Raymond "Ray" Swatzell, Jr.

Raymond M Swatzell, Jr, 41 of Fargo, ND died June 14, 2019 as a result of long-term illness.  He was born June 7, 1978 in Grand Forks, ND. He is the son of Leona (Newhouse) Kargard and the late Raymond Michael Swatzell, Sr.

Ray graduated in 1997 from Crookston Central High School.  He was on the track team in Crookston and enjoyed competing.  While in high school, Ray joined Wallbangers Wheelchair basketball team and traveled extensively around the Midwest and Canada. 

Ray was an adventurer.  He lived in Glendale, AZ for several years, moved back to the Midwest, married and moved to British Columbia.  He later divorced, returned to Glendale for a few years, and then moved to Fargo, living with his brother Lyle until his passing.

One of his greatest wishes was to get a tattoo of an Eagle on his back so when he wheeled his chair, it would look like the Eagle was flying free. While under Lyle’s care, Ray was able to achieve his gunsmithing certification and he loved to restore old guns, one of which he was working on when he became ill.

Ray is survived by his mother and stepfather, Leona and Rick Kargard, of Mesa, AZ; his younger brothers, Lyle of Fargo and Joshua of Virginia; his uncle and aunt Bruce and Tami Newhouse, cousins Kirby and Troy; and also by several members of his father’s family. 

A Prayer Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on Sunday June 16, 2019 in West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo, ND.

Fly free Ray!  The pain is gone.  Your friends and family love you.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center  

westfuneralhome.com

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