Tucked into a small, quiet courtyard between old City Hall and teh Eagles Building, you will find a memorial to a seemingly tireless civic leader, Ray Lovato. The inscription:
In memory of Ray Lovato
1946-2000
"How are you going to get things fixed?"
Only once in a generation, there comes a person so remarkable that he impacts an entire community and deeply touches the lives of all who knew him. For Rock Springs, Wyoming, Ray Lovato was such a person.
Ray was born in 1946 and grew up in several small railroad and mining towns including Superior is southwest Wyoming. He attended high school in Rock Springs and went to the University of Wyoming. After serving in the U S Army, he returned to Rock Springs and went to work for the city in 1975.
As the director of the city's Housing and Community Development office, Ray wrote millions of dollars in grants for low income housing development. Helping people less fortunate was only part of Ray's life.
He was actively involved in many organizations and efforts aimed at making Rock Springs and Sweetwater County a better place to live.Ray was either a leader or a quiet hard worker in the background--whatever the job demanded.
Without Ray's efforts, The Historical Museum would likely not exist as it is today. He wrote the Abandoned Mines Lands Grant the fund the building's renovations and then worked nights and weekends on his own time, often spending his own money , to help get the museum ready for the dedication in 1988.
He had a vision and a dream for the community. His energy had no limits. He always had time to listen and lend a hand. His warmth, laughter, and infectious smile were contagious. He asked nothing for himself but gave to those around him.
Ray passed away in August 2000 and left a legacy that will not be forgotten nor replaced. WE thank you, Ray, for your gifts and your life.
Diane Matthews (Burns)
Tucked into a small, quiet courtyard between old City Hall and teh Eagles Building, you will find a memorial to a seemingly tireless civic leader, Ray Lovato. The inscription:
In memory of Ray Lovato
1946-2000
"How are you going to get things fixed?"
Only once in a generation, there comes a person so remarkable that he impacts an entire community and deeply touches the lives of all who knew him. For Rock Springs, Wyoming, Ray Lovato was such a person.
Ray was born in 1946 and grew up in several small railroad and mining towns including Superior is southwest Wyoming. He attended high school in Rock Springs and went to the University of Wyoming. After serving in the U S Army, he returned to Rock Springs and went to work for the city in 1975.
As the director of the city's Housing and Community Development office, Ray wrote millions of dollars in grants for low income housing development. Helping people less fortunate was only part of Ray's life.
He was actively involved in many organizations and efforts aimed at making Rock Springs and Sweetwater County a better place to live.Ray was either a leader or a quiet hard worker in the background--whatever the job demanded.
Without Ray's efforts, The Historical Museum would likely not exist as it is today. He wrote the Abandoned Mines Lands Grant the fund the building's renovations and then worked nights and weekends on his own time, often spending his own money , to help get the museum ready for the dedication in 1988.
He had a vision and a dream for the community. His energy had no limits. He always had time to listen and lend a hand. His warmth, laughter, and infectious smile were contagious. He asked nothing for himself but gave to those around him.
Ray passed away in August 2000 and left a legacy that will not be forgotten nor replaced. WE thank you, Ray, for your gifts and your life.
Diane Matthews (Burns)
Reprinted from the Citizen Memorials on Waymarking.com.
Victor Bertagnolli
Thank you Diane for posting Leroy's memory, he was a gracious person and a great friend. I remember him always having a big smile. Thx Vic
Jean Larrabaster (Pinter)
Should we all be so fortunate to do what Ray did! Last time I saw him, he had that engaging smile.jean