Ray Lee Helmbold

TRIBUNE

Ray Lee Helmbold CJF, age 71, died at his residence in rural Greeley County, Kansas on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.  He was born on March 10, 1947, in Anthony, Kansas, the son of, Merle and Roena Roe Helmbold.

He worked as a farrier his entire life.  Mr. Helmbold was a member of the American Farrier’s Association (AFA), VFW, Kansas Farrier Association, and the NRA.

Ray had gone through ROTC at Kansas State University.  After completing his bachelor’s degree he found himself in Vietnam puzzling about what he wanted to do when he got back to the States.  Ray earned post-grad credits in college in California, in horse shoeing, the top of his class, and wanted to shoe every day afterward.

Many horses are better off for his career choice, but so are other farriers.  When he saw potential in someone, he would prod them to follow his example of continuing education.  Now it is recognized that he raised the quality of work in Kansas and the region, by showing that no matter how much you have mastered, you can learn more every day.

Ray earned the highest rating from the AFA early in his career, the title of Certified Journeyman Farrier.  That certification is earned only after the candidate passes rigorous written exams and proves he can build horse shoes that protect the hooves of a horse and enables that individual to use its legs and body safely while allowing it to reach its highest mobility.  

On July 13, 1973, Ray married Donna Lea Symns in Hutchinson, Kansas.  She survives.

Other survivors include:

One sister Trula Harris of Salina, Kansas

and numerous friends.

Cremation has been chosen.  There will be no formal services.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Jim Linzy Fund at the American Farrier’s Association, and the Kansas Farrier’s Association Disability Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, Kansas, 67846, with much appreciation.