Seeing the world through their children
Ray and Kathy Komar piggyback travel off trips to see children
By Monique Harrison Henderson Contributing Writer
Photos by Trenton Steele and submitted photos
Above : The Komars showcase some of their travels on a wall in their home . Opposite page :
A wooden cabinet purchased in Germany
Ray Komar has long had an interest in traveling , but having children who live in far-flung places has definitely helped nudge him to leave home . Ray and his wife , Kathy , have a son in Meridian and daughters who live in Arizona , Alaska and Germany .
“ In some ways , we travel out of necessity ,” Komar , 77 , said , laughing . “ It ’ s important to us to see our children and our grandchildren . It ’ s been an easy way to make travel a priority , I suppose .” Still , the couple has always had an adventurous spirit , Komar said . For 13 years , they lived in Germany , where Ray Komar had a teaching position through the University of Maryland . While living in Germany , they made a point of exploring Europe , including France , Spain and other parts of Germany .
When they left Germany , they decided to relocate to Meridian to be near one of their sons . While in Meridian , they have gotten plugged into the community by volunteering at the Meridian Freedom Project , as well as through hospital visitation efforts .
14 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN