Raymond William Jewell

1928 - 2014

Raymond William Jewell

Raymond William Jewell was born June 17, 1928 in Kirkland, Washington to parents Clarence and Agnes (Muir) Jewell, joining brother Elwood and five sisters Edna, Edith, Ethel, Helen and Mary. Raymond grew up in Kirkland where he graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1946. He served 2 years in the US Army, most of it spent in Fairbanks, Alaska as a member of the Army Air Corps band. Upon discharge Ray entered college at Washington State as a pre-veterinary student. After his second year there, he met Capt. Irving Johnson of "Brigantine Yankee" fame whose round-the-world stories and pictures had appeared in National Geographic Magazine. This encounter would change Ray's college direction and impact the rest of his life. Ray transferred to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cinematography, a requirement to join the crew of the Yankee's sixth voyage around the world under sail on a square-rigged Tall Ship. The circumnavigation lasted 18 months in the early 1950's, calling at exotic places then only reachable by ship. Ray filmed and edited the entire voyage (23 total miles of film!) for Capt. Johnson's national lecture series. Upon Ray's return to the States, he married Lydia Edes, one of the four girls on the crew, and they moved to Los Angeles to make their home and raise their family.

Ray forged a career in the film industry in Hollywood, and began shooting a series of wild life documentaries with Walt Disney as well as making training films for the U.S. Air Force. Ray later formed his own film company in North Hollywood called "Film Communicators" where he was president, and produced countless award-winning educational and training film/videos throughout the years.

As a father Ray watched his oldest daughter Lynne win a gold medal in Women's Sailing in the 1988 Summer Olympics, saw his son Bill receive his Master Aviator Wings as a U.S. Army pilot, and was present when his youngest daughter Beth gave birth to triplets. Ray was very proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed making special and often humorous memories; including the time he bought an old school bus to drive his group of grandchildren around during their summer vacation visit. His family lovingly referred to him as "Kirkland Man" after a newspaper article written about him and he often signed off on letters and emails as "Daddio."

Ray's wonderful, distinct voice was always a joy to hear on the other end of the phone. Many calls began in a mischievous manner and you could hear the twinkling of his eyes as he spoke. He loved a good party, had a generosity of spirit, and happily shared "life's lessons" with all who adored him. He entertained his kids and grandkids with his uncanny barking seal impression and could be counted on to eat half your ice-cream cone if you offered him a bite. He was a master at shaking wrapped Christmas and birthday gifts and guessing what was inside, and often told restaurant hostesses that someone in his party was celebrating a birthday so the management would bring a free dessert to the table. He was both naughty and nice and we all loved him for that!

Raymond never forgot his Pacific Northwest roots, returning frequently to Kirkland to visit relatives. His sisters were always so excited to see their "little brother" that they would literally compete for his attention while he was in town. Ray loved these get-togethers and always left each sister feeling that she was the special one he had come to see! He was a mainstay at summer family reunions and a wonderfully generous host of special events for Washington relatives including a memorable dinner at Seattle's revolving Space Needle and a reception at the Seattle Aquarium. Ray eventually purchased a family property in Bremerton and after retirement he enjoyed summers in the great Pacific Northwest and the rest of the year at his home in Santa Barbara.

Raymond William Jewell led a full, adventurous life filled with love, laughter, a rich heritage of family and hard work, a loving heart and curious mind. He passed away in Santa Barbara on March 8, 2014 after suffering a stroke just prior to Christmas Day 2013. He was loved, respected and appreciated for who he was and the life he made for himself, and he will be missed.

Ray is survived by his three children; Lynne Jewell Shore of Newport, Rhode Island, Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Oliver Jewell, U.S. Army of El Paso, Texas, and Mary Elisabeth Jewell Faulkner (husband John) of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren Jennifer and Jonathan Shore, Hailey Jewell, and Oliver, Hays, Wil and Penn Faulkner; sisters Helen Schumacher of Kirkland and Mary Wainamo of Colfax; longtime companion Sally Stewart of Santa Barbara; former wife and mother of his children Lydia Jewell of San Pedro; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Elwood Jewell, sisters Edna Palmer, Ethel Jovag and Edith Osborn, and grandson Christian Faulkner.

A graveside service will be held Saturday July 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kirkland Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life reception in Clyde Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ray's name to: Twin Brigantines, Los Angeles Maritime Institute, Berth 73, San Pedro, CA 90731.