Raymond J Rought
January 5, 1948 ~ July 6, 2020
Age 72 of Forest Lake. Passed away peacefully on July 6, with family by his side. Raymond was born January 5, 1948 in Fremont, Michigan to Levirn and Jean Rought. Raymond married Carol (DeLong) on September 6, 1969 in Fremont.
Raymond completed his baccalaureate degree in civil engineering at Michigan Technical University in 1970. Following graduation, he served in the US Army in Vietnam, assigned to the Medical Command Headquarters in Long Binh. Upon his return, Raymond joined the Michigan Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics. He completed his Master of Science in civil engineering at Michigan State University in 1978. In 1986, he became Director of Aeronautics for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, a position he held for 22 years. He retired from MnDOT in 2012.
In 2007, Raymond was awarded the Kenneth Rowe Ambassador of Aviation Award in recognition of his contributions to the betterment of aviation nationally through research, education and legislation. In 2011, he was inducted into the Academy of Civil and Environmental Engineers at Michigan Technological University and in 2012 elected to the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.
Raymond was very active in the aviation community. He was a member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), and served on its board of directors and as chairman. He worked to establish the NASAO Center For Research & Education. He served as president of the Minnesota Aviation History and Education Center and was a long time member of the EAA.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Rebecca. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 50 years, Carol; daughters, Marissa (Steven) Sindelir of Sartell, MN, Alecia (Anthony) Gick of Hampton, VA, and Jennifer (Nicholas) Naschansky of Rincon, GA; grandchildren, Noah & Aiden Gick and Nora & Greta Naschansky; brother, Richard (Linda); sisters, Rosemary (Harry) VanderVegte, Carolyn (Jim) Brown.
Visitation 4-8 PM Friday, July 10th at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1790 11th St SE, Forest Lake. A celebration of Ray’s life 11 AM Saturday, July 11th with visitation one hour prior at Forest Hills United Methodist Church. All guests will be required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.
I am so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a nice guy. Carol, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs from your Michigan cousin, Linda.
Ray was the best leader of aeronautics. He made sure that everybody knew what aeronautics was about. An asset to MNDOT and especially aeronautics
I always looked forward to your parents visits. One time I was trying to figure out where the gas tank was on a rental car I had to drive. Ray very kindly pointed out to me the existence of the arrow at the bottom of the gas gauge telling me which side of the car the tank was on. I never noticed this before but happily shared my knowledge with other people and they were just as impressed as I was. Ray was a fine man and I shall miss seeing him. Please tell Carol Theresa from Hampton said hello and my condolences to the family.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Ray’s military service to our country in the Army.
We enjoyed interacting with Ray in his time at NASAO. On behalf of the Iowa DOT Aviation Bureau, condolences to family and friends.
Uncle Ray you will be missed! I have many fond memories of you throughout the years, but the best was the tour you gave our family of the MN Capital Building where we got to go out on the roof. Thanks for all the fun times. The Rought family will truly miss you.
Ray made an indelible impression on me and many other NASAO members over the years. I had the privilege to know and learn from Ray during my time with NASAO since 1994 until his retirement in 2012. Often something will come up in NASAO that will make me think of him and that memory is usually accompanied by a smile. May Ray’s family be at peace with their loss knowing that Ray was well respected by his colleagues and friends in NASAO. John C. Eagerton IV Chief, Alabama Aeronautics Bureau
As one a very few female aviation directors in my early career, fitting in was sometimes arduous, but Ray was accepting from day one. I always appreciated that about him and his generally supportive and helpful nature.
Ray was a good friend and boss. I worked for Ray during my career with Minnesota Aeronautics. He was fun to be with and very supportive. As a pilot I flew Ray often around Minnesota and around the USA. He was an avid supporter of Aviation Education. We went on some memorable fishing trips together. He will be sorely missed by all Ken Patz
Ray was one of the good ones. As a fellow MTU alum, Ray welcomed me to the aviation community early in my career. We spent many evenings over the years at NASAO conferences talking about our college days, the UP, aviation, planes, and pavement. He will be missed.
Ray was a special friend for so many years. Serving with him at NASAO was a real pleasure, his commitment to the aviation community was truly a career goal for him. His desire to make the best for his state programs also carried over to the national level he was on the driving force in the NASAO organization that brought the States needs to the fore front at the national level. Communication with the state and national leaders was Ray’s strong suite that brought positive moves to state and national programs. Thank you Ray, you will be missed.
Dear Carol and family, My sincerest sympathies on your loss. Ray was a wonderful person and a true friend. I will miss him a lot. His shoes will be impossible to fill. Kev.
I worked with Ray at MnDOT. What I remember about him was that he loved his family. He spoke fondly of his daughters and his wife. He knew he was blessed. So sorry to hear that he has passed. He was a true gentleman.
Ray was a great leader for Aeronautics and the best they ever had or ever will have. When he was Director, he led MnDOT Aeronautics to be the envy of other states and respected by everyone. His multitude of compliments from other states and national awards was a tribute to his devotion and dedication. Aeronautics thrived when he was Director. He was a good friend and respected by the aviation community whom he always supported. His passing is a tragic loss for us all.