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Ray Shoji Yokoyama

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University of Hawaii

Ray Yokoyama Obituary

Ray Shoji YOKOYAMA Our beloved son, partner, and friend departed from this world on Feb. 2, 2009. Ray's untimely death has left a hole in our hearts that may never be healed. His brilliant mind, his sense of humor, his quick comebacks, and his love for the people he came into contact will be forever missed. Ray was born on Sept 26, 1952 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Wilma Lovell and Richard Yokoyama. Ray has made Seattle his home for 24 yrs with his life time partner Patrick Lajko. Ray and Patrick owned and operated CDE Software in West Seattle, which made software for bowling leagues and tournaments. Raised in Hawaii, Ray attended MidPacific High School and the University of Hawaii. Ray became a flight attendant with Continental Airlines and retired in 2006 after 30 years of dedicated service. Ray traveled all over the world but his true love will always be Hawaii and Seattle. One of Ray's greatest joy was his landscaping and his love of exotic plants and orchids. Ray placed honorable mention in 2008 Seattle Garden competition and was featured in 2008 West Seattle home garden tour. Everyone who knows Ray will miss him dearly, including his cats, Pixie and Stitch, and all of the plants he lovingly cared for. We will say good bye to Ray on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service at his house

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Yokoyama

29 Entries

Gini Johnson

March 5, 2009

I am so sad to hear of Ray's passing. Their antique space at the mall was incredible. Such a talent.

Hanne (Nielsen) Cantalini

March 4, 2009

Ray, I loved working with you. I admired and respected you. I especially appreciated your legendary sense of humor.

Timothy Trueman

March 3, 2009

Ray your incredible and wonderful sense of humor, your quick wit, but morst of all your friendship will always be missed. Aloha

Kathy MacKenzie

February 27, 2009

Dear Wilma and Patrick. Ray will be missed so much. He truly was one of the funniest men on early, especially with CCC in Honolulu. I signed the guestbook when it was first posted but don't know what happened to it? So, I'll just say to Wilma, you raised a wonderful son and we will all miss him terribly. Pat, thank you for having us into your home on such a sad occasion. Though the day was cold and dreary it was also an uplifting day with some humor that Ray would so appreciate. You did Ray proud. I loved Nelson and your brother's rendition of "Oh, what a wonderful World". Love, Kathy MacKenzie

Sharon Howell

February 26, 2009

Ray approched life with a calm, cool attitude. His quick, dry sense of humor was one that I loved and apprciated. Ray had a very short time to make his presence felt here, but he did it better than most. Ray's smile was electrifying and oh, so catching! So many have been impacted by Ray's life and will miss him greatly.
My deepest sympathy to Wilma and Patrick for their loss.

Judi Wilmore

February 25, 2009

Ray, thank you for all the wonderful memories. You were an icon during and after your years at Continental. You were one of a kind and will be missed beyond belief.

Eric Rumsey

February 24, 2009

Ah, the memories of great times with Ray. Having known him since the early 80's upon moving to L.A., I can think back to the many, many laughs and fun moments. One in particular was that he introduced me, my partner and 2 good friends to Oahu and Maui. We had such a wild time, especially on the back road to Hana. Ray had such a wonderful spirit and knew so many people. He loved gardening and always brought back so many wonderful orchids from his trips home to Honolulu. I will miss him and will keep the many fond thoughts in my heart and mind. He was a wonderful soul. My love reaches out to you, Ray, and my thoughts to his family and Pat.

Steve McCain

February 24, 2009

Ray introduced himself to me at the Sunset Junction street fair in Los Angeles in the mid 1980's. He recognized my partner and I from a flight that he had worked between Denver and Los Angeles the day before. Shortly thereafter we became tenants in his house in Echo Park where we lived and watched Ray transform his beloved yard into a tropical paridise with much hard work. When he and Pat sold their homes and moved to Seattle we remained friends. As it has been stated, Ray will be remembered for his quick wit, generosity and love for traveling the world. I am going to miss Ray very much. To Pat and his family, my thoughts are with you now and forever. Just know that he touched so many during his short time here on earth, and was much loved for his enduring friendship to many around the world. He will be missed very, very much.
Good bye my friend.

Paul Richard

February 24, 2009

Ray had purchased a condo near mine in the Raintree County Condo complex in Culver City, CA in 1978.
We met there and became fast friends. During 1978 and 1979 we would drive my MGB to San Diego every available weekend to party with Ray's friend Gene Burkard who happened to own International Male. Ray knew everyone. We lost touch after Ray and Pat moved to Seattle.

Stephanie Ebanks

February 22, 2009

Dear Ray, your wonderful, joyous presence will be miss on this earth, but I know that you are the life of the party up above. To Patrick and the Yokoyama family, my sincere condolences on your loss. Gone But will never be forgotten.

Andi Fagan

February 20, 2009

How do you describe Ray? A ray of sunshine, a star shining brightly, a moon beam, a gift to all of us who enjoyed his humor, intellect, and kindness. Ray, you will be missed but never forgotten.

BARBARA CASWELL

February 17, 2009

I met Ray on my first day of flight attendant training in 1978. I was nervous and didn't know anyone. He just started talking to me and before I new it I was smiling and talking to other people he pulled in to our conversation. I had no idea he was my instructor! From that day on I knew I had a friend and he was a loyal and true one. Heaven just got a little brighter with our loss. We love you Ray!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Patrick and Ray's family.
Barb and Chris Caswelll

Laura Mchale (Armstrong)

February 15, 2009

Ray, you had a sense of humor that is rare. I will always remember the side stitches I had from laughing so hard! I will always remember you smiling, laughing, giving and sharing. Wilma and Patrick, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Hobbs-Strickland

February 15, 2009

How do you say, "Goodbye" to Ray?
He was a friend of twenty-three years, a person of quick wit, decisive in business, aware of current events, and an eager challenger of defending the rights of personnel in the airline industry.

We will always carry Ray, in our hearts as a loyal friend. Our prayers are with those he left behind.

Kenny & Alex Farr/Quitugua

February 12, 2009

Ray's humor and smile were always present whenever you would have an encounter with him. Our Condolences to The Yokoyama Family and Patrick

Rob Harper

February 12, 2009

I've known Ray since the Seattle base in the 70's. He was a special person, not only at work, but even more so when socializing. He definitely was a credit to his parents and a friend to everyone. My sincerest condolences to Mr and Mrs Yokoyama and to Patrick.

Bob Nalevanko

February 12, 2009

I was fortunate enough to know Ray and to fly with him on many occasions. Also I am happy to say that I survived many a Crew De-Briefing with him and many others and you would always leave with the back of your head hurting from all of the laughter. God called one of his Angels way too soon but our loss is Heaven's gain as I am sure they are all "cracking up " - up there while Ray holds his audience captive with his quick wit, intelligence, and ability to make everyone just Fell Good! I Miss YOU RAY!.....Hugs to Patrick and Mr & Mrs Yokoyama

David Hutchins

February 12, 2009

Ray will be missed but never forgotten for unending support of his friends. Always the one with the quick reply with tongue in cheek comment. Your spirit and humor will be missed but never forgotten.

Heidi Simmons

February 12, 2009

Ray always had a quick smile and a devilish sense of humor.I wish Ray.s mother and partner all the comfort and love that is needed at this moment.

Phyllis Farmer-Goodwin

February 12, 2009

Ray's smile spoke volumns. He was a genuine, loving man. I can't believe he is no longer with us. I have missed him since he quit flying in 2006, but will miss him even more now. Love and God bless to his friends and family.

kathy trahan

February 11, 2009

i will miss ray dearly, i sum it up this way, whenerever i left ray's presence, i was happy and smiling and was so happy to see him that day. love you ray !!!

Corey Durrell

February 10, 2009

I met both Ray and Patrick at the antique mall in West Seattle. I was not a close friend of Rays but would run into him in the junction area often and he would always acknowledge me and stop and say "hi" and ask how I was doing. I will miss seeing his happy face in the junction and Patrick I'm so sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy.

Molly Newman

February 10, 2009

Ray was always a welcome sight at the Antique Mall. He made us all laugh with his great sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss Patrick.

June Moore aka Juni Mifuni

February 9, 2009

Ray-chan was a beacon to his friends and family, a source of guidance and inspiration, the signal fire that brought people together during good times and bad. His friendship was a gift, and like any precious gift, its value lies in the spirit in which it was given...from Ray, it was always given in love.

Vickie Warlick

February 9, 2009

Where do I begin! I've only known Ray for approximately six years, but in that time he became not only a friend but a brother to me. We laughed, cried and screamed (that would be me) together, but we could get through anything. I will miss Ray with all my heart. We were the three musketeers, Ray, myself and Bonnie. Ray will forever be in my heart.

Deborah Downie

February 7, 2009

My name is Deb and I am Paxton's sister. Ray had such a naughty sense of humour which through the years we have all enjoyed. He will certainly be missed, we just don't realise yet how we will miss him. Love to his mum, his family and all his friends. Arohanui, Deb xx

Linda Abbott

February 7, 2009

I worked with Ray when we were both with Continental. I barely knew him but believe the word joyous best described him. The world is a little emptier without Ray in it. My sympathy to his friends and family.

Lydia Hilbert

February 7, 2009

Ray was the glue that held many friendships together. He was the ultimate task master and comedian. His love of travel, garden, partner, and friends will be sorely missed.

Mark Won

February 7, 2009

Ray Yokoyama was very quick witted and employed comedy relief with masterful strokes. He always brought entertainment to the table and abundant good humor. His loss is immeasurable and will be missed.

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