Raymond Edwin Lahti

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Raymond Edwin Lahti

November 30, 1952 ~ December 1, 2021

Raymond Edwin Lahti (69), loving husband, devoted father, and passionate grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of December 1, 2021 in Sandy.

Ray was born on November 30, 1952 to Edwin Kustaa and Marian Rose (Mell) Lahti. The oldest of six children, he grew up on the family farm in Toivola, Minnesota. From a young age, he acquired a love for canoeing, hiking and hunting. His life on the farm also fostered the development of his incredible skill for fixing nearly anything with his tool bag and collection of spare parts. He loved being outdoors and was especially at home in the woods.

Ray later attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. He took pride in putting himself through college by utilizing the skills he learned on the farm to harvest trees. After graduation, Ray began his career in oil refining with Amoco in Casper, Wyoming. Although work always came second to his family, Ray was a devoted employee and worked for the same company his entire career.

He met the love of his life, Denyse, in 1972 while both were attending the University of Minnesota. They were married on February 5, 1977, in Hastings, Minnesota. Together, Ray and Denyse made their first home in Casper, Wyoming where their three children were born. They later moved to Chicago, Illinois. The last 28 years of their life together was spent in Sandy, exploring the outdoors by avidly skiing, camping and hiking.  

Ray was ecstatic to be a father and adored his three children. He cherished sharing his time and hobbies with them. Ray joyously celebrated his 69th birthday the day before his passing. As a grandfather, Ray delighted in his six grandchildren.

Ray leaves behind his wife, Denyse Marie (Gergen) Lahti; his children, Jennifer (Kevin) Andersen, Brian (Manuela) Lahti and John (Madeline) Lahti; and his grandchildren Annika, Kataja, Kairic and Alrek Andersen and Alessandra and Juliana Lahti. He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Marian Lahti and his sister Ann Lahti.

A family Mass was celebrated December 9 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family’s fund for a memorial in Ray’s honor in a national forest or park are equally appreciated, as are donations in his honor to Fourth Street Clinic.