Raymond Lofland

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