Wray Obituary (1938 - 2023) - Arvada, Colorado

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 the Save The Terry Pool Fund (can be dropped off or mailed to Town Hall at P.O. Box 650 ~ Terry, MT 59349). A service will be held in Terry, Montana during the summer, followed by a Celebration of Life in Colorado.