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L. Strange Obituary
He was born and raised in Colorado where, at the age of seven, he was hit by a drunk driver while playing on the curb and sustained serious physical injuries. He move to Nevada City, Calif., at the age of 12. He battled the injuries and achieved a standout athletic career in high school in different sports.
He lived his life to the fullest and there was never a dull moment for his friends and loved ones. Ray was a definite humanitarian. He was active in the community and served on a number of local boards including the Lions, Longview Country Club, Elks, the Humane Society and countless others.
In 1968, he left the big city of San Francisco to raise his family and become a partner in Martin Insurance Group, which is now Propel Insurance. In his professional world, he enjoyed taking care of clients and mentoring the young insurance generation. He always said, "You couldn't have a business in the community and take from the people; you always had to give back."
Family was first in Ray's world and business was second. He always talked about the times he enjoyed the most with is children and grandchildren, including coaching basketball in his early years which left many fond memories, not only for him, but for his sons. You could always count on him to be there for family.
The family would like to thank all his friends for their kindness and support during this hard time.
Ray is survived by his father, Ray L. Strange in California; his wife, Carol Strange at home; three sons and their wives, Darin and Mindy Randall, and Shawn Randall, all of Longview and Rick and Valarie Strange in Hawaii; a daughter, Mandi Strange of Duvall, Wash.; a brother, Fred Steck in California; two sisters, Darlene Marshall and Marlene Fulton, both in Washington; and six grandchildren, Blake Randall, Kiean Randall and Rayan Randall, all of Longview and DeWayne Strange, Alexandrea Strange and Josephine Strange, all in Hawaii.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma C. Ortell; and a son, DeWayne Strange.
A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Longview.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 747 Wheeler St., Longview, WA 98632 or the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, 909 Columbia Blvd., Longview, WA 98632 in memory of Ray Strange.
Columbia Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.
Memories and Condolences
for L. Strange
Buzz Freund
November 8, 2008
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.
Carol,
We were so sorry to hear of Ray's passing.
Sincerely,
Buzz and Judee Freund and family
Janice Adams
November 6, 2008
Dear Carol & family,
I was so very sorry to learn of Ray's passing. Ray was instrumental in hiring me at Martin Insurance in 1986 and I worked with him for 15 years. My son, Jeremy used to do yardwork for Ray during his high school years. Whenever Jeremy got into a financial bind (which was often!) Ray was so kind to pay him in advance.
When Jeremy died, Ray was someone I could talk to, because he had suffered a similar loss years ago. I'll always treasure his comforting words.
Ray Strange had such a big heart, and I will never forget the sound of his laughter.
I moved back to NC in 2002, but called Ray every Oct 1st since then for his birthday. I will miss him terribly and I pray that the Lord will comfort all of you as only He can.
Love,
Janice
Sue Hill
November 5, 2008
Rick, Val and family, I'm praying that the Lord holds you firm during this hard time. And that you hold onto his promises. We miss you all out in Toledo.
Cynthia Moore
November 3, 2008
Carol, I was so sorry to hear of your loss and my prayers are with you and Ray's family in this difficult time.
Debra Grauman
November 2, 2008
Dewayne , Though it has been years since High School< I hope these thoughts and prayers will bring you and your family peace and comfortin the following Holiday Season. God is the Light, in Him there is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light,as He is the light, we have fellowship with one another. May the prayers and friendship from your family and freinds be with you at this time of loss.
Randy Peck
November 1, 2008
Dear Carol,
I will always remember my recent long talks with Ray. I feel blessed to have been able to listen to his sage advice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family while you cope with your loss. You aren't alone, your loss is also our whole towns loss, Ray will be missed greatly.
Hugs Randy Peck
Charlett Henderson
October 31, 2008
Ray was a favorite at JT's Restaurant and I'm sure I speak for all the staff and owners when I say how much he will be missed. I waited on him for years and he was always quick to ask how I was doing and seemed to sincerely care and want to know. Plus, he was always a crack up and a good tipper to boot. My condolences to all of his family.
Brodie Heck
October 31, 2008
Rick, I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are for you and your family. You spoke of your Dad many times and I know how much you loved him. From the size of this guest book I can see that he will be missed by many. God bless you, Val and all your family.
Jerry Wetle
October 30, 2008
Dear Rick, Valerie and family:
Our hearts go out to each of you for the loss of your dad. We enjoyed a special freindship for years, from the time we both worked for Hartford Ins. as I was already in Longview and he was in Seattle....the opening came up at Martins and I told them they couldn't hire a better man than L. Ray Strange..... and the rest is history. I had a great and long friendship with your parents and family for many years. Peggy and I will always cherish the memories of the times we all shared together.
Love and God Bless,
Jerry and Peggy Wetle
Roberta (Bertie) Rupe
October 30, 2008
Ray, I could fill a book with the wonderful memories I have of you. I had the pleasure of working with you @ Martin Insurance for 13 years. I will never forget your laugh, your smile, and gentle strength. Carol, I share in your sorrow and hope time will heal your broken heart. You also were a great friend to me @ Martin Insurance. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Nancy Russell, Agent and Friend
October 30, 2008
When this curly-haired Italian set foot in our burg,
He had confidence and San Francisco silt on his shoes.
Educated on those streets with survival skills honed,
He allowed himself very few don’t’s, but many do’s.
His robust personality filled this county with love
And a laugh heard from Broadway now to heavens above.
He grew business for everyone, not just his own,
An agent and partner with such professional tone.
There was no one like L.Ray, a man’s man and a woman’s charmer
With a brain always churning out solutions, his armor.
Such a dear friend and mentor to multitudes here,
There is a void felt today, to be sure.
But good memories are endless, we smile through the tears,
In each of us, his legacy endures.
Make him proud.
Rachel Phillipps
October 30, 2008
Ray and the Gang at Martin Insurance were the first friends I had when I moved to Washington, I loved that job! I will always remember Ray, he gave me the nickname - Chilipepper. My heart is sad but I have great memories. My deepest sympathies to the family, he will be missed.
LaDell Hollenbeck
October 30, 2008
Wishing you comfort and healing throughout this time of grief and sorrow. I worked with Ray at Martin Insurance for 10 years and learned a lot from him. I will never forget the Christmas dinners when they made sure Milt and I were there together to tell our jokes. He was a very intelligent, caring person and full of life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the families Carol.
Remember:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Rick Dahl
October 29, 2008
Carol and Family,
Ray was not only a good friend, or goomba, as he liked to call it, but a mentor for me in ways that I will always appreciate. People come along in life that make a difference in yours. Ray was one of those.
Mike & Pat Parker
October 29, 2008
Our prayers are with Ray's entire family. The one thing that really stands out in my mind was that Ray always asked how the rest of our family was. And I truly believe that he was interested in the answer.
He will be greatly missed.
Wayne and Sylvia Jacobsen
October 29, 2008
Dear Carol and family,
Ray was always there with answers to our insurance questions even after he retired. Ray is a gentleman and friend that will be missed.
Our sincere sympathy,
Wayne and Sylvia Jacobsen
Sheila Elting
October 29, 2008
Carol and family,
Iam so very sorry to hear of your loss. Ray was a very sweet and funny guy, he could always bring a smile to any ones face. He will be dearly missed and my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
JoAnne Baker
October 29, 2008
Ray was a dear and lovely gentleman. He will be missed.
Bambi Walls
October 29, 2008
What fun we had with you Ray, at Martin Insurance. I can still here your laugh in my head even after all of these years. I know you will missed my many. Carol, I send my thoughts and prayers with you at this most difficult time.
Betty Erickson
October 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Ray always had a big smile and ready to extend his hand when needed, he will be missed by all.
Lisa Brill
October 29, 2008
Carol, thank you for sharing this wonderful man with all of us. I was introduced to Ray at the age of 15, he was selling insurance in Cathlamet, smile on his face and warmth in his heart. He has helped me be a better person and business woman. His wisdom and love of the people in this community will always be remembered. I can truly say he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Jessica Whittten
October 29, 2008
I knew Ray for almost 20 years and thought the absolute world of him. I will miss him so much!! My condolences to his family - I know how much he loved you all.
Jessica Whitten
Sue Barker
October 29, 2008
Rick, Val, DeWayne, Alex and Josie:
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad/grandfather. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. God has his arms wrapped around you...please contact us and let us know how you all are doing... Love Bill, Sue and Breeanne Barker
John Barlow
October 29, 2008
Ray will be sorely missed. He was a great friend and a kind and gentle person. His sense of humor was fantastic. My thoughts are with you, Carol, as you struggle through these times without the love of your life. John Barlow
Bob Huffman
October 29, 2008
Carol, and family, my thoughts are with you at this time. Even tho I haven't seen Ray in quite a while, he is always with me. He helped me so much as a father-figure, when I started the Muffler Hut when I was 22 years old. He was so informative, and willing to help, in anyway. I wish I could visit with him one more time. Always upbeat,smart and fun, that was Ray. Great memories.
Nancy Lewright (Chinchen)
October 29, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Rich Biggs
October 29, 2008
Our prayers go out to Ray and his family. Ray was certainly well known in our insurance world. He was a good friend to my Dad, and mentor in our industry. Mandi, I am sorry for the sudden loss of your father. God Bless your Dad, you and your family. The Biggs Family
Liberty Engleman
October 29, 2008
Ray you will be greatly missed. Your great deeds will not go unnoticed. Carol our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Liberty and Tinkerbell (Justina)
Jim Wills
October 29, 2008
Ray, we were friends and business associates for over 20 years. I will miss you.
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