Longtime Greeley County, Kan., farrier Ray Helmbold passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018. He was 71. 

Helmbold worked as a farrier his entire life and was a Certified Journeymen Farrier and member of the American Farrier's Assn. and Kansas Farrier's Assn. 

Leoti, Kan., farrier Russ Wiegers posted a tribute to his friend on his Facebook page. 

"My friend Ray impacted my life probably more than any one person. [He was] constantly encouraging me to improve my skills and knowledge," he says. "Ray was a deep thinker and stressed the importance of the words we use every day, especially 'fix.' Many farriers learned from Ray and were influenced by his love of horseshoeing. Ray will get to shoe that 'one more horse' through the hands of the many farriers he touched. Rest In Peace my friend.”

The Kansas Farrier's Assn. also posted a statement on Facebook.

"The farrier world lost a mentor to many and a friend to all. Mr. Ray Helmbold, CJF, will be missed by many many people. Ray, humble man that he was, never wanted anyone to fuss over him. So per his request, he is being cremated and there will be no memorial service. His memory can be honored by sending memorials to the American Farrier Association (Jim Linzy Fund) or the Kansas Farrier Disability Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, KS 67846.”