Carl Raymond Wood, known to most as Ray, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 30, 2025, at age 77. He was born May 9, 1948 in Rifle, Colorado, to William Wood and Georgia Ray Duckworth. Ray attended Western State College and made Gunnison his lifelong home, where he and his wife lived in the same house on Wisconsin Street for over 50 years. They recently moved to the Front Range to be closer to their grandchildren.
For several years, Ray ran the printing press at the Gunnison Country Times, worked for the Gunnison County Assessor's Office, and was also known throughout the community as a family and wedding photographer, capturing cherished memories for many families. Ray’s calm presence, easygoing nature and steady outlook on life left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was always up for a good chat, even with perfect strangers and brought humor and warmth wherever he went.
Ray was especially proud to be “Poppy” to his three grandsons, with whom he shared countless stories, adventures and laughs.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters Wendy Hempen (Rob) and Stacy Hempen (Todd); and grandsons Alex, Austin and Will.
A memorial service will be held in Gunnison this fall to celebrate his life.
