Joseph Ray Tolman

On August 4, 2011 Joseph Ray Tolman passed away. He had battled the effects of cancer for years and his strength and determination to get better were admired by all around him.

Ray, as most of his friends knew him, was born October 28, 1922 to Joseph Augustine and Ruth Hilma Tolman in Pocatello. Encouraged by his father, Ray studied the violin and often played at Scout Eagle Courts and later for the Idaho Symphony Orchestra. As a boy Ray loved the out-of-doors and shared stories of hiking the hills during the summer months. With his father, he also developed a love of fishing, hunting and camping which he enjoyed throughout his life.

Shortly after his graduation in 1941 from Pocatello High School, Ray answered the call to serve his country during WWII and applied his knowledge of machinery--learned at his father's auto shop—as an Aviation Machinist's Mate. He served in the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command where he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for “outstanding heroism”.

In 1944 Ray met Faye Wood while she was working at the Moore Drug store on East Center Street. On the spot he told his friend “there is the girl I am going to marry!” He won her over and on Sept 26, 1945 they were wed in Olathe, Kansas. After his honorable discharge in 1946 Ray returned with his bride, Faye, to Pocatello and began working at the Naval Ordinance Plant (NOP). They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple and began their family, enjoying a life of friends, music and service. To keep things interesting in 1949 Ray and Faye both received their pilot's license.


Between 1959 and 1980 the family lived in Alameda, California. Ray worked at the Alameda Naval Air Station (NARF), enjoyed his family and continued his love of music. He played viola for the Oakland Scottish Rite Orchestra, the Diablo Light Opera Company and the East Bay Interstake Center's annual Production of Handel's Messiah. He was the most proud of his involvement with the Oakland Temple Pageant, produced together with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. During his pageant years Ray played Viola, mentored young musicians and served as orchestra manager.

Ray retired in January 1980 from NARF and returned with Faye and one daughter, Jenifer, to Pocatello. He was invited to teach at Idaho State University in the Vo-Tech department as a Machine Shop instructor. During his 10 year tenure Ray mentored students as a coach for the VICA program. He enjoyed working with students, many who took honors both at the state and national levels.

During his retirement years Ray served as the District Director, Idaho for AARP. He enjoyed traveling with Faye throughout Idaho and meeting with retirees. He and Faye also spent time with family and friends at their cabin in Island Park. In his neighborhood Ray was known for his gardening skills and his willingness to lend a hand.

Ray will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but also for his bright blue eyes always ready with a wink to let you know how special you were to him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Faye Lark Wood; his children and their spouses, Leann and Maurice Dineen, Joseph Ray II, Leslie Hill, Larae and Curtis Flamm, Jenifer and James Sims; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Keith Tolman. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

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