HELENA - Raymond Lester Peck, 84, a Montana educator, counselor and longtime Democratic legislator and activist, died of a stroke Friday, May 27, at a Helena hospital.

Ray died surrounded by his family and friends.

Ray was born June 23, 1926, in Whitefish, one of 14 children born to Pearl McBride and Asa Peck. After high school, he served as a tail gunner in the Army Air Force during World War II.

Ray began his career as an elementary teacher in Gildford, before becoming a teacher and coach in Harlem on the Fort Belknap Reservation. He coached Harlem to a state championship in Six Man football in 1951. He stayed in touch with the members of that team all his life, and more than 60 years later, they still called him "Coach."

He later worked as a teacher/coach/superintendent in Hingham and Big Sandy; a part-time counselor in the office of the dean of the College of Professional Schools Office at Montana State University; associate professor of education and psychology at Northern Montana College; and assistant superintendent, director of special education and of federal programs at Havre Public Schools.

Ray married Ilse Sonnek in 1947 in West Germany, and they had six children. Ray and Ilse later divorced after 27 years of marriage.

In 1975, Ray married Betty (Collins) Peck, and gained another family in Betty's children.

Betty inspired Ray's second career as a legislator, and he was devoted to her until her death in 2002.

Ray represented Havre from 1983 to 2001 in the Montana House of Representatives, where he was known as a knowledge-able and ferocious advocate for K-12 public education. He was elected House minority leader in 1995, and was the recipient of numerous local, state and na-tional awards.

After leaving office, he stayed very active in politics. He worked as a resource person to the Democratic Caucus in the Montana Senate, lobbied to abolish the death penalty in Montana, and provided counseling and support to combat veterans in the Vet2Vet program at Fort Harrison until his death. He volunteered at the Montana Democratic Party offices the day of his stroke.

Ray was a master bridge player. He enjoyed walking, reading, having coffee with his friends every morning, giving treats to his dogs Tuffy and Boo, politicking and visiting with his grandkids.

Survivors include his three children, four stepchildren, two sisters a brother, 23 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by son Gregory Charles Peck; Raymond Anthony Peck and Cynthia Rae Peck; son-in-law Daryl Johnson; five sisters and five brothers, with two siblings in 2011.

Ray lived his life with courage, conviction and deeply held beliefs that education and social and economic justice would level the playing field and create opportunity for all.

Complete obituary published in Great Falls Tribune 6-1-2011