Ray William Bloom

1940 - 2024

Anacortes - Ray William Bloom, 83, Anacortes, was born on 12/20/1940 to Robert William Bloom and Madeline Elizabeth (Wilton) Bloom in Mount Vernon, WA.



Ray's lifelong interests started during his childhood in Skagit County, where family became friends and friends felt like family. Ray spent hours at and in the water. As a toddler he started fishing with his father. His grandmother encouraged swimming to occupy him while his mother worked, and he built his first boat in 9th grade shop class. After a year at Skagit Community College, he would go on to swim for WSU while earning an engineering degree. He was a commissioned officer in the US Navy SeaBees, serving two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return, he completed his master's in civil engineering at Stanford.



Engineering would take Ray to different areas for different jobs. None were as important as his months in Petersburg, AK, for it was there that friends had him call the young teacher in town. Certain that Carolyn Williams was the love of his life, in a matter of months they were married. Ray and Carolyn celebrated 54 years of marriage in December. After sojourns in Juneau and Kennewick, Ray and Carolyn settled in Ketchikan, Alaska for 25 years, where he practiced engineering and enjoyed his family and friends.



Ray described the years his sons were young as some of his happiest. He was openly and charmingly proud of Ed and Steve, from elementary school ribbons to their doctorates. He was proudest watching his sons as fathers. Ray was easy to love and respect, in part because he was curious, kind and genuinely interested in the characters he met. Ray did not just welcome his daughters-in-law, he considered Beth, Jessica, and their families his own. He was particularly curious, amused, and loving toward the six new Blooms--his grandchildren. Ray and Carolyn attended every grandchild's play, recital, celebration, and school event.



Each chapter of Ray's life more friends and connections were added without abandoning those from the past. Ray loved reunions, class reunions of Mount Vernon High Class of '59, and family reunions. He was devoted to Carolyn and while grateful for many things, the fact that she created so much good in his life was clear. Ray loved family gatherings; Carolyn planned them. He adored his boats; she brought food for the countless outings. Ray loved beaches; Carolyn and Ray walked together for countless miles.



Ray and Carolyn retired to Anacortes, closer to childhood friends and family and, best of all, closer to their grandchildren as their sons had settled nearby too. In Anacortes, Ray joined Kiwanis Sunrisers and OARS rowing group, he biked with friends. After a brief boatless time, Ray found a final boat chosen to enjoy the local waters with his family, which they did often.



After a life well lived, on March 17, Ray peacefully slept without waking, Carolyn by his side and their sons all at home together. Engineered perfectly.



Ray is survived by his wife Carolyn of Anacortes, sons Edward(Jessica) and Steven(Beth) of Bellingham, WA, and his grandchildren: Susannah, Vivian, Naomi, Owen, Claire, Isaac. He is also survived by his sister Marcia, his sisters and brother in law Lori, Jay and Dixie, as well as nieces, nephews, and friends who consider Ray family.



A service of remembrance to be held at the Anacortes Lutheran Church, 2100 O Ave. April 13, 1PM, with a reception to follow. In Lieu of Flowers consider a donation to organizations Ray supported: Anacortes Family Center, Skagit Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Sunrisers. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.