Raymond “Ray” Pigford passed away peacefully December 19th, 2024 at Liberty Heights in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 95.  Ray was born November 18th, 1929 in Willard, North Carolina, the 7th of 9 children born to Kenneth D.  and Susan Pigford.  After graduating from high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps as a Fire Fighter Crash Rescue Man.  Upon discharge from the Army Air Corps, he moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to work at his brothers’ nursery. There he was introduced to his lifelong profession of educator.

Ray attended Colorado State College of Education (UNC) in Greeley, where he majored in Industrial Arts, with Fine Arts and Physical Education and received his BA degree in 1955.  Along with his degree he received the Life Certificate to teach in any public school in Colorado. He completed his education with an MA in Teaching Liberal Arts from Colorado College, Colorado Springs, in 1969. 

His over 22 years in education began at Grand Junction High School. With a move to Colorado Springs, many  years were with School District 11 until his retirement. The years in elementary classrooms and special education programs, some of which he designed, provided a sound foundation to many young students. His math program was an envy of the other students who wanted him for their teacher but didn’t qualify for his program.

Ray was always ready to help anyone. His advice and instruction were frequently asked for but for those who were capable of doing it themselves, his moto was, “I’ll teach you how, but I won’t do it for you.”  With his knowledge and expertise, he built two homes, one a cabin on a lake in the mountains that was open for the enjoyment of anyone he knew. 

His art studio above the barn was full of his southwest themed creations.  The Native American influence in Montrose was his inspiration. 

Growing up on the farm in North Carolina in a large, hard working and very close family was so important to him throughout his life that he recorded it for the younger generation to have the knowledge of their roots. His book, The Family Home, is complete with his illustrations and delightful stories of each of his siblings as well. 

After moving to Montrose, Colorado following retirement he found a place where his abundant energy and many talents were appreciated and could be used in helping others. The veterans’ organization, Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, was the ideal place for him to help his fellow veterans and where he dedicated much of his time before moving back to Colorado Springs

Ray had two children, Andrea (Ray) Alley of Newport News, Virginia and Curt (Diane) Pigford of Colorado Springs, Colorado, His marriage to Elaine Lancaster welcomed two more children into his family, Kelli (Tracy) Rufenacht of Monument, Colorado and Blane (Brenda) Lancaster of Greeley, Colorado.

Waiting to welcome him home were his parents, brothers Kenneth, Donald, Tony, and Armenius Pigford, and sisters Eunice Pigford, Nadine Alley and Jan Chalmers.

Saying goodbye is his wife Elaine of Colorado Springs, his sister Christine Day of McMurry, Pennsylvania, his four children, nine grandchildren, Paul, Luke, Mark, Aaron, Hailey, Randon, Kyle, Elli and Kinli, three great grandchildren, Henry, Walker and Dean as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. 

For those wishing to honor Ray, a contribution made in his name to the veteran organization that is near and dear to him, Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans. By mail: 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose, CO 81401 or website: whafv.org