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Raymond Jaffke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 31, 2025.

Raymond William Jaffke

November 18, 1937- March 11, 2025

Resident of Walnut Creek, CA

Raymond William Jaffke went home to be with the Lord on March 11, 2025.

Born on November 18, 1937 in Detroit, MI. to Walter W. and Vestina C. Jaffke, Ray graduated from Lawrence Technological University with an Associates in Engineering Degree and studied Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan.

He married Carol Ann Smith on November 19, 1960, and relocated to California in 1964, where he worked for a major developer, constructing several retail shopping malls in the Bay Area. After retiring in 1993, Ray continued in contracting and construction consulting, enjoyed playing senior softball with the Walnut Creek Creakers, hunting and fishing from Alaska to Baja, and helping friends with home improvement projects. A fan of all sports, Ray was a member of the original fantasy football league in Oakland (GOPPPL). After celebrating 50 wonderful years of marriage, his wife, Carol passed away in 2011. Ray is survived by his three children, Scott, Todd, and Beth, four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews from both Smith and Wright families.

Anyone who wishes to honor his life, please consider making a contribution to Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church (WCPC.church) or Children of Faith Missions (childrenoffaithmissions.org) in lieu of flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

April 29, 2025

Judy Alexander planted trees.

April 17, 2025

Becky (niece) posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2025

Elizabeth Ott posted to the memorial.

13 Entries

Judy Alexander

Planted Trees

Becky (niece)

April 17, 2025

You lived a full and faithful life! May you rest in peace in Jesus presence and your loved ones. I have wonderful memories of fishing at Blue Lake and staying with you & Aunt Carol the summer after graduation and many Tahoe reunions!
With Love,
Becky

Elizabeth Ott

April 16, 2025

I will never forget the warm welcome Ray and Carol gave me over Thanksgiving my freshmen year at college. I tagged along with my brother and sister-in-law, Beth. Ray was up early cooking the turkey, and checked it faithfully throughout the day, while Carol made sure I was comfortable sleeping in the study. Carol planned fun activities like walking downtown for the tree lighting, and Ray was a steady presence, kindly asking questions. He always remembered me, and I will always remember his hospitality.

Janice

April 16, 2025

Uncle Ray made you rest in peace and celebrate your life in heaven with Aunt Carol.

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Kevin Cardenas

April 15, 2025

Ray will be missed. He was very funny and I always enjoyed our conversations about stocks and investing...I knew Ray for over 20 years and I always appreciated his love for his family, faith and community.

David Gray

April 15, 2025

My sincerest condolences to the Jaffke Family. I only new him through Gopppl but his humor was always there and we had some great conversations. He will be missed.

Jeff Chung

April 15, 2025

My most sincere condolences to your family. Ray was always a joy to be around during our yearly GOPPPL drafts ever since I met him as a child tagging along with his dad to join the fun. He'll be missed.

Evan almdale

April 14, 2025

Ray was a wonderful man. I always felt very lucky to have had him as a friend. Evan

Stan Heeb

April 14, 2025

I met Ray in 1974 when I first joined GOPPPL (Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticator League). We became good friends. When I retired, I joined Ray in the MWIC (Mid-week Investment Club), which had nothing to do with investments, but a weekly fantasy league. In later years when Ray could no longer drive, I picked him up for these weekly meetings during football season. We had many wonderful conversations in our travels together. I will miss Ray and his positive attitude. He always gave more than he received. Rest in peace, big guy. You earned it.

Marcy Panuco

April 14, 2025

My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I had the pleasure of working with Ray at the Taubman Company for 24 years. We kept in touch through emails and phone calls and he will be missed.

Sue Randall

April 14, 2025

So sorry for your loss! Don and I sat next to Ray in church whenever we would make it! Ray always was so positive just like Carol! Wonderful people! I believe Don played softball with Ray and Muegges!!
Bless your wonderful family!

Mary Parenti

April 14, 2025

Played Bridge with Ray and Carol for years. Remember them both fondly. Carol and I had an amazing adventure to Macchu Pichu. Rest in peace Ray.
Mary Parenti

Bev Skinner

April 14, 2025

The entire Jaffke family was so important to the Skinner family when we moved to Walnut Creek across the street - Ludell Drive I think. They helped us to become acquainted with other neighbors very quickly and around the area too. We had come from Toppenish, WA, a town of only 5,000, so we had a lot to learn - the Jaffkes helped us and became our good friends as well.

Thanks so much for including me in this tribute to your Dad.

Bev Skinner

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