The Colorado Rural Electric Association is saddened to share the news of the passing of its former executive director, Ray Clifton, who passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026 in Spring, Texas.
Ray dedicated 49 years to the electric cooperative movement. Throughout nearly five decades of service, he played an instrumental role in guiding electric cooperatives through pivotal regulatory, legislative, and industry transformations.
A native Georgian and graduate of the University of Georgia, Ray began his career with the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. In 1986, he and his family relocated to Colorado when he was appointed executive director of CREA — a role he held with distinction for 24 years until his retirement in December 2009, making him the association’s longest-serving executive director.
Throughout his career, Ray was a steadfast champion for rural electrification on both the state and national stages:
National Advocacy: In the 1970s, he fought federal attempts to eliminate government loan programs for co-ops, advocated for landmark legislation enabling cooperatives to establish their own cooperative lending institutions, and testified before Congress on the National Energy Act of 1978.
State Governance: In Colorado, Ray helped secure landmark legislation that protected cooperative self-governance by exempting electric co-ops from Colorado Public Utilities Commission oversight, placing authority directly in the hands of the member-owners.
Policy & Territorial Rights: He championed critical legislative initiatives concerning territorial integrity, the integration of renewable energy, and the evolution of cooperative fuel supplies.
Association Growth: Under his leadership, CREA successfully transitioned into an independent facility, established the nonprofit Colorado Electric Educational Institute to support youth programs, and significantly expanded safety training and cooperative services.
Legislative Outreach: Recognizing the demographic shift toward urban representation at the state capitol, Ray built lasting relationships through annual legislative receptions and grassroots outreach to ensure rural electric priorities remained central in policy discussions.
Above all, Ray remained singularly focused on the consumer-members the network served. As he reflected in his farewell column for Colorado Country Life:
“In every instance, our single motivation was what was best for our members.”
In recognition of his lifetime of service, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) honored Ray with the prestigious President's Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding leadership contributions to rural electrification, the nation, their states, or communities on the occasion of a special celebration, action or event.
Ray is survived by his wife, Angela; his daughter, Toni (Paul) Showan; his son, Ken (Adrienne) Clifton; and his grandchildren.
Written by Mona Neeley, former CREA director of communications and editor of Colorado Country Life magazine.