Robert Walter Ray

Robert Walter Ray, 73, of Vancouver died March 1, 2024. He was a beloved brother, father and friend who will be missed by many.

Bob was born on October 10, 1950 in Houston, Texas, and his family subsequently lived in Salt Lake City and Seattle before settling in Portland, Oregon, where he spent the majority of his formative years. He attended St. Ignatius School, Central Catholic High School, and ultimately graduated from Franklin High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1968. Bob completed a tour of duty in Vietnam and returned to study Business Administration at Portland State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. It was there he met his wife, Diane, in 1975.

Robert was a letter carrier in the US Postal Service for 25 years. He was well liked by his co workers and the people on his route(s). The dogs all loved that he carried treats and took time to greet them. One of the cute ones came to be his - Ruby, a sweet little pug, became his service animal and best friend. Robert's health declined, and he was granted a disability retirement in 2006.

Bob and Diane raised three children during their 30 years together. He was an active and engaged parent who loved playing, sharing stories, camping, adventuring and supporting their activities. He rarely missed a sporting event.

In his spare time Robert was a reader, a master crossword puzzle solver and self-taught gardener and musician. An interest in tending the yard became a true passion. Such work, and his interest in boxing and swimming kept him fit even while he was a daily customer at his local Dairy Queen. In addition, restoring his 1965 Pontiac Bonneville convertible became a life-long goal, one he finally accomplished in 2018. As he grew older and less able to move about, piano playing became a soothing pastime. He was a long time resident of the Anthem Park Community and had many friends there.

Robert is survived by his children - Rebecca of Seattle, Jessica of Vancouver and Bradley (Alma) of Vancouver, as well as five grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Alice (Lew), of Kona, Hawaii, and two brothers: Thomas (Jo Marie) of Portland, and William (Sara) of Long Island, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and another brother, Gary, of Canyon City, Oregon.

Internment with Military Honors will be at Willamette National Cemetery at 3 pm on Friday, August 16th, followed by a gathering at Blue Lake Park in Troutdale at 4:30. Donations can be directed to the Department of Veterans Affairs.