Raymond ‘Ray’ Rivord

Ray was born October 25, 1937, in Marquette, son of the late Edward and Edith (Philips) Rivord. As was common in his generation, he left school early in life to work, working for Cliffs Dow and then LS&I Railroad until he retired in the 1980s. He married the former Shirley Kangas of Ishpeming on March 23, 1957, and was married to his best friend until her unexpected death in 1979.

Ray was always active, including playing softball and hockey for many years, but everyone who knew Ray knew his passion was bowling. One of the top bowlers around for over five decades, Ray had collected 100s of trophies and titles over his lifetime. He also qualified and competed in several tournaments around the country. Not only was he respected as a competitor, but also for his sportsmanship, as he was always one of the first to congratulate an opponent whether he won or lost.

His love for bowling brought him many lifelong friends – some that he had bowled with for 50 years – and he saw many of these people as his second family.

Ray was with his bowling family when he suffered a heart attack on March 20th at a league competition. They were the ones who performed CPR and called for emergency help, and their compassion and kind words have provided his family much comfort during the past few days.

He is survived by his daughter Debbie (Michael) Walker and grandsons Michael and Jacob of Marquette, son Ray Rivord Jr. of Marquette and granddaughter Madison Johnson of Ishpeming, grandson Zach Cullum and great granddaughter Lexi Cullum of Lynnwood, Washington, sisters Nancy (Dave Karhi) Kiertzner of Marquette, Mary Lou (Duane) Kovacich of Hudson, Florida, Paula Cherrette of Marquette, and brothers David (Gloria) Rivord of Zephyrhills, Florida, and Dennis (Julie) Rivord of Champion, son-in-law Oscar Cullum of Lynnwood, special friend Ellen Cupal Laskowski of Lake City, Michigan, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his beloved dog Pepe, who was always with him and who he lovingly spoiled.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his daughter Peggy Cullum, his parents, and his brothers John, Ron and Eldon, nephew Scott Kovacich, niece Sherry Vailes, and brother-in-laws Richard Kiertzner and Peter Cherrette.

Whether you called him Dad, Grandpa Ray, brother, friend or neighbor, Ray will be missed. We take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in the presence of his body because he is in the presence of his Lord, and that his family that preceded him has greeted him and welcomed him home.

Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Thursday, March 29, from noon to 2 p.m., with a celebration of life ceremony beginning at 2:00 pm. A special reception is being hosted by the Tuesday Night Mixed League for all of Ray’s family and friends at Superior Lanes in Marquette from 3-5 p.m.

Our family has entrusted the caring and compassionate people of Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home with the arrangements. Condolences to the family of Ray Rivord may be expressed on line at www.SwansonLundquist FuneralHome.com.