RAY ELDRIDGE Obituary

Ray Eldridge, age 61, passed away June 23, 2009, at his home in Seattle, WA, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born June 25, 1947, in Mount Vernon, Ray graduated from MVHS in 1965, WSU in 1969, and received his Masters degree in Physical Education and teaching from WSU in 1971. He received a Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University in 1975.

A health, math and physical education teacher in the Concrete, WA School District in grades 6 through 12, he was the Activities Director, head cross county and track coach, and also assisted with football and basketball. While in Concrete, Ray was a member of the local volunteer fire department and the emergency ambulance squad.
In 1975, Ray began a 25 year career at the Kingdome as Events Coordinator and later the Manager of Event Services. With the demolition of the Kingdome in 2000, Ray worked in Environmental Education and Public Outreach in King County's Water and Land Resources Division.

Ray became involved with the College of Education Alumni Advisory Board at WSU serving tow terms as president in 1994-1996, and served as the college's representative to the WSU Alumni Board. He was elected 2nd Vice President, followed by Alumni Association President for the 2001-2002 school year.

Ray was an active Boy Scout achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended several jamborees including the World Jamboree in Athens, Greece.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons; Thom (Sharon) and Dennis (Lane); and grandchildren: Thomas, Alleese, Kadyn, Teagen and Carter; his mother, Harriett Davis (Jackson); his brother, Jon (Penny); his sisters: Jean Linde (David) and Sally Higgins (Jerry); 6 nephews and 6 nieces; aunt, uncle and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don Eldridge; grandparents: Ray and Blanche Eldridge and Ellsworth and Jean Clow.

A memorial service will be held July 14, 2009 at 2 p.m. at New Life Four Square Church, 6830 Highland Dr., Everett, WA 98203.

Memorials may be sent to Ray Eldridge Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o WSU Alumni Assoc., P.O. Box 646150, Pullman, WA 98164-6150 or Mount Baker Council Boy Scouts of America.

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

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Jul. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for RAY ELDRIDGE

9 Entries

Michael Brent

September 30, 2022

I was going through some old materials in my office today and was reminded of the years I served on a committee with Ray. He was a very nice person. After I changed jobs in 2004 I lost contact with him, which I regret. Long after the fact, but I send my condolences to Ray's family. I appreciate having known him.

John Andersen

July 12, 2009

Mary, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Starting out in the Physical Education Department at WSU in the 60's our paths crossed many times over the years. We opened up the Kingdome with the Sounders and were back in during the NBA days when I was with the San Antonio Spurs. Needless to say it was the COUGARS that gave us the common blood. So many memories as our personal and professional lives intertwined these past 40 plus years. I've was blessed to have him as a friend.

John Winnie

July 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed working with Ray on many occasions over the years. He was always very positive and helpful. He will be missed.

Jerome Williams

July 9, 2009

Mrs. Eldridge, I knew Ray for about 24 years at the Kingdome. Although we worked in different departments once in a while he would asked me to give him a hand with something that needed doing right away. No big deal except i would not say anything about Cougar sports and get him started hahahah. Ray was always willing to help anyone any time. I so wish i had seen him in the past few years. I am so sorry Ray is no longer with us. Mrs. Eldridge you and your family.will have Rays sense of humor and wonderful joy of life with you always. (P.S. Lets hope Ray does not try to convert all the angels into Cougar fans hahaha)

Janette Holley

July 8, 2009

Mary, my prayers & deepest sympathy go to you & your family. Myself & the vending staff at The Tacoma Dome have missed Ray's great smile & his sense of humor.

Craig and Shelley Dewey

July 8, 2009

We grew up with Ray in Mount Vernon. He was a couple years older than us, but you can imagine what a terrific role model he was for us in school, at church and later at WSU. Ray was simply one of those very special individuals who had a positive impact on everyone he knew. There is no doubt how greatly he will be missed by his family and many, many friends.

Patty Galvan

July 7, 2009

Mary, my deepest sympathy to you and Ray's family. I pray that the Lord will help you through this time. I know that Ray is in a good place now and happy. He is with the good Lord. God must of needed him badly. Take care and go in peace

Patty Galvan
Lynnwood Eagles

Carol Keaton

July 7, 2009

Mary and family: Ray's character and work ethic was reflected in his dedicated public service at the Kingdome. He provided leadership and and direction to his large staff that created a world-class reputation in facility management. He was highly regarded by everyone who worked with him. We will miss, always, his positive outlook, his laugh and storytelling. Ray was an exceptional friend. We were all lucky to have known him.

Cathy Betts

July 7, 2009

I am a lost for words. My first memory of Ray was when he came in to interview for his position at the Kingdome. I was filling in for Director Ted Bowsfield secretary while she was on vacation. I then joined with Ray as a full time member of the Kingdome staff in the fall of 1976 after graduating from WSU. Worked with Ray at the Kingdome up until late 1999. But our friendship continued through the years after the Kingdome as we both continued working for King County in other departments. Ray will be missed, but the many memories will remain.

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