Ray Anderson

Ray A. ANDERSON Raymond A. Anderson passed away surrounded by his family on June 3rd, 2011 at the age of 104. Ray was born January 28, 1907 in Sheldon, North Dakota to Frank and Jessie Anderson. He moved with his family to Puyallup and attended the University of Washington where he was a Theta Chi. In 1939 he married Helen Frances Wilson who preceded him in death. With his dad and brother, Ray built a log home on Meydenbauer Bay. He was an avid water skier and loved to row. Ray was in the Army and stationed at Pearl Harbor during WWII. After the war, with his brother's help, Ray built a home on Killarney Way in Bellevue where he lived until moving to Covenant Shores on Mercer Island 18 years ago when he "got tired of the yard work". He also reluctantly parted with his red 1956 Mercedes 190 convertible. Ray worked in the printing trade and loved to travel which included driving trips to Mexico and Florida to visit Cuba. In the early 60's he founded Holiday House Travel Agency on Capitol Hill and continued to travel around the world. Ray was lean and fit and loved to walk for miles until he was 100. Ray is survived by his daughter, Paula Clapp (Bill), grandchildren Shelby Swanson (Tim Owens) of Seattle, Dean Swanson (Erxing Yang) of Beijing, Sherry Swanson (Bram Thrift) of Cle Elum as well as his sister Ruth Valenta and brothers Bob and Paul. At Ray's request there will only be a small private gathering. Ray's family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Covenant Shores and family and friends who have sent their love and prayers. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray's name may be made to Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project www.feralcatproject.org.