Ray Northcutt was born in Emporia, Kans., on Dec. 13, 1930, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 11, 2025. He graduated from Topeka High School, where he lettered in three sports. He then went on to college at Kansas State, the University of Denver, and Montana State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. Later on in his life, he would obtain a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Michigan.
Ray was a man of many talents. He was a noted Colorado climber who made the first ascent of Hallett Peak and the first ascent of the diagonal on Longs Peak.
He not only played high school football but coached football in Estes Park, where he taught U.S. History and Civics. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 as a member of the elite 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale. Ray was hired by AID in 1965 and served in Vietnam until 1968.
Ray is survived by Nancy, his wife of 67 years, his son Eric (Jenny) of Estes Park, his daughter Robin (Gregg) of Strasburg, his granddaughter Shelby (Dan) of Strasburg, grandsons Danny, Michael, and Nicky all of Estes Park, great-grandchildren Alana and Colton, and his sister Faye (Mike) of Topeka, Kans. He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Brian.
There will be no funeral service at Ray’s request. A family memorial is planned for the future. Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leave messages for the family.