Raymond August Anderson

Raymond August ANDERSON Of Edmonds, WA, began his reign in glory with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 12, 2006. Ray was born on his grandparents homestead in Magnus, North Dakota on May 6, 1926. When he was 6 months of age his family moved to Bismarck where he was raised. His Family then moved to Tacoma, WA. when he was 17. There he met Frances Skoog at the church they were attending. At the age of 19 his building career began and at 20 he and Frances wed. They were blessed with one son, Ken and two daughters, Sharon and Barbara. Their family moved to Seattle in 1952 where there were greater opportunities for them. With a determination to succeed, his home building business began to flourish. He earned a sterling reputation as a builder of over 1000 homes in the greater Seattle area as well as apartments, offices, commercial buildings and the beautiful Emerald Crest Condominiums in downtown Edmonds, where he spent his last 16 years with the love of his life, Frances. Ray served as Sunday school superintendent and deacon at the Philadelphia church in Ballard for many years then felt the calling to start a church in north end. In 1959 he found property on Edmonds way and began building the original Westgate Chapel with almost all volunteer labor. He sometimes pulled men off his own jobs completing the church ahead of schedule in only 10 months. There he served as deacon and led worship services for 14 years. His commitment to missions was second only to his love for the Lord. On many occasions he volunteered weeks at a time, helping build churches and schools in Africa and Mexico and carried Bibles into China. His life of generous giving in all areas of Gods' Kingdom will be remembered by many. Although Ray's health rapidly deteriorated over the last few years he felt and expressed that he was given a second chance and appreciated his family and friends more than ever. We miss him deeply, but we rejoice in the fact that he has met his Savior face to face. He passed away quietly at home surrounded by family and close friends who were singing songs of praise as the angels escorted him into the presence of the Lord. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Frances of almost 60 years. His son, Ken and wife, Kathie, daughter, Sharon and daughter, Barbara who was reunited with her Dad in heaven. Grandson, Rob and his wife, Heather, granddaughter, Karleen and husband, Lance, grandson, Ryan and wife, Esther, grandson, Ken Jr. and wife, Ilka and granddaughter, Jamie and husband, Ryan. He also leaves behind 13 great grandchildren whom he loved dearly, and one sister, Evelyn Stroh. Service will be held at Westgate Chapel, 22901 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA on Friday March 10th at 7:00 p.m. Reception following.