Maj. Gen. Ray M Franklin

1932 - 2017

Maj. Gen. Ray "M" Franklin was born in Miles City, Montana, to Gerald and Muriel Franklin, making their home on the family sheep ranch in Broadus, Montana.

After moving to Sequim for his young years and graduating from Sequim High School, Ray went on to the University of Washington under an NROTC scholarship and graduated in the forestry program and a master's degree from the University of Southern California. He worked summers in the Olympics, following in his father's footsteps, and was the youngest trail boss at age 19.

Ray was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the United States Marine Corps on June 14, 1956. He married Marcie Mattson in Kent, Washington, and had three children, Fredrick, Geri and Christi; grandchildren Lee and Benjamin Franklin, Ray Kneeland, Douglas Campbell and Richard (Rocket) Tallon; great-grandchild Hayden Kneeland.

They were married 31 years and divorced. He is survived in death by all.

Maj. Gen. Ray "M" Franklin retired from 33 years with the USMC having served as a flight instructor for helicopters at Pensacola, Florida, Vietnam war aviator of CH-53E helicopters, aviation maintenance officer. He attended the Air Command and Staff College, Naval War College, and was honored with the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and various other medals.

He commanded his first squadron (363), CH-53E helicopters, then commanded the MAG-10 air group in Camp Pendleton, California. His last duty station was at Marine Corps Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, overseeing the research and development department.

Ray married Judith Alther, then moved to Port Angeles after his retirement. Judi has four boys, Marc, Brian, Kevin and Keith Dalby; and grandchildren Whitney, Noelle, Alyssa, Jake, Kyle and Kaden Dalby. They all survived him in death.

No funeral or services are planned. His ashes were scattered over the ocean in a private ceremony.