Ray Donald Damitio

Ray Donald Damitio

Ray Donald Damitio crossed the flying finish line with family close by, at home, February 10, 2011; he was 83. Born in Elma, WA December 5, 1927 to Sylvester James Damitio and "Fannie" (Chambers) Damitio; they resided in Cedarville, WA. He attended and graduated from the nearby Oakville High School.
Ray married Lena Maxine Davis in 1948, they had a son, Bruce, and a daughter, Steffanie. Never one to let grass grow under his feet, Ray spent time in the U.S. Army Transport Service, the U.S. Merchant Marines, and retired from the U.S. Air Force. As a Merchant Marine, he sailed around the world in 9 months. He traveled with a carnival, drove a laundry tuck, and worked in the logging industry. It would be faster to list the foreign countries he did NOT visit, than those he did.
As a U.S. A.F. Master Sergeant, he spent time in Vietnam, where he ran a 5 story motel, bartended, rode "Huey" helicopters as a gunner, rode Chinook Helicopters on Evacuation Missions, and operated as a training officer for a radar unit. Following a mortar attack on the Billet he was in charge of, he was recommended for, and later received, The Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service.
Ray and his business partner of 25 years, Don Preston, owned the Coachman Auto Dealership in Olympia, WA, and the Prima Yacht business; later, along with Wayne Pullar of Montesano, they bought Duane DeWees Auto Dealership in Aberdeen, WA.
In 1982, after Lena died, Ray moved into a house boat while his new home in Tenino, WA was built. He became involved in what became the love of his second life, Rally Racing. He co-drove for Grant Whiting; they became a sensation on the rally circuit due to Ray's enthusiasm and Grant's extraordinary driving abilities. Ray organized the Doo Wop Rally Series; a race which became nationally famous and was a fixture in the Northwest for 20 years.
In 1990, he bought the Brooklyn Tavern in Brooklyn, WA, which burned to the ground 4 months later. In 1991, he married Janice (Furst) Brough, and her three sons; they built a home near Montesano. The Brooklyn Tavern was rebuilt, and opened in 1994. Between 2000-2010, Ray left the auto business, and began operating the Brooklyn Tavern, where he developed a loyal following amongst patrons from near and far. One of his favorite things to do was to hop on a U.S.A.F. cargo plane to distant lands, carrying a small backpack and not much else, except a quest for adventure and a great attitude. He loved to participate in vintage racing with his friend and fellow car enthusiast, Dave Cammarano. They raced extensively throughout the U.S., braving the elements in an open cockpit. Ray was preceded in death by his older brother, Ed Damitio. He is survived by his wife, Janice, three stepsons, Russell, Warren, and Everett Brough, son Bruce Damitio, daughter, Steffanie Scholz, younger brother, Rick Damitio, many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and thousands of friends.
Per his request, Ray will be cremated; no formal service will be held. At a later date, his ashes will be spread as he dictated. Donations are welcomed for the Oakville Food Bank; c/o Kathy Rosbaugh 1516 Oak Meadows Ln Oakville WA 98568
A potluck celebration of his unbelievable, well lived, wild and wonderful life, will be held on February 26, at (and next door to) the Brooklyn Tavern at 2611 N. River Rd. Cosmopolis, WA. If you knew Ray, you know it is impossible to detail his many exploits and adventures, without writing a book. For a more detailed time line of his life, visit www.historicbrooklyntavern.com