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Raymond Abendroth Obituary
Raymond O. ABENDROTH 1 April 1932 ~ 14 March 2011 Ray peacefully crossed over on Monday the 14th at 8:55 AM while at Evergreen Hospice Center in Kirkland, he was 78. Born in Salt Lake City, UT to Frank H. and Eva L. (Jones) Abendroth. Ray was raised in Seattle and graduated in 1950 from Queen Anne H.S. Soon after completing school he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, spending the bulk of his three year stint in the waters off Alaska. Not long after Ray left the service he met his future bride to be, Kathleen (Kathi) A. Judkins and in 1955 they were married, beginning what was to be a 56 year journey together. The year 1960 would mark the start of his career with the Seattle Fire Dept., working out of Station 8 on Queen Anne Hill. It turned out to be his dream job. If a career and a personality ever met their match, this was it. He loved every minute of the action, the public service, and the camaraderie of his fellow firefighters, no day was ever the same. Reluctantly, he was forced to retire in 1975 due to emphysema. What was Ray like? Well, he had a mischievous sense of humor and loved to tease you if he could, making someone laugh being the ultimate destination. Ray's thirst for nuggets of knowledge could only be quenched by immersing himself in things like his books, the History channel, and the Sunday paper. He liked hunting, fishing, and camping and at the end of the day a great camp fire as a gathering place to hang with friends and family. During his life Ray valued his friendships and many, many good times were had with all he knew. Family was always a primary concern and he always reached out to help those he loved. Ray is preceded in death by his parents and his Uncle Ray & Aunt Fyrn Abendroth who took him in as their own during his teens. He is survived by his loving wife Kathi and their four children; Ron, Don, Scott, (Gloria) and Susie (Kris); and 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Allen and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.Ray no doubt will be missed by all he knew. We love you! A celebration of Ray's life will be held on April 1, 2011 @ 1:00 PM at the Ballard Elks. Located @ 6411 Seaview Ave. NW Seattle, WA 98117. All are welcome, please come and share your memories. A private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, WA @ 1:00 p.m. on March 25, 2011. Remembrances may be made to the Medic One Foundation/MS 359747/ 325 Ninth Ave. Seattle, WA 98104-2420. Please sign Ray's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Abendroth
Hope & Nate Greenbaum
April 1, 2011
Dear Kathi,
My heart goes out to you, losing your very dearest friend.
But we know for him life is but changed not ended-and changed gloriously.
Love Hope & Nate
April 1, 2011
Kathi and Family,
Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to you all. I've reflected in appreciation, many fond memories these past days.
Starting with the 'rabbit hunts' I'd co-pilot with my dad 'Tiger'. Those were a lot of fun. Dad being Dad and all, If we won the hunt, we would toast together with a small sip of his beer. Well, I'm sure I did anyway. And to the many weekend breaks I tagged along with. Sometimes no other kids would show, So I was >forced
Well best I mention the wild and crazy weekends at Maggie Lake. Many years of fun get togethers, such as fishing derbies, stump burning partys, gaurd duty, The 4th of July Prade, and Fireworks.
One more I'd like to share is how very funny Raymond was on our Wedding Day. All the many, many hugs and kisses I recieved... I'm speaking just of those from Ray. Every time I went down, or I came back up the grand staircase, there was Ray "Oh! look who", hug-hug, kiss-kiss. On the dance floor, or at the bar, "oh!" hug-hug, kiss-kiss. It had gotton so silly, we'd try to keep our comments fresh, to rise to the occasion. That Raymond never missed a beat. What a sweetheart!
Kevin, and myself Jennifer, are bringing my mom Shirley to the Elks today. Were looking forward to seeing everyone. Not a chance of us missing......
"Celebrate Ray Day".
Cause every day you spent with Ray, was a celebration of Life...
Our LOVE and caring thoughts are sent to you all, in hopes of it easing you through this difficult time.
Love and Friendship Always,
Kevin & Jennifer Allen, & Shirley Lane
Christina Bryner Sauer
March 31, 2011
Kathi,
Neighbors of Mom and Dad's for 40 years. (Delores and Pat Bryner)
We were sorry to hear of Ray's passing but are sure he's playing tricks and telling jokes to the angels by now - he will be very happy there. Unfortunately, Mom is now in Hospice care now and Dad isn't well enough to attend the Memorial but we send our prayers that you have peace in your heart and comfort in friends and family.
Much Love,
The Bryners
Kathy Kingsto
March 31, 2011
Ray has been my neighbor since I moved into the neighborhood in 1972. I have to say that he and Kathi are the best and I will miss Ray and his sense of humor very much. I can't remember a time that I saw Ray that he didn't have some humorous quip to share with me. Ray, I will always think of you when I put up my Chrismas lights and put out my "Christmas goats"! Kathi, I'm here for you...
Pauline Von Ruden
March 30, 2011
Dear Kathi:
May all the prayers of the "Holy Angels" bring you strength and comfort now and always.
God Bless,
Pauline (MItchell) Von Ruden
Carrie Judkins
March 30, 2011
Jim you brought me to tears! i cam still hear him on the CB and his scanner in my head what a blessing it was & always will be to have had him as my dear Uncle. he may be gone but cerrtainly never ever forgotten . I hope all is well with your and your family, such wonderful memories from their home to your's I remember. God Bless
March 30, 2011
Dear Kathi and family,
I will always be grateful for the pleasure I had working with Ray at Station 8. He was a great firefighter and friend. We all will miss his humor and companionship. Our prayers to you and your family.
Frank and Helen Minteer
March 27, 2011
Dear Kathi, Sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you are taking care of yourself. I know that you will have the support of your family. Sue Hamaker
Peace to each of you...
Joan Campbell
March 25, 2011
Dear Kathi,
While I can only imagine the pain of your loss, we know that he is now at peace with God and this must give you great comfort. You have been so talented and generous about arranging our school and class gatherings, I'm sure that your dedication to and care for your dear family was to be unsurpassed. For all that you have been to and for Ray, I ask that Our Lord embrace you with comfort and make you aware of God's unconditional love. You KNOW that if I could be there to offer support, I would be honored to be there. Since I can't, just know that the sisters here are a powerhouse of prayer and I have kept you on our prayer list in the chapel every day. Blessings and Peace,
Sister Joan Campbell
Larry Swanson
March 24, 2011
Dear Kathi,
I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I'm very glad I l had the chance to meet Ray and get to know the two of you while he was still active, strong, and lightening quick with a quip. We who frequent Tarasco's miss you both and I'm hoping you can heal a little each day and spend some time with when you're up to it. I hope to see you soon.
Martina Pella
March 22, 2011
Dear Kathi, I am very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family.
Love...Martina
Jim Sharkey
March 21, 2011
I will always remember Ray as a friend who was fun to be around. His dry humor, quick wit and love of life will be missed.
Ray was an active person when he was in better health. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and putter. Back in the day of CB (1970s), he was known on Radio as "SpaghettiBender" and Kathi was called "Pumpcan" (both are terms from his Fire Department days). Their voices were a well known on channel four and they were active in many CB groups. Ray's brown Ford pickup and gray travel trailer would be at the center of most weekend "Breaks" somewhere around Washington. Even though Ray was already suffering from Emphysema, he rode motorcycles, hunted, fished and joined in most activities. He always pitched in and did what he able to.
Ray was also a generous soul with a soft spot for the underdog. If someone needed a hand with a project or someone to talk to, Ray was available.
I have too many good memories of Ray to list here, But there is a funny one that will always stand out.
I will never forget the day several of us went duck hunting down on the Nisqually Flats. We were in Don Meyer's (my brother-in-law) boat, The plan was to drop three of us onto the marsh flats while the others stayed in the boat. This would provide clearer fields of fire over a broader fly zone.
The marsh flats are underwater at high tide and their banks are steep, The only way to debark is to nose into the bank and crawl off the bow. I did so and turned just in time to see Ray step over the side, wearing chest waders, hunting coat and watch cap with his shotgun in one hand and a bag of shells in the other. He sank completely beneath the surface with just his watch cap still visible. Gary Kolski was one step behind him but managed to stay aboard when he saw Ray sink. Ray popped up to the surface still holding the shotgun and shells but his waders were trying to drag him under. Still he refused to drop his gear and reach for help. Gary managed to grab Ray by the neck of his coat and move him forward. I took the shotgun, someone got the shells and then several folks managed to pull him back aboard. Ray was stunned by the cold water. I got back aboard and we peeled his clothes off like a banana. After drying him down, Don loaned him a spare set of coveralls and everyone else loaned him other articles of their own clothing. Once he was bundled up we had Ray drink almost a full thermos of coffee. Within 15-20 minutes, he decided that he was ready to hunt. He shot the first duck of the day (from inside the back of the boat).
In retrospect, no one thought to discuss the steep bank (about 10 feet deep with vertical mud walls and only a few inches showing above the waterline) because we had all assumed that this was common knowledge. Unfortuntely Ray assumed there was a sloping bottom so he went over the side, He could have drowned or gone into shock from the cold water and December weather. Instead, he shrugged it off and moved forward. This was classic Ray...
The few years that we were neighbors, were mostly fun times. Our families did a lot together. After moving away, our lives moved in different directions, but I cherish the great memories with Ray and his family. His spirit never faltered.
"Break Channel 4... SpaghettiBender you gotta copy? Badger callen..."
Ray, I hope you found Heaven. Kathi, I hope you find peace.
March 21, 2011
March 21
Dear Kathi, Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. There are no words for me to comfort you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Michaela Gill
Michael Verdon
March 21, 2011
Have been next door neighbors for 27 years and will miss Ray so much. My condolences to Kathy and family.
Carrie Judkins (Millien)
March 21, 2011
My Uncle Ray, the greatest man to have graced this earth, my HERO, my advisor & the man who I loved more then anything. My heart will be forever broken & have a void in it but he is at peace. So many memories that he left me with will never be forgotten. Uncle Ray I will miss you & hearing your voice for the rest of my life but know one day we will be together again but until then you will live within my heart & your memory will live on in all of us. so for now 'so long Uncle Ray'. I Love You so very much! Your loving neice Carrie
March 20, 2011
I will miss my Dad more than words can express. I am blessed to have a million memories, great advise & love from the man I will keep close to my heart until we one day meet again. God Bless You Dad, and keep a watchful eye over your little girl! Love alway's and forever... Susie
March 20, 2011
Dear Kathi,
So sorry to read of your husbands passing. Prayers, thoughts and love I send to you and your family.
MaryJo Daquila-Wagner
Karen Flynn
March 20, 2011
I consider myself lucky to have known Ray. He could find a bit of humor in almost anything said. He will be missed.
March 20, 2011
Kathi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I pray the fond memories of your life together will bring you comfort.
Love,
'cuz Sharon
Betty McDaniel
March 20, 2011
A lot of fun memories.
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