In Memory of

Raymond Stephan Linner

February 1, 1955 - September 25, 2017

Obituary

On Sept 25, 2017, our beloved Wise Protector, Raymond "Ray" Stephan Linner unexpectedly left his earthly journey due to heart complications, to enter his deserved rest and relief in the comfort of our loving Savior's arms. We are certain that the long waited reunion with his dearly missed parents is a jovial reception. "Made in Germany, born in America." He emigrated via in-utero from Germany and was born February 1, 1955 to Erich and Waltraud Linner in Salt Lake City, Utah. Proud to be an American but greatly valued and cherished his German heritage. Ray graduated with the class of 1973 from Skyline High School then later went on to...

On Sept 25, 2017, our beloved Wise Protector, Raymond "Ray" Stephan Linner unexpectedly left his earthly journey due to heart complications, to enter his deserved rest and relief in the comfort of our loving Savior's arms. We are certain that the long waited reunion with his dearly missed parents is a jovial reception.

"Made in Germany, born in America." He emigrated via in-utero from Germany and was born February 1, 1955 to Erich and Waltraud Linner in Salt Lake City, Utah. Proud to be an American but greatly valued and cherished his German heritage.

Ray graduated with the class of 1973 from Skyline High School then later went on to graduate in 1991 from the University of Utah with his Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science and Health, and a minor in German. He received his Health Facility Administrator License followed by his Environmental Health Scientist License. Ray loved to learn and always looked for opportunity to further his education.

Ray met his Schatzie, Kathy Lasker, on a blind date. It was love at first sight for both and they married on July 16, 1976. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in September 16, 1983. He was so in love with his "browned eyed girl" and never lost sight of how very special she is. They went on to have six children; Stephen, Teresa, Rachel, Joey, Danny & the caboose was his loving side kick Adam. The inseparable bond the two of them have is beautiful and everlasting. Dad was an anchor for all of us. Family was the single most important thing in his life and he was always there with unconditional love, support, and a listening ear. His children admired him so and loved him as their hero. He has 7 grandchildren; Jaxon, Isaiah, Eric, Ryder, Addie, Porter & Baby Remi. .Ray was an incredibly loving grandpa. His grandchildren always looked forward to time spent with their Opa. Just as he did with his children, he truly helped to shape who his grandchildren are becoming. They will never forget him and are so grateful for his fun and loving nature "we love you Opa".
Ray loved riding motorcycles and his kids fondly remember the days of riding with Dad. He also had a profound love for cars. There was hardly a weekend that you wouldn't find him under a hood of a car. He was very mechanically inclined, loved working with his hands and took great pride in his vehicles. His Volkswagen Vans were something he cherished from an early age but all his cars were kept in immaculate working condition. He owned a '68 Dodge Charger in his early years and dreamt to one day own one again. Ray taught every one of his children to drive and it had to be on a manual transmission!

Some of his children's earliest memories were of camping with Dad & Mom. Ray loved nature and the outdoors. A couple of his favorite camping spots included the annual Bear Lake trip and Smith and Morehouse. He loved the sand dunes, salt flats, geode hunting, and taught every one of his children how to target shoot.

The skies, sunrises, sunsets and stars have always been a deep-rooted passion of his. He was a member of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society and took any opportunity he could to teach his children and grandchildren about the majesty of our universe.

Ray was an incredibly compassionate man. A motorcycle accident over twenty years ago left him with chronic pain and a body that began to fail him early. This earthly test made him a person that was not quick to judge. He pushed his body daily with physical activity as well as full-time caregiving. There are many that would not have done what he did in his condition. He refused to give up and give in. His warrior spirit pushed him through many obstacles that this life threw at him.

He would make friends instantly with a perfect stranger. His laugh and aura were infectious and it drew people to want to know him and be with him. His sense of humor and quick-wit were unique and something we all tried to emulate.

Ray was an avid reader with a library overfilled with books. He never missed starting the day with the newspaper crossword puzzle and criptoquote. These daily activities kept his brilliant mind sharp. You could ask him just about anything and he would have the answer. He was our Google before Google and life line.

He is preceded in death by his Father Erich Linner, Mother Waltraud Linner, Grandson Porter Morin, best friend Rob Hammar, and many loved family and friends. He is survived by his" Schatzie" Kathy , six children, grandchildren, sister Carol Linner Guzman (Pat)), brother Michael Linner (Anna) and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017, at 12:00pm, at the East Ridge Ward LDS Church, 5235 S. Wesley Road, Murray, Utah. A viewing will be held that morning one hour prior to services. There will be an evening viewing on Sunday, October 1, from 5:00-7:00pm held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Salamun 'Alaikum (peace be upon you)! Until we meet again Dad, Aufwiedersehen! -Your loving family