Raymond Curtis Lofland, 57, of Atwood, died October 7th, 2020, at Swedish
Medical Center, Englewood, CO. He was born November 7th, 1962, in
Syracuse, KS to Roy & Betty Lofland.
Ray graduated from Atwood High School Class of 1981. Throughout his high
school days he was involved in Pep Club, Band, Drum Trio, Boy’s Glee,
Choir, Consort “Royal Burgundian” Choir, Pep Band, Marching Band,
Dixieland Band, Stage Band, Musicals and Kansas Lions Band. He loved the
drums and had an amazing voice. His senior quote, “Yea though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because I
am still trying to figure out what happened the last four years."
After High School he attended Truck Driving School in Dodge City, KS. He
drove for various companies through the years including Penske where he
later became their IT specialist. He taught at a Truck Driving School
in Denver for a few years. Ray was a Self-Taught Mechanic and a
Self-Taught IT Specialist. Ray was an Information Sponge! He could learn
how to do anything just by reading about it.
Ray returned to Atwood full time in 2002. Upon his return, he started
his own IT Service, “Barely Wired”. He quickly became the “Go to Guy”
for all things Technology.
In 2008, he set up his own system to do the “Bluing” process on choke
tubes & contracted with Carlson’s to provide them that service. In
2011 Carlson’s built a building specifically for the Bluing Process and
Ray moved the equipment over and continued to do the bluing until 2017.
From 2008-2012, Ray Contracted, as Barely Wired, with Rawlins County USD
105, as their IT Specialist. After a 4 year leave he returned to the
school district, as their IT Specialist in 2017 & was still employed
there when he passed away.
Ray was very active in the community. He was a member of Lion’s Club
International from September 2003 – October 2015. He was Club President
from July 2005-July 2010 and Zone Chairperson from July 2011-July, 2012.
He received several awards during his time as a member including:
Membership Key, Membership Advancement Key, Builder Key, Sr. Builder
Key, 10 Year Monarch Chevron, Master Key & extension Award 1. Ray
helped Charter the “Hoxie Hottrodders Lion’s Club” in 2012. He was also
the spearhead for the “Final Fling” Drag Races that are held the 1st
weekend in October. Ray was an Atwood Ambassador Member for 10 years. He
was head of Rod Run Registration for the majority of those years he
spent as an Ambassador.
He enjoyed working on, rebuilding and riding Motorcycles. He also loved
to cook, especially Grilling. He had just recently completed his “Cooker
Trailer”, equipped with 3 smokers, one of which was for Ribs Only. He
could make a mean brisket and rack of ribs, just ask the teachers! He
was an amazing person and a great friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Roy & Betty Lofland.
He is survived by his brother; Ed Lofland (Joyce) of North Dakota;
nephews, Heath Lofland, of Atwood, Tysen Lofland, of New Mexico, Cody
Lofland, of Idaho and Larry Lofland (Julie, sons Benjamin & Isaac),
of Tennessee and many friends.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be Monday October 19th at
4:00 PM at Baalmann Mortuary in Atwood. There will be a Celebration of
Life at Atwood Country Club following the Memorial Service. Family will
receive friends at the Celebration of Life. Memorials are suggested to:
Rawlins County Jr/Sr High Music Department in care of Baalmann Mortuary
P.O. Box 391 Colby, KS 67701 Online condolences:
www.baalmannmortuary.com