Ray P. Kincheloe Jr., 93

Ray P. Kincheloe Jr., known affectionately as "Bud" to many, was born in Havre, Mont., on May 4, 1930, and peacefully passed away Jan. 4, 2024. He was the beloved son of Ray Kincheloe and Frances Smith. 

Ray proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1948 to 1952, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his active service, he continued his dedication to the Marine Reserve from 1953 to 1967. 

On June 18, 1955, in Helena, Mont., Ray married Ruth Anderson. They had four children: Kevin, Kim, Kristi and Kraig, and raised their nephew, Rich, who they loved like a son. 

Ray embarked on a successful career, starting as a lineman for Montana Power. His journey led him to Spokane, where he joined Washington Water Power (WWP), and eventually to Coeur d’Alene as the company evolved into Avista. Ray continued his devoted service until his well-deserved retirement in 1992. 

In addition to his professional achievements, he was a devoted family man of strong faith — he actively kept up with the loved ones in his life and generously lent himself to service in his church. He was very active in the Marine Corps League, and Pappy Boyington Detachment, and was instrumental in the Toys for Tots drive in the Coeur d’Alene area for many years. 

Ray was a storyteller who loved reminiscing, recalling details of his youth down to the name of his first-grade teacher and the color of her shoes. He lived life with an open heart, enjoying it fully. His days were marked with time in his shop sanding cedar chests, summers camping by the river and spotting for eagles at Higgens Point. There were the days on the dock teaching his grandkids how to fish and digging up nightcrawlers for bait under the light of the moon the evening before. He would travel anywhere to watch them compete in sports, no matter the weather, enthusiastically cheering until the final race, the last shot and the final second. 

As a Montana native, a cowboy lived in him; the mountains and valleys called to him like a song. If he were to speak of his home state, he would speak of Two Medicine — the place in the world he held closest to his heart. Its spirit was kept alive in the stories he read, the movies he watched and the art he hung on his walls. 

He loved his garden, he loved feeding the squirrels, and he loved his neighbors Tom and Sarah, who he cherished like family. He loved the Zags and the M’s and the Seahawks were swell, too; he loved God and his standing meetups with friends for breakfast, pool and tacos. He loved to give generously and always looked for a greater purpose in everything he did. He lived with enthusiasm and exuded love.

While his physical passing leaves a hole that cannot be filled or surmised in a few short words, Ray’s legacy now lives in his family and his friends, woven uniquely through us all. 

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on March 30, 2010, and his son, Kraig, on Oct. 12, 2022. 

He is survived by his children: Kevin (Julie) Kincheloe; Kim (Tom) Richert; Kristi (Brett) Haney; Rich Chevalier; and Katie Kincheloe; grandchildren: Leah (Trent), Samantha (Trever), Jordan (Olin), Abbie, Austin, Olivia (Quinn), Sydney (Chris), Cooper and Alexa; great-grandchildren: Taylor, Daniel, Audrey, Brooks, Cara, Caleb and Elliott. 

A memorial service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church (812 N. Fifth St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation could be made in Ray’s name to Camp Lutherhaven (lutherhaven.com).

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Bud’s memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.