Charles Raymond Tanguy

Charles Raymond Tanguy, better known as “Ray,” passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024. His daughters, Becky Tanguy and Rachel Hawkridge were at his side. He died of natural causes at the age of 85.

Ray was born in 1939 in Warren, Pennsylvania to his parents Charles Baker Tanguy and Jane Rita Tanguy. He grew up in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, enjoying an adventurous childhood, hunting and fishing in the backwoods of that region. He graduated from high school in 1957, and then earned his college degree from THE University of Dayton in Ohio.

During his college years, Ray met the love of his life, Sharon Quinn of Chicago. Ray and Sharon married in 1964 and quickly started a family. They enjoyed Catholic church trips to the Rocky Mountain West early in their married life. They fell in love with the West, so in 1971, they moved with their four children to Denver. Shortly after that, the Tanguy’s moved into their home in Golden, Colorado, where Ray lived until his passing.

Ray lived a productive life as a husband and father. He worked a variety of jobs, eventually starting a long career as a professional in the elevator trade. He and Sharon raised their children to be young professionals in a variety of fields. Ray shared with his kids his love of the outdoors and animals. He helped his kids develop a love of the mountains, horses, dogs and hunting.

Ray was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a dedicated professional. But, in the end, he wanted to be known as a husband, a father, and an elk hunter. He spent all his decades in Colorado honing his skills. He became a fine marksman, developed an astute knowledge of the gear needed for the hunt, and understood the behavior of deer and elk in the Rockies as deeply as any wildlife biologist or park ranger. He was a deeply ethical hunter, never wasting a bit of the animal, and becoming an expert cook of wild game dishes.

Ray lost his dear wife Sharon after a brave battle with cancer in 2008. After her passing, he remained fiercely, stubbornly independent, living in his Golden home, which he called "the Homestead," until only a few weeks before his passing. He enjoyed his retired life as the family’s patriarch, being the

attentive host for his children, grandchildren and a variety of nieces, nephews and cousins, as the Homestead became the gathering place for all the traditional holidays.

Ray has returned to the Lord our Father, finally re-joining his dear wife Sharon in Heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sisters Joan and Anne. He is survived his brother Daniel Tanguy of Florida, his son Jonathan Tanguy of Boise, Idaho, daughters Rebecca Tanguy and Rachel Hawkridge, both of Arvada, Colorado, and his son David Tanguy of Denver. He also is survived by his daughter-in-law Christy Tanguy and son-in-law Tim Hawkridge. Ray had four grandchildren, William, Abigail, Jasmine and Jaron.

Ray has asked his children to have only a small intimate funeral. Mortuary services are being provided by the Aspen Mortuary in Arvada. We will pass on details on his final resting place when this is finalized.

Gifts or flowers are not necessary. We know that Ray would appreciate a donation in his name to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (www.rmef.org) to help improve and increase wildlife habitats throughout America.