Ronald Allen Raymond

Born in Moses Lake on March 26, 1941 to Eldard and Florence Raymond, Ron was raised with his older siblings, Maryann, Dee and Richard and his baby brother, LeRoy, all of whom he remained close to throughout his life.

He spent his youth bailing hay, playing sports and racing cars, before his graduation from Moses Lake High in 1959. As an adult, Ron remained in Washington in the communities of Clarkston, Spokane, Kennewick, Everett and Vancouver raising his children and stepchildren, Tina, Stacey, Brian, Lisa, Kelly and Christy.

He loved to fish, boating at Deer Park, solving crossword puzzles, playing cards and watching sports. With a lifetime of effort as an avid bowler, Ron won a 300 game on September 10, 1982.

Standing 6'3" with a 40-plus-inch chest helping to create his football player shoulders and a nearly 7-foot basketball player arm span with 8-inch palms at the end, he was a gentle giant who never met a stranger. Ron was a man who lived by the Golden Rule, was slow to anger and quick to walk from a fight. He was accepting and non-judgmental, always putting himself in the other man's shoes. Blessed with a quick wit, he loved to talk. He would sit for hours and weave tales of his experiences with storyteller charm and humor.

Ron passed peacefully on June 1, 2006 in his children's arms. He is survived by his siblings, his children and stepchildren and their children and leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in the many lives he touched. Friends and family are encouraged to join together to celebrate his life, share the tales of his adventures and bring comfort to one another. Donations can be made in his name and memory to Hospice Southwest PO Box 1600 Vancouver, WA 98668.