idaho and all of its diversity. Probably his two greatest loves were fresh sweet corn and the variety of fruit the valley produces. When friends and family from other parts of the country would visit, he would like to share these items with them in an almost boastful manner, i.e. "taste how flavorful this produce is."

When Ray finally started to wind down his active farming role, he transferred his attention from the fields to his yard and garden. While his vegetable garden wasnt large, it was extremely abundant. It provided way more than his needs and he loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends and neighbors. He also loved flowers, a trait he probably derived from his mother. Many people would come to view his tulips, iris, roses, lilies and wildflowers. With the abundance, many left with large bouquets. He enjoyed making small bouquets and delivering them to shut-ins, elderly, or people he would encounter on a daily routine. People soon learned that if they returned the small vase it would be returned to them, full of flowers!

It would be remiss to write this and not mention his exercise routines and especially his bike rides. He started jogging at the early age of 66 in his work boots and a few years later he switched to a bicycle. It was the first bicycle he had ever owned. Typically he would ride 10 miles a day and every once in a while he would take longer trips. It was not uncommon for people from Greenleaf, Wilder or Parma to mention they had seen dad on his bike that morning.

Finally, Ray loved to tell stories. He has regaled family and friends of stories from his youth in Nebraska to the early struggles of coming to Idaho and getting established. While the stories were always heartwarming, they also illustrated how much work was involved to succeed. Work. That is a defining word for Ray. While many people have had bigger or more renowned accomplishments, very few have out-worked him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ivan & Eddie, sister Alice Bock, wife Gertrude and son Larry. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie & Ray MacDonald of Damascus, OR, his son and daughter-in-law John & Connie Bucy of Wilder, ID, and daughter-in-law Linda Bucy of Milwaukie, OR as well as seven grandchildren, Jeffrey MacDonald of Phoenix, AZ; Laurie Shepherd of Milwaukie, OR; Jennifer MacDonald of Carrollton, TX; Scott Bucy of Las Vegas, NV; Seth Bucy and Jacob Bucy both of Sunriver, OR; and Joshua Bucy of New Orleans, LA; five great grandchildren, Aubrey and Brynn Shepherd; Stephanie and Samuel MacDonald; Hailey Bucy and many extended family members.

The family would like to thank Rays caregivers over the years. Currently he was cared for by Joanne Brinkley, Sue Hoffman, Gayle Roberson and Diana Smith. A special tribute goes to Maria Gerthung who started working for Ray in the mid-90s to care for Gertrude and then continued her devoted and loving service with Ray. Maria has been with us so long, we have made her an honorary Bucy. We also would like to thank the personnel of Four Rivers Hospice for their caring help and support over the past 19 months.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Intermountain Church Planters Association, Boise Bible College or a favorite charity.

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