Ray Thorsen

Ray Thorsen, Restaurant Entrepreneur, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2015, with his wife, Tina by his side. Ray was born on January 10, 1937, and graduated from Arlington High School in 1955. After graduation he worked at Simpson Lee Paper Company and later as an account at Reinell Boats. Ray purchased the Village Restaurant in Marysville in 1976 which he operated with his wife, Tina for more than 24 years. He loved serving people at his restaurant and helped provide employment for many people. A special event for Ray was the Christmas Eve dinner he would provide for nearly 250 needy people each year. Many of his employees would donate their time and effort to this event. Ray and Tina would also donate toys to the children that attended. He loved seeing the smiles on their faces when he took their pictures next to Santa Claus. Ray was a true entrepreneur. He expanded the businesses by building the Village Pie Shoppe and later the Village Motor Inn, and EagleCrest Restaurant. Ray was an avid golfer over the years and played many rounds with his buddies, Jerry, Dick, Tommy and Bob. He also had a love for photography where his passion for taking pictures took him and Tina from Africa to Australia and many places in between. Ray was a big sports buff and loved watching all local sports. Ray and Tina were soul mates and were married for 30 years. They loved fishing and clamming in the San Juan Islands. They enjoyed traveling to new destinations or just staying home and having fun with their grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his siblings, Myrtle, Roy, Milly, and Harold. He leaves behind his sister, May; his lovely daughter, Lisa; and his three sons, Ray Jr., Kevin, Kelley, and their families. In his later years, Ray's time was spent with his beautiful grandchildren: Kylie, Skye, Zoe, and Elias as well as his beloved dog Morgan. A special thanks to Dr. Goodman, Dr. Ziedalski, Kelley, sister-in-law, Kathi Fagan, and his grandchildren who helped take care of Ray in his later years. Per his wishes, no funeral services will be held. A donation to the Special Olympics can be made in his name.