Raymond Byron Dittamore

Raymond Byron Dittamore passed away on July 30, 2025, in Seattle, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was 81.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Ray lived a full and thoughtful life marked by curiosity, dedication, and quiet resilience.

Born on October 20, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina to Harley Byron and Joan Milan (Sredanovich) Dittamore, Ray was the oldest of eight children.

A lifelong Seattle resident, he attended Cleveland High School and proudly put himself through college, earning an economics degree from the University of Washington. His connection to the university remained meaningful throughout his life.

Ray devoted his entire professional life to The Boeing Company, where he worked for an extraordinary 53 years until retiring in 2020. Starting as an industrial engineer and later transitioning to a financial analyst role, his career spanned both the defense and commercial sectors of the company. His long tenure reflected a deep commitment to his work and colleagues.

Ray met his wife, Marsha McGillivray, in a University of Washington literature class on Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" and they married on March 20, 1989. Together they raised two daughters, Kathryn and Megan, who brought immense joy and pride into Ray's life, in a home filled with conversation, laughter, books, and the occasional unsolicited lecture on global markets.

Outside of work, Ray was an avid golfer who relished time on the course, and a loyal Husky football fan. He had an insatiable curiosity, loved to travel, and was a lifelong learner who delighted in sharing insights-solicited or not-on topics ranging from economics and politics to movies, sports, and technology. Even in his final year, Ray remained open to new experiences-surprising his family by purchasing an Xbox and learning to play Disney Dreamlight Valley.

Ray had a deep appreciation for good food. He enjoyed cooking, baking, grilling, and sharing recipes and cooking techniques with friends and family. As his health declined, he especially enjoyed the convenience of a good takeout meal. DoorDash deliveries of pho from Ba Bar became a favorite indulgence.

Though his passing was sudden, it was not unexpected. Ray faced his health challenges with quiet strength and unwavering clarity of mind, never once complaining despite the toll on his body. As his health declined, Ray cherished time with family above all else, simply enjoying quiet moments at home with their beloved Havanese dogs.

Ray is survived by his wife Marsha; daughters Kathryn and Megan; son-in-law Alexander "Sasha" Slutsker; and grandson Daniel Slutsker. He is also survived by brothers Byron Dittamore (Denise Woods) and Gary Dittamore (Debra Smith); sister-in-law Cheryl (Bursett) Dittamore; brother-in-law Don Woods; and many other extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson David Slutsker; three brothers-Michael, Neil, and Dwayne-and two sisters, Marlene Bailey and Darlene Woods.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported Ray during his illness, including the exceptional care team at Virginia Mason who provided expert and compassionate care throughout Ray's illnesses.

No memorial service is planned at this time. Friends and family are invited to share condolences and memories at Legacy.com.

In honor of Ray's generous spirit and enduring bond with the University of Washington community, memorial gifts may be made to the UW Food Pantry Hunger Relief Program. https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift/

Ray will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. May his memory continue to bring comfort, laughter, and inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know him.