Raymond Neal Lantz

Civil Air Patrol - Washington Wing

February 27 1947 – September 22, 2021

Raymond Lantz was born on 27 February 1947 in Weiser Idaho, the son of John W. and Myra J. Lantz. After he graduated from Weiser High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in May of 1965. Upon completion of basic training, he served as a member of The Air Force Technical Applications Center which provides national authorities quality technical measurements to monitor nuclear treaty compliance and developed advanced proliferation monitoring technologies to preserve our nation’s security. It is the sole organization in the federal government whose mission is to detect and report technical data from foreign nuclear explosions to national decision makers. These duties brought him to McClellan AFB at Sacramento California where he remained until 1975. During his Air Force career he was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and National Defense Service Medal.

Upon his separation from the Air Force, he became an employee of the Department of the Navy at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo California. He transferred to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton Washington until his retirement from federal service in May 2004. During this time, he served as a Radiological Control Technician and Instructor as well as a Naval Nuclear Engineering Technician in the Nuclear Qualify Control Department.

His first encounter with Civil Air Patrol came in the early 1960s in Idaho when he joined as a cadet member of Weiser Civil Air Patrol Squadron. Unfortunately, this unit disbanded shortly after he joined, and he did not return to Civil Air Patrol until he arrived at McClellan AFB in 1966, where he joined McClellan Cadet Squadron 12. Ray continued as a volunteer member for the rest of his life. During his time in Civil Air Patrol Ray served as a Unit commander and Group commander in California Wing, as well as various staff officer positions at all levels (unit, group, wing, region and national headquarters) of Civil Air Patrol. For his service he was award the Distinguished Service Award, Four Exceptional Service Awards; Six Meritorious Service Awards; and Five Commander's Commendations, Five Find Ribbons as well as several other awards and commendations throughout his career. He was named Communicator of the Year for the Wing and the Region in 2019. In 2019, he was also recognized as a 50-year member of Civil Air Patrol. The CAP was his passion, and he has left a legacy of service, dedication and integrity to all that knew him.

He was a loving partner, father and grandfather and could often be found playing a round of chess with his grandson, Colin, or sharing his knowledge and wisdom with them. His straightforward demeanor often made people think him grouchy, but under the gruff exterior was a heart, mind and soul that was kind, caring and gentle. He had an eclectic taste in music, loved great food and when able, to travel the country for business and pleasure. Ray was also an avid reader and animal lover. For many years he raised, bred and showed Italian Greyhounds and Whippets in dog shows around the West Coast.

Ray was proceeded in death by his parents and his wife of 24 years and is survived by his life partner of 21 years, Theresa (Tracy) L. Nietupski, his housemate, Lawrence Matthews, and his estranged brother Michael W. Lantz. Ray also had many family members through his relationship with Tracy and is survived by three children, Myranda, Stanley his wife, Sara, and Robert, and five grandchildren. Ray is also survived by many, many friends both locally and nationally.

A Viewing and Farewell Celebration will be held on October 9, 2021 from 10am-2pm at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5505 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Civil Air Patrol at https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/?form=donate