Mc Arthur, Raymond C. 1925-2009

MC ARTHUR, DARVILLE, STOKKE

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/11/2009 at 23:29:34

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, November 11, 2009

Raymond McArthur, 84, of Pierre, S.D., died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, SD from natural causes.

Raymond C. McArthur was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Le Mars, the son of Roy and Dorothy (Darville) McArthur.

He graduated from Le Mars High School May 21, 1943. Upon high school graduation Ray joined the U.S. Navy from July 1943 until May 1946. He married the love of his life Geraldine "Gerry" Juanita Stokke June 6, 1948.

Gerry and Ray lived in Pickstown, S.D., for some time, Grand Forks, N.D., Sacramento, Calif., and Riverdale, N.D. for a year each. They moved to Pierre, S.D., in 1958 and resided there since.

Ray worked as an electrical engineer in the area for many years. He played a key role in the electrical engineering of Oahe Dam during its construction. After 25 years of federal service he retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1970. He continued to work as a professional engineer until his final day.

Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, playing carroms and cribbage, learning and staying active. Every summer for more than 10 years he and Gerry would pack up their boat and car with their four grandchildren and head to the family cabin on South Long Lake outside of Brainerd, Minn., for a month of great memories, good laughs and hours on the lake.

Ray was a very influential person in many people's lives. He put the needs of others before his own, had a big heart, stood up for what he believed in and never gave up. Ray had a contagious smile and a great sense of humor.

He will be greatly missed.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his son, Steve of Pierre, S.D.; grandchildren: Rachel McArthur of Casper, Wyo., Levi McArthur and Sara McArthur, both of Gillette, Wyo., and Jordan McArthur of Rapid City, S.D.; great-granddaughters Madison Carter of Casper, Wyo., and Skye McArthur of Gillette, Wyo., and sister, Ruth Gower of St. Charles, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Gerry.

A memorial Celebration of Life service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Community Bible Church in Pierre.