Robert Bray
June 8, 1958 - September 25, 2022
Bellingham, Washington - Robert Clifton Bray passed away on September 25, 2022. He was born June 8, 1958, in Bellingham, WA to Robert and Louise Bray. Bob spent his youth on the south side of Bellingham in Fairhaven. He graduated from Sehome High School in 1976 and went on to get his business administration/accounting degree from Washington State University. After he graduated, he went to work at Dairy Distributing for his dad and eventually bought the business in 1992.
Prior to that he met the lovely and gracious Martha Jane Gallman who became Martha Jane Bray in 1984. He was married to the love of his life for 38 years. Together they raised their sons; Tyler and Tory. Over the next 20 years they spent countless hours cheering on the boys in their various sports. Bob cherished his many relationships in the church, business, neighborhood, and motorcycle community. You could often find Bob sitting down and enjoying a cup of coffee or meal with a good friend from one of his communities. He always had a good story to tell and was proud of his Cougars even when they "Couged it".
Bob carried on the priority of spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he adored, and creating a fun-loving tradition, fondly called Grandpa Camp. Bob's life was centered around Jesus, and it reflected his Savior to all who knew him. He, along with Martha, would never hesitate to reach out and help a friend in need. He attended and was actively involved at Northlake Community Church.
Bob lived life with adventure. He loved to be in a boat. From dropping pots and baskets for crab and shrimp to pulling kids on an inner tube around the lake. He also loved to be on the road to clear his mind and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
He is survived by his wife, Martha; oldest son, Tyler (Stephanie Ebbesen) Bray; grandchildren; Logan and Zoey; youngest son, Tory (Katie Brog) Bray; grandchildren; CeCe and Keeley; sister, Michelle (Norm) Dahl; brother, Mike (Robin Beck) Bray; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The legacy and the joy and the love he brought to everyone will be tucked away in our hearts and remembered always.
In honor of Bob, you are encouraged to wear crimson and gray to the Celebration of Life held on Thursday, October 13, 2022 3:00PM at Christ The King, 4173 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA. A reception to follow at The Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA.
Memorials can be made to: Camp Firwood thefirs.org; Support Officers of Whatcom County supportofficer.org/give; Grandpa Camp (not tax-deductible) "Grandpa Camp" Key Bank 1000 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA 98229.
Please share memories of Bob at molesfarewelltributes.com.

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

Published by Bellingham Herald on Oct. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bray

21 Entries

Jeff Busch

December 29, 2022

Sending love to Bob and all his family...my sincere condolences to you all. As a young kid in the neighborhood, Bob was my friend Mike's fun-loving big brother who delighted in playing and teasing us youngsters. He was very musical, humorous and athletic and always seemed to delight in interacting and entertaining us kids.
He'd play the piano and sing the Lunatic by Pink Floyd and gradually work his kid-brother's next door neighbor, John Darby into the lyrics! We'd all laugh and we all loved Bob and his fun, good natured antics. I hadn't seen Bob since those days in the 70's, but about 4years ago he showed at my Dad's memorial and was so loving and supportive (all those years later) ... thank you Bob for being a great human being! Your positive light shines on our lives. Lots of love to you and your whole family. Jeff Busch (and family).

Lesley Keenholts

October 19, 2022

I am so shocked and sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was an amazing human being, kind and giving, always with a smile and a good word. My condolences to his family and send prayers for healing during this very difficult time...

Mike McKinnis

October 13, 2022

I met Bob at Western when he went back to school to get his non Cougar education. I played softball with him for a few years. Bob had one of those lefty swings that were made for the game. Always a knowing when he hit the ball. That´s what it is supposed to look like!
I also got to work with Bob at Dairy Distributers for a time. There was something to laugh at every day on the job. It was fun to be a part of the Bray business. Bob´s quips: It´ll never fly Oroville! Crooked as a dog´s hind leg! Nervous as a dog ... So many more. I can see and hear him to this day.
Bob´s personality exuded a friendliness to all. His laugh, his smile, his confidence was such a part of who he was. You benefitted from being around him.
It has been several years since I have been in the presence of Bob, but I will miss him. Those memories are permanent.
I am sorry for your loss Martha. My heart aches and then rejoices knowing Bob is in the greatest place.
Mike McKinnis

Nancy Zurline

October 13, 2022

So sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. We all grew up on Park Ridge and I was always babysitting he and his sister. Such a wonderful family.

Debbie Granger

October 13, 2022

This smile. . . You can hear and feel his laughter. His Mom and Dad, Bob & Louise, were dear friends of my parents, Gordon & Louise Rightmire. So many memories of fun family gatherings with Brays, Ebrights, VanSinderens, Cronkites. . . Bobby carried this love of life and fun to the next level! We are all richer because Bobby lived, laughed, and loved among us. May we each cherish his memory and live our lives with the legacy of Love he leaves us. God is affirming of Bobby Bray. . ."Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant". Pete & I send our Love and Prayers of Comfort to Martha, his children, his sister, and brother and all this loving family.

David Chinchar

October 13, 2022

I knew Bob through work. Bob was a pure joy. He made work FUN and it was always a JOY to spend time with him. In this crazy age of politics we were always able to have fun talking about it. Bob is a RARE soul and will be dearly missed.

Martha, Tyler, Tory - Let the Love everyone has for Bob and You, and Bob's Love for You bring you peace and comfort in the years ahead.

Colleen Henehan

October 13, 2022

I am one of the countless individuals who was not close to Bob, but was still touched by his presence. I knew him from doing business with his company for my restaurant. Every interaction with him left me smiling. What a truly nice man. I am so sorry for your loss.

Craig Huartson

October 13, 2022

Dear Martha and family,

So sad to hear of the passing of Bob! I have such great memories growing up together. We played a lot of sports...I still every once in a while tell the story of his amazing senior year at tailback rushing for 1000 yards. Bob came from an incredible family as well that were so supportive and I can still hear his dad at baseball games yelling "ducks on the pond" when we had runners in scoring position. Even the non-sporting time together...first we all spent time on the milk delivery truck, but I also remember being over at his house listening to "vinyl records" in his bedroom because he had the "Foghat" album and then talking about how we needed to start our own band! And then of course is the infamous trip to the Rose Bowl in 1976 with Bob, Skye, Tim Geri and myself, stopping at rest stops along the way to play our own game of 2 on 2...what a trip!

Bob was such a great guy and a lot of fun to be around and I'm sure he touched everyone he came in contact with in the same positive way. He will be greatly missed however his spirit will always endure within!!!

Leslie Sweeney

October 12, 2022

To Martha and your whole family, this news hit me hard, as I saw the photos in today´s Herald. I know that face and smile!! Oh no!! I knew Bob from the Old Town Cafe, and I can´t remember how we linked up. Maybe I was wearing a School Specialty shirt? Anyway, Martha, every time I ran into him I came away happier and usually laughing. He will indeed be mightily missed by everyone who knew him at all. Much love! Leslie Sweeney

Tamie compton

October 12, 2022

I remember calling in my milk order every week or sometime twice a week hopping I would get grandpa or Bob they always made my stress out day better and always excited to see if Tyler Was the one who had to deliver are milk love to get him blushing the day I started my own business Bob was my first to call to see if I can still get milk from his company he was so excited for me he will be missed and always loved just like his dad or as I called him grandpa bless his family love the girls from Jazzitup

Jerry Heller

October 11, 2022

Martha, I remember Bob form High School. Although I went to the other school :) We did matriculate at WSU (Go Cougs). I remember finding out Bob was at WSU while walking past him on campus. He was sitting on the front lawn of Holland Library enjoying the warm, sunny, fall weather. He said to me, "Hey Heller". We sat for a while enjoying the sun. He was very nice and made me feel comfortable being new at the big University. We went on to see each other the remaining years at WSU. Always said Hi! to each other over the years, whether at Football games or in Bellingham somewhere. Bob is a true treasure and friend who now gets to spend his time hanging out with Jesus. I rejoice in his salvation. But, know you will have fond memories of him. With deepest sympathy. Jerry Heller

PATRICIA WHITNEY

October 11, 2022

Martha and family I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Bob from the time he was a little boy at First Baptist Church and this quote was often heard; "He's all boy", but what a loveable boy Pat Whitney

Sharon Van Sinderen Lyon

October 11, 2022

So saddened to hear of Bobby´s passing! I´ve known him since he was a baby we grew up together our parents were best of friends and we would go on family camping trips family fishing trips the firs chalet ski trips trips to Birch Bay many fond memories of our times together with our families - and to those who he leaves behind - my condolences prayers and thoughts and hugs and sympathy and may the memories of Bobby´s laugh sustain you until we all see each other again in heaven I can only imagine what a celebration it was when he arrived at the pearly gates & saw Jesus and those who went before him
Sharon Van Sinderen Lyon

The Van Sinderen family

Sent Flowers

Your Seattle Seahawks Family

Sent Flowers

Mike Johnson

October 10, 2022

My how time flies, I remember Robert when he and his Dad delivered milk to the A & P as I worked the dairy case. Can't remember if Robert talked very much; But his Dad did and it was always fun. God Bless Robert

Steve Chronister

October 10, 2022

Bob was a great guy from a great family. Friendly, upbeat, kind, and fun. Loved by everyone. So sad to hear of his passing, but I know that he's gone to a wonderful place.

Fahri & Robin

October 9, 2022

We will miss our dear friend tremendously. We have known Bob for over 2 decades through Dairy Distr., and he was always kind, fun and friendly to all. We will miss seeing him every day at his dairy facility. As well as the great trips over the years with the guys. We send our deepest sympathy to the entire Bray family.

Vicki B.

October 9, 2022

I remember Bob as a sweet, joyful, inclusive, and all around wonderful person. He touched so many lives with his infectious smile and friendly, upbeat personality.
Thank you for the memories, Bob!
Miss you now and always,

Wayne Harrington

October 9, 2022

So sad! My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Nikki and James xo

October 8, 2022

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We love you and are here for you always.

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