At the age of 83, Raymond R. Yahrmatter, Sr., a long-time resident of Grand Rapids passed away on 16 August. Ray served in the US Army as an infantry soldier during the Korean War; earning the distinguished Purple Heart Medal Of Honor. After serving our country he worked for Erie Mining Company retiring 30 years ago. After retiring, Ray and his wife Joan and their Boston Terrier traveled thousands of miles in various countries always returning to their home that he had built on Prairie Lake for the summer months. Ray loved his many fishing and hunting trips, whether it was in Alaska, Montana, Boundary Waters Canoe Area or his little cabin on Big Bear Lake. He loved all animals, especially dogs and birds. In Ray's time he loved to dance and even learned to play the accordion in his later years. Ray's biggest accomplishment was his wood carvings, often spending a few years on each of his wood carvings, until each one was of absolute perfection. Anyone that knew Ray, marveled at his physical strength, ingenuity, creativity and patience. Ray will be dearly missed by his friends and wonderful neighbors but more than anything by his wife Joan, son Ray and daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Francisco Cuellar and faithful companion, his Boston Terrier, Mr. Bruiser. Private interment were Ray's personal wishes.