Patrick Robert Ray

Patrick Robert Ray, 29, died Jan. 1, 2012.

"Packer," as his family and closest friends knew him, was a hardworking, blue-collar family man. He loved his family, working in oilfields, punk rock and Jack Daniels.

He was born May 14, 1982. Although he left us at a young age, Packer was able to fulfill many of his lifelong dreams. Along with becoming a father, he fought a couple of professional mixed martial arts fights, attended a World Wrestling Entertainment match, saw several of his favorite bands live in concert and traveled the country. His free spirit brought him all over the United States, often times by way of hopping onto moving trains. Eventually, he settled in Grand Junction, Colo., where he began growing roots with his family while working in the oilfields.

Born and raised in Alaska, Packer fell in love with the Last Frontier and all of its wonders at a young age. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking and hunting. He discovered his way around the outdoors in Talkeetna, where his grandparents' cabin was located. It was here where his heart felt most at home.

"He will be missed and remembered every day by those who loved him," his family wrote. "May his spirit now be truly free."

Preceding him in death were his grandfathers, Gerald Miller and Roy Ray.

Surviving are his wife, Daisy, and children, Grayson and Aurora of Colorado; mother, Sandra Dvorak and her husband Craig of Colorado; father, Terry Ray of Wasilla; grandparents, Dolly and James Watts of Wasilla, and Helen Ray of Palmer; siblings, Jeremy Ray of Anchorage and Shelbylyn Hone of Colorado; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made at any Wells Fargo Bank in honor of The Patrick Ray Family Memorial Fund.