This morning we headed for Sioux Falls one last time. We arrived at the hospital about 11:00am. The family got to take part in a honor walk. We were able to walk behind Ray while they wheeled him to the operating room. The ICU floor staff lined the hallways which was a beautiful tribute.

During his surgery we got to participate in a Gift of Life flag raising ceremony. Michael and Josh raised the flag and a small service was held in his honor. The flag will be flown for 48 hours at Sanford in Sioux Falls. (I've included the program if you're interested in reading.) 

Surgery took five hours. Ray’s golden heart found a recipient so that was the first organ removed. It was transported by ambulance to the airport for flight. There was only a four hour window from Ray’s body to the recipients body. 

Donate life took on a whole new meaning today. We are finding comfort in knowing Ray saved lives today. Ray had a heart of gold. He would have given a stranger the shirt off his back. Today he became a donor, a hero, and parts of him will live on. We will get a completed list in the next couple days but we do know his heart, liver, and both kidneys were donated. Ray saved a minimum of four lives today with his gifts.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the doctors and staff at Sanford in Sioux Falls, Prairie Lakes in Watertown, Evan (officer at scene), ambulance crew, jet crew, and Nicole with LifeSource. Also to ALL OF YOU prayer warriors. This process HAS NOT been an easy one at all but we’ve been surrounded by the best care team and prayer warriors. A special thank you the unanimous gentleman that made the call after the crash.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00-7:00pm at Crawford-Osthus. Funeral services will be at 10:30am on Tuesday with a small lunch to follow. Full obituary will be posted at www.crawfordosthus.com.

I will be making a video in honor of Ray. I know how many lives he touched. If you have any pictures you would like included please get them to me ASAP (contact info below). 

Thank you,
Ashley

Call/text (605) 520-7029
Email a.blais@hotmail.com