Raymond Hernandez

Raymond (Ramon) Hernandez was born in Belvedere, CA, in 1931 to Concepcion Munoz Hernandez and Manuel Hernandez. He passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, at the age of 93 at Hospice of Spokane Hospital Home.

Ray attended high school in Tulare, CA, and graduated in 1949. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War in the Washington, D.C., area. He was assigned to guard, monitor, and maintain the radar array systems protecting the White House.

Upon returning to California, Ray married Lillian Josephine Ramirez Hernandez, with whom he had two children, Anthony Hernandez and Loretta Hernandez Theisen. Utilizing the GI Bill, he pursued higher education and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from West Coast University.

Following his military service, Ray began working at North American Aviation, which later became Rockwell International. He spent over 35 years contributing to various engineering projects, with his favorite being his work on NASA's Shuttle Program in Downey, CA. He later transferred to Houston, TX, where he joined the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL) at Johnson Space Center. At the time of his retirement, he was employed by Boeing and continued to work as a consultant on various NASA contracts.

In 1991, Ray married Irene Cantini Hernandez, whom he met at the SAIL laboratory. Together, they dedicated themselves to supporting non-profit organizations that aided women, children, and at-risk families in the Clear Lake community of Houston.

Ray volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for Interfaith Caring Ministries, assisting Hispanic clients in accessing essential resources. For his dedication and compassion, he was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award.

For ten years, he also volunteered for Bay Area Turning Point, a shelter and outreach program for women affected by abuse. He worked behind the scenes, crafting props and assisting with manual labor for the annual Gala fundraiser, which helped sustain the shelter and its programs.

Ray had a lifelong passion for science, which shaped his career, and he found great joy in golfing, gardening, biking, traveling, exploring national parks, and working on cars. While living in Sedona, AZ, Ray and Irene became avid hikers and loved sharing the area's beauty with family and friends. He embraced life with generosity, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Concepcion Munoz Hernandez and Manuel Hernandez, his siblings: Elsie Hernandez, Richard Munoz Hernandez, Alfred Munoz Hernandez, Manuel Munoz Hernandez and his wife Esther Hernandez, Lillian Josephine Ramirez Hernandez, mother of his children, Marcia Gail Sambrano, wife of Michael Robert Sambrano, and Velia Hernandez Hanser, Ray's honorary sister.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Irene Hernandez, his son Anthony Hernandez, (Lorraine Diaz Hernandez), daughter Loretta Hernandez Theisen (Rob Blackburn), Michael Robert Sambrano, and Cara Leah Poss (Jerrod).

His siblings: Rudy Munoz Hernandez (Helen), Edward Hernandez (Elvira), Arthur Munoz Hernandez, Larry Munoz Hernandez (Soledad), Helen Hernandez (wife of Alfred Munoz Hernandez. His grandchildren: Stephanie Anne Hernandez Alfert (Marc), Kristen Lynn Hernandez Reyes (Matt), Nichole Rae Hernandez, Michael David Sambrano, Mark Anthony Sambrano, Addison Harleigh Poss, and four great grandchildren.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his warm smile and genuine kindness-his greatest gifts to all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Ray spent his final days at the Hospice of Spokane Hospital House in Spokane, WA surrounded by compassionate caregivers and dedicated volunteers. Our family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support provided by their staff.

A funeral service will be held on May 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. The ceremony will include Military Funeral Honors and a flag presentation by the U.S. Army.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Spokane to honor Ray's memory and support the wonderful care they provide.

Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, PO Box 2215, Spokane WA 99210-2215.