Raymond Ray Deitz, 85, died Jan. 5, 2013, at his home in Anchor Point. Ray was born Oct. 27, 1927, in Seldovia and was raised on the family homestead in Homer. Ray s father, Jack Deitz Sr., started the family homestead on the bench lands of Kachemak Bay in 1922 after marrying Gladys Cooper of Ninilchik. Gladys Cooper s father was Joseph Cooper, who started gold mining in what is now called Cooper Landing. The Coopers were known as one of the first families of Ninilchik. While growing up on the family homestead out on East End Road in Homer, Ray lived a simple life, learning to live off the land with his brothers and sisters Jack Jr., Allen, Dempsy, Bud, Delsy and Natalie. Later in life Ray started his own family with children Raymond Jr., Gina, Kay, Darby and Tracy. Ray spent his working years commercial fishing in Cook Inlet. He later joined Local Union 302 and traveled the state as a heavy equipment operator, building the highways and roads that we use and count on every day. Ray enjoyed moose hunting, clam digging and fishing, but his passion was heavy equipment repairing and operating and always helping his family, friends and neighbors. After retiring from Local Union 302, he was involved with Ninilchik Native Association. He will be buried at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery in Homer, where his father, mother and other family members are buried. Ray Deitz: a good honest man laid to rest and forever loved in so many hearts, his family said. Rest in peace, my father. Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel and Crematory. Please visit his obituary and guest book online at alaskanfuneral.com.