Carl E. Ray

Carl passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and while holding his bride of 58 years' hand, on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, at Spokane Veterans Home.

Carl was born on Dec. 3, 1935, in Colfax, WA, to his parents Banner and Beulah Ray, joining his 3 brothers Marvin, Marion and Floyd. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1953 where he excelled in baseball and golf. Carl joined the US Army and served from 1956 through 1958, counting a year in Germany and a fondly remembered sight-seeing trip throughout Europe as his highlights.

Upon his Army discharge, he returned to Colfax where he met Marilyn Vannice “in the parking lot of the county jail” and began a lifelong journey with her. They were married in 1960, and in 1961 welcomed their first born into the world. Carl graduated from EWU in 1962 with an education degree and quickly began a 28 year career in elementary education, all in the Mead School District. Three more children soon followed.

Carl loved golf, computers, salmon fishing, was a ham radio operator (N7HKF), and was active at Messiah Lutheran Church, but what gave him the greatest joy was his family.

Carl is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; children Jeff (Nancy) Ray, Tim (Lara) Ray, Andy Ray and Suzanne (Ken) Pierce, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers with whom he is certainly “raising cane” with in glory.

Our family would like to thank Horizon Hospice for guiding Dad through the final days of his earthly journey and the amazing staff and friends at Spokane Veterans Home for their care and compassion for him over the last 14 months and for allowing us the honor of becoming a part of their family.

The Celebration of Life for Carl will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church on Friday, Nov. 9th, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Colfax Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Spokane Veterans home “Resident Betterment Fund” which goes directly towards the need of our veterans.