Raymond Dee McAlister

January 11, 1921 ~ February 7, 2008

Raymond Dee McAlister, 87, passed away of natural causes on February 7, 2008. He was one of the last true cowboys of the American West. He was born on January 11, 1921, in Pueblo CO. His family then moved to Monticello, UT.

He married Vivian Amelia Black October 19, 1941.

Ray served in Europe in World War II, receiving a Purple Heart. After the war, he took his family to Missouri and attended the Kansas City Art Institute for four years.

Returning to Utah, he became Deputy Sheriff of San Juan County. Moving to Page, AZ in 1960, he became a Page Ranger. A year after Page incorporated, he became the Chief of Police, until retiring in 1987. Ray and Vivian moved to the Phoenix area in 1988, where he painted and helped care for great grand children.

He is survived by Vivian, his beloved wife of 66 years, four daughters, Vivian Bailey, Patricia Garms, Sherry Scott and Judy Avery; 11 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cave Creek, AZ, and interment was in the Veteran’s National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Arrangements entrusted to Hansen Arrowhead Funerals at Joy.

Condolences can be sent to:

Vivian A. McAlister, 4051 E. Milton Drive, Cave Creek, AZ 85331-5839.