Raymond Willis Girard

Raymond Willis Girard (Ray), 78, of McCammon, Idaho, passed away early Thursday morning, May 28, 2026, in his home, with his son Cory by his side.

Raymond was born in Pocatello, ID, on January 1, 1948, to Otto Girard and Hazel Roylance of Inkom, Idaho. He was the youngest of three children. Raymond grew up in Inkom, Idaho. He was very active and had a strong work ethic. His first job was sweeping floors at a local gas station. He then began hauling hay at a young age and would always find jobs to keep him busy.

Ray attended Inkom Elementary School, where he met a girl who would, years later, become his wife. Ray graduated from Marsh Valley High School, where he excelled in basketball and was very well liked by everyone who knew him. After high school, Ray was drafted to the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1970, before receiving an honorable discharge.

Ray married Debra (Debby) Marie Holbrook on January 26, 1968. They later welcomed two children, Carye and Cory. The family of four settled in McCammon in 1974 when they built their house on Marsh Creek Rd. That home would become the vault of so many deeply cherished family memories for the next 50+ years. Ray worked at Simplot’s for 38 years as a maintenance worker and crane operator. He was forced into retirement at the age of 57 after a serious horse accident that claimed half of one of his lungs.

Ray loved his family and children deeply. He cherished sharing his love of horses and 4-H with them. He was a very supportive father. He taught them everything they needed to know to be successful in life, supporting their hobbies, from 4-H, to rodeo, to sports. Even coached their sports teams.

Ray stayed very active and enjoyed the outdoors. Some of his favorite pastimes include horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping, waterskiing, snowmobiling, and raising horses, while always surrounded by friends and family. If there was something to be doing outside, you could bet he’d be out there doing it. He loved country music, his favorite artist being Toby Keith, which often served as the soundtrack to his favorite memories.

Ray especially enjoyed his grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events, supporting them and cheering them on from the sidelines. He was their biggest fan. Ray always loved telling stories about his family, and people loved watching his face light up and beam with pride as he told each one. Beyond his great smile, twinkling blue eyes, and booming voice, Ray could also be described as strong, resilient, and nearly indestructible. There was nothing he couldn’t do or couldn’t be counted on for.

Raymond is survived by his son, Cory (Holly) Girard, of McCammon; 4 grandchildren, Amanda (Dusty) Popejoy, of Grand Junction, CO, Jason (Tiffany) Covert, of Meridian, ID, Shaniya (Sterling) Starlight, of Idaho Falls, ID; and four great-grandchildren, Sophye, Deegan, Bakken and Brooks. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Hazel Girard; his brother, Cecil Girard; his wife, Debra Girard; and his daughter, Carye Girard.

Ray’s family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to his dear friend Lynn, for all her loving care and support over the last several months.

A private family service will take place on August 1, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life, for friends and family. 

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