Ray Karl Johnson

Ray Karl Johnson, 75, of Homedale passed away Sunday, February 1st 2009 from complications following a short illness with leukemia. Ray was born February 26, 1933 to Tom and Lena (Roth) Johnson in New Underwood, South Dakota. In 1940, Tom and Lena moved their family to Idaho. Ray attended Homedale schools, and graduated in 1952. He married his love, Josephine Bicandi, in November of that year. Ray and Josie remained in the Homedale area where they raised their family. As a youth, Ray discovered the Owyhee Mountains. His spare time was spent hunting, fishing and camping. He would often recall those experiences through his paintings and his story telling. Ray was drafted in the U.S. Army in April, 1953. After the completion of his duty in 1955, he returned home. In 1956, he began employment with the Ray Ewing Construction Company of Meridian as a mason. He was known throughout the business as "Shorty" and was highly respected for his skill and talent by those who knew him. He continued his employment with the company until 1984. That year he was hired by the South Board of Control in Homedale. He remained employed there until his retirement in 1995. After retirement, Ray spent his time working on his acreage, tending to his beloved animals, traveling with Josie in their 5th wheel, listening to his polka music, reading, drawing and painting, and spending as much time as possible with his family. Ray was a member of the BPOE of Nampa for 15 years, and was a current member of the Homedale Basque Club. Ray will be lovingly remembered as a kind heart and a gentle soul. He lived his life with enjoyment and always made friends with most everyone he met. His last words to his family were to "take the time to visit with one another". Ray was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Josie; his children, Teresa (John) Phelps; Karla (Greg) Haylett; and Russ (Deana) Johnson; his grandchildren, Alisa Phelps; Lucas (Tegan) Phelps; Deitra (Christopher) Batt; Kelsi (Nick) Calaycay, Clay Haylett; Zara Grayson, Alex Johnson, Zane Johnson, Kale Johnson; great-grandchildren Tenley Grayson, Ava Batt, Taylor Phelps; brother Harold (Blanche) Johnson; sisters Lillian (Bud) Brant, Jessie Smith, Carylen Riley, Nancy (Rod) Leslie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Ray will be held Friday, February 6th 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Hubert's Catholic Church in Homedale. Arrangements are under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Homedale. Interment will follow at Marsing-Homedale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Idaho Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 921 S. Orchard St., Ste. I, Boise, ID 83705 or the Homedale Basque Club - Txoko Ona, P.O. Box 1163, Homedale, ID 83628. Condolences may be given to the family at FlahiffFuneralChapel.com Service Information