Raymond "Ray" Johnson was born in Buffalo, Wyoming on August 25, 1946 to Dorothy and Charles Johnson. He attended schools in Buffalo and Sheridan graduating from SHS in 1965. Ray attended Chadron State College graduating with a degree in Biochemisty in 1969. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1968 serving as a 2 LT.

Ray married his high school sweetheart Judy (Fisher) Johnson in 1968. Their first home was in Rapid City, SD where he was the Director of St. Johns Hospital Medical Lab. In 1971 he was accepted to Emory University's Physician Assistant program in Atlanta, GA. In October 1971 their daughter, Kristi Lynn, was born. Ray graduated PA school in 1973 accepting his first job in Pagosa Springs, Co practicing rural medicine. He spent 6 years practicing in various capacities, teaching EMT courses, county coroner, search and rescue and treating countless patients. In May 1976 their second daughter, Erica Michelle, was born.

Ray accepted a position in 1979 with the University of Wyoming Residency Program in Casper, Wyoming. He was the first PA-C on faculty. During his 33 years on the faculty, he served his community and state of Wyoming in many ways.

Instrumental in developing and teaching EMS, ATLS, ACLS courses throughout the state. Family Medicine. Emergency Medicine. Sports Medicine. State Legal guidelines through Wyoming Legislature for PA-C's. President of the Wyoming PA-C Association. Received the National PA-C of the Year Award. Served on the Board of Medicine for the State of Wyoming for 8 years. General - Vascular Surgery. Trauma Medicine.

Ray was considered a leader and a mentor of many Family Practice residents. He served to educate many still-practicing Family Medicine physicians in Wyoming and neighboring states.

Ray loved the outdoors including fly fishing, fly tying, camping and sport shooting. He was a loyal Wyoming Cowboys football fan, extremely patriotic, a master storyteller and profound teacher. He was an avid reader and studied history.

Ray's "Sense of Place" was his family's original homestead ranch near Sheridan, Wy where he retired. He took pride in his yard, fixing fences, tinkering with his tractor and working cattle with his neighbors. Ray loved his MANY friends and never met a stranger.

Ray's number one passion and pride was his family. He is survived by his wife Judy of 56 years. Daughters Kristi Lynn Smart (Russ), Erica Michelle Johnson (Jay Vier), four granddaughters, ("the girls") - Lauren Rae, Taylor Adele, Brooklynn Grace and Ally Marie. PAPA thought they were "perfect" in every sense and never held back expressing that to anyone who would listen.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to Physician Assistant Education in memory of Ray. Donations are payable to the University of Wyoming Foundation. Please direct the donation to the "Raymond B Johnson Fund." For information on giving please see: https://www.uwyo.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/index.html.

Please join our family for a "Celebration of Life" on November 30, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. at the Casper Country Club 4149 Country Club Rd. Casper, Wy 82609.

Casper Star Tribune - Nov. 21, 2024.