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Ray Jensen Obituary
Ray F. Jensen passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday evening, July 15, 2019. Ray was a celebrated Northwest sculptor who looked at life through eyes of wonder. His career spanned over 80 years. He is survived by his wife, Glorea, his children Ann and Kurt, and his grandchildren Sean, Nikko, Makai, Oliver and Zakori. His daughter, Greta, preceded him in passing in 2012. Ray was born in Seattle, April 23, 1929. He grew up in Seattle attending Roosevelt High School, then the UofW for his BA in 1953. Ray received his MFA in 1956 from Cornell. He married Glorea McGregor in 1958 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. He is loved.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ray Jensen
Sponsored by The Family.
Lyn Coffin
November 2, 2025
Ray was my teacher, an inspiration, a counselor, a confidant. and best of all, my friend
Jean Floten
December 28, 2022
I was saddened to learn about Ray´s passing. He was such a creative force at Bellevue College where he worked for years.
Ray created the "Open Door" that sits in the College´s courtyard, an emblematic tribute to the work of community colleges, whose egalitarian "door" is open to all. In his sculpture two people are leaving an open door, a man followed by a woman. Ray explained that the community colleges were first founded to serve veterans after WWII, mainly men, and then during the Women´s movement in the US, women flocked to colleges to gain credentials to compete in the workplace.
Our college was fortunate to have Ray. He was a valued colleague, creative light, masterful teacher, mentor, and friend.
Ornago Emanuela
December 1, 2019
I'm Emanuela, the daughter of Gianfranco Ornago, one of Ray's colleagues at Mrs. Heller's House at Cornell University. I'm so sorry to hear that Ray, whom I met twice, passed away. He was a real friend of my father and shared with him one of the most positive period of their life. My condolences to his family. I hope they met in Heaven.
Robert Miller
August 26, 2019
In 1962, my family travelled to the Seattle World's Fair. We visited Ray & Gloria's family. I will always remember Ray taking us to his studio. He shared all his works with us. There were so many wondrous things to look at coupled with all our questions. Ray was a skilled artisan and his work quite unique. His artwork will be admired by many in the years to come. Our sincere condolences to Gloria, Kurt, Ann & family.
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Anne and Panchot
August 20, 2019
Ray's memory will always be of the art he created in the Seattle area. The fountain at Bellevue First Congregational Church that was perfect when it was first installed in patio garden and was perfect again in an atrium when the church moved. Using a photograph he sculpted a small child sitting on a rock. It was commissioned by the owner, Helen Hostetter. His artistic creations are a memorial.
Anne and Dudley Panchot
August 20, 2019
Ray's art pieces enrich the public, and private, spaces in this area. We will always remember the piece he made for Helen Hostetter that he modeled from a photograph and the beautiful and very classic water fountain for the entrance to Bellevue First Congregational Church. It was just right in the original location and transferred beautifully when the church moved.
We will miss him, but his work will live on.
Anne and Dudley Panchot
Sandra Moreano
July 25, 2019
MY heart goes out to Gloria, Ann, Curt and the whole family. I lived across the street from the Jenson's for 17 years. He was a good friend and inspiration to me in so many ways. Ray was a wonderful artist, gentle soul and great man. Yes, please let us know if you plan a service. Sandra and Alex Moreano
CW Clarke
July 25, 2019
What a guy. So happy to have had the time we spent together. I will always remember that twinkle in his eyes. Comfort, Peace and love to Gloria and the family. ❤ Cara
Judi and Ron Larson
July 19, 2019
We have lots of great memories of Ray and all the Jensens. Our kids grew up together and were very good friends in their elementary school years. We and Ray and Gloria socialized for a long time, even after we moved a bit farther away. We have a sculpture of Rays ( a woman holding a (Barbie doll) comb and mirror) that is one of our favorites art pieces.
We send our love to the whole family and hope that your memories are a comfort to you.
Judi and Ron Larson
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