Ray "Chief" Snay , 78, Minot, died March 13, 2009 after many years of living with COPD and finally a brave battle against lung cancer.

Ray was born October 25, 1930 in St Clair, Michigan. He was raised in Michigan until he entered the US Air Force on September 25, 1950. He was stationed at many bases in the US and overseas. One of his favorite bases overseas, in the early 1950's was Allbrook AFB, (Canal Zone) Panama and of course his favorite bases in the US were in North Dakota. For this reason, Minot is where he decided to retire and call home. Chief received many commendations over his 30 years of service.

While stationed at Chanute AFB, Illinois he met Dolores "Bea" Beatrice and they were united in marriage on November 6, 1955. This union was blessed with a daughter, Cindy.

During his retirement years in North Dakota, he thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He treasured the many fishing trips to the lakes in North Dakota, South Dakota, Canada, Montana and Minnesota with his son-in-law and friends. Pheasants were his favorite small game and the beautiful white tail deer were his favorite big game. Hunting did not always require a gun, appreciating the wildlife through binoculars was even better. He was a lifetime member of the North American Hunting and Fishing Clubs and a member of the National Rifle Association.

Ray always enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, a good 'old' western, especially with John Wayne and a beautiful sunset in North Dakota. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Survivors: Loving wife of 53 years; Dolores "Bea" Beatrice, Minot; Daughter, Cindy (Leon "Curly" Delker), Minot; Grandchildren, Christopher Delker (Terri Rice), Minot, Nichole (Rob) Hadley, Oregon, Jacob Delker (Alison Burbidge), Utah, and Jason Delker, Wisconsin; Seven Great-Grandchildren; Sister, Catherine Snay, Michigan; Brother, Carl Snay, California, brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Patricia Beatrice, New Hampshire, and many other relatives.

Ray is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Snay, and his father-in-law, Anthony Beatrice, and mother-in-law, Lucy Beatrice and extended family members.

At the request of the family, no public service will be held;
Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, North Dakota
Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, family and friends are invited to sign a memorial register book on Friday, March 20, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to Souris Valley Animal Shelter or a memorial fund of your choice.