Ray Schweinsburg, age 81, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, at his residence. Ray was born on May 9, 1942, in Greenport, New York. His parents Evelyn and William Schweinsburg lived and worked on Shelter Island with 5 little boys until William had an unfortunate construction accident causing the family to move to Waymart, Pennsylvania, the home of Evelyn’s family. That was home to Ray and that was the development of his love of the outdoors and wildlife.

After graduating from high school Ray entered a pre-med program at the Wilkes Barre University. Upon completion Ray discovered a wildlife management program in the Department of Zoology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. This enabled him to spend the rest of his life with his great love of wild animals, from Pygmy owls to Polar Bears. After completing his Ph. D. program, he was invited to a post-doctoral position with John Hopkins University. Ray later moved to Canada and got a position with the Northwest Territories government as a Polar Bear Biologist. Eventually he moved back to the USA where Ray retired after a 25-year career as the Research Supervisor for Arizona Game and Fish.

In addition to his award-winning career in wildlife management Ray was a wildlife artist. His art is known throughout northern Canada and the United States. He continued to pursue his love of art portraying his wildlife encounters until his passing.

Ray met Margaret in 1972 and both decided they were soul mates for life. They had one daughter, Alyne. Together this little family enjoyed a life full of adventures, mixed with episodes of sheer panic.

Ray is preceded in death by his by his parents Evelyn and William Schweinsburg, brothers John and Richard Schweinsburg. He was deeply loved by a large extended family including numerous nieces and nephews that followed his career and adventurous lifestyle. His brother-in-law, Terry Cook recalled Ray as “a crusty old gentleman with a heart of gold.”

Ray is survived with great love by his wife Margaret, daughter Alyne, son-in-law Mike Eickert, grandson Tyler Eickert and brothers Fred and David Schweinsburg.

Memorial services for Ray will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at Glacier Seventh Day Adventist Church, 36334 Mud Creek Lane, Ronan, Mt 59864. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.