Recalling Ray: Top 10 adventures with a great reporter

9. Sun Valley: I am somewhat hesitant to list this one because it might go down as the most fun with the least amount of work. There can be resentment at the rest of the paper because some believe that the outdoors writer (and possibly all sports writers and photographers) have too much fun and don't work hard. Generally Ray's assignments start before sunrise and end in the dark. No one works harder than Ray. The Sun Valley trip may be the exception. It took almost five days for Ray, Lee Benson, Randy Montgomery and me to capture the essence of Sun Valley's skiing and fine dining. That one would never fly today, but it sure was a good time and remains memorable because Randy (former director of Ski Utah) died in a motorcycle accident soon after.

10. Cowboying: I'm a horse owner and lover and Ray's stories have given me the chance to ride and work. The annual Antelope Island roundup is a once-in-a-lifetime experience I photograph almost every year. Red Canyon, just outside of Bryce National Park, is one of the most beautiful rides I've ever ridden.

Those are just some of the adventures that quickly come to mind, and covering the Olympics in Lake Placid with Ray didn't even make the top 10. Most of the photographers at the paper could make their own list of adventures.

The thing about losing Ray is that no one has the scope of his knowledge and connections. He leaves a job almost everyone wants, including myself. While some may be good at adventure climbing, biking, running and hiking, they may lack the hunting, fishing, skiing and tennis expertise. It would literally take an entire team to match Ray. Apparently that is exactly the direction the paper is moving.

Fortunately, Ray will still contribute stories to the Deseret News on a freelance basis. I can't, however, replace the friendship Ray and his family have shared beyond the D-News. He is a friend for life (thank the Lord because Ray also makes enemies for life, but that is a different story).

After 47 years, Ray is as scared of retiring as he was hanging off the cliff chasing bears. Carol confided to me that she has been careful not to spook him by making him go shopping or giving him a list of jobs around the house. Apparently, she has also kept to herself her secret wish for a long-term church calling to a far-off place. That would scare the hell out of Ray.

Hopefully, I'll still get a few of those recreation assignments that make a news photographer's job rewarding and I'll try to remember Ray's words, "Remember, Tom, no fun while we are working."

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E-mail: smart@desnews.com