Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service
 
One of Marci's favorite memories is when she was 4 or 5 and Dad had taken all of us kids to Aunt Rose's pool to go swimming one evening. We thought it was the best time. Marci was riding a tricyle around the pool, around and around and around. Several times Dad had told her to slow down or you are going to ride into the pool! About that time she rode the trike right into the pool and pedaled all the way to the bottom. When Dad got to the bottom of the pool she was still holding onto the trike looking at him. And he said to her under water " I love you" then he grabbed her and the trike and they swam to the top.  It is just one perfect example of how the four of us children always came first
I miss you, Dad  Love

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service

Kyla's Memory

I love my mommy's grandpa. He was my great grandpa. He was funny. The whole family is sad. He was a good granpa to me and the family.  He loved to catch fish. I am going to miss him.
Love-

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service

Mark and Rob shared the same story-

At Thanksgiving Dinner everyone that could be there was and Dad had talked to the ones who couldn't be there on the phone- it was a wonderful day and a great dinner!  After dinner some of us were sitting in the dining room visiting, Dad was sitting with us and talking to the kids. Daymeon and Eva were out side burning off some energy. Mark, Nick, Rob, Paul, Eric and Jeremy were in the living room watching TV and visiting.  The door bell rang and Mark jumped up to get it. No one was there- the kids were ringing and running!  A couple of minutes later it happened again and Mark told Rob to get the door- so he did.  No kids again!  So he belowed at them and said that if it happened again he was going to "bust their butts!"  So Dad slowly got up, quietly went out the back door, around the house, crouching in front of the window- to the front door and "Ding Dong"   Rob flew out of the chair and flung open the door, to see Dad standing there laughing at him as he casually walked up the steps and through the door laughing- The boys were rolling on the floor laughing and Rob was speechless. It was a wonderful day.
We miss you Dad

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service-

Hello, my name is Jayme Rae, I am one of Grandpa Ray's grandchildern

When I asked my oldest son, Daymeon "What is a favorite memory about Grandpa Ray, that you would like to write and share?" He replied to me, "The overnight fishing trip I took with Grandpa and Grandma this summer."  Daymeon: "on that fishing trip Grandpa taught me how to hold my pole straight. I caught 15 cokannie fish. It was tough! It made my hands tired, like I was going to drop my pole.  I almost did once.  Grandma had to hold my pole 8 or 10 times.  I felt like they were going to pull me in.  Grandpa said that when the end of your pole wiggles that means you have a fish on the line.  Grandpa said that you have to let out 3 colors of line and a big spinner.  It was fun.  My ears were cold when the water splashed them.  The day was hot and I had orange pop."

I asked my youngest son Blayke Ray the other day "Do you want to say good-bye to Grandpa Ray?" He said "No, Grandpa gone." very casually.  After dinner with our family that night, we were at my parents home sharing more memories and thoughts about Grandpa.  We brought up Blayke's odd response to my question earlier.  Blayke is always specific when he tells you where someone is, he has never just said "gone."  We asked Blayke "Well where did Grandpa go?"  He smiled and pointed and looked up saying "Up there."
Having never sat down and talked to Blayke about heaven and angels, this to me shows that Grandpa may no longer walk among us but he still walks beside us keeping a watchful eye and a loving hand on our shoulders.

Jayme: When I think about my Grandpa there is a floo of childhood and adult memories.  My Grandpa lived his life the way he wanted to.  Grandpa always made us grandkids and great grandkids feel that we were his favorite, when in truth we all were his favorite.  He was the strong sturdy man at the core of our family, full of love and generosity.  Grandpa always made sure that his family was happy and taken care of.  He was always will to do whatever he could.  When it came to Grandpa his handshake held his word, if he said he was going to, he did.

As a child as well as an adult Grandpa Ray was a huge presence in my life. I can remember as a child that I thought Grandpa was magic for the longest tim.  When Grandpa and I would drive around in his pickup truck through town and when we came to a red light, he woudl say " You want the light to turn green?"  I would sa "yes!"  Grandpa would say "OK, watch the light."  I would be so intent on whatch the light as Grandpa would count "one, two, three", and then blow at the light and every time it would turn green!  I didn't figure out how he always made the light turn green until I myself started driving.

Another memory that I would love to share with ou is , as a child when Grandpa drove a car hauler for Convoy Co., I would be sittingon his lap in the truck yard grasping the huge steering wheel and pulling the cord for the horn as he granny geared it through the yard letting me believe that I was driving that huge truck

The man who walked this earth among us,
that touched so many in infinite ways,
who always had the spare time
with a sturdy hand shake that held its word
Who left us too soon, but
will always be around us
Keeping tabs, a watchful eye and a loving arm around us,
That man is and always wil be my Grandpa Ray

We love and miss you-

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service-

A poem read by Desirae  from all the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

For Our Grandpa

I know we are all feeling a little bit sad,
That we've lost our grandpa, our friend, and our dad
Together we have cried an ocean of tears,
As we feel so empty and hold many fears.

But grandpa would want us to know he's in a good place,
And that he's watching us all with a smile on his face.
As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be.
That he has raised such a beautiful and special family.

Thinking back now I really must say,
I feel lucky and privileged to have known Grandpa Ray.
For in our life, you have played a special part.
The memories we will treasure and keep close to our heart.

Although he has gone we will always be together.
And his spirit will live on, in each one of us forever.
When you look to the sky, look for the brightest star
As that will be Grandpa looking down on us from afar.

And now I would like to thank the good Lord above
For blessing us with our Grandpa with his kindness and love.
If it's not too much fuss
Take extra special care of our Grandpa as he is very dear to us.

Granpa if you are listening say a prayer for us every day.
Be sure to protect us and guide us on our way
We know when God called you, you had to go
But we hant you to know Grandpa Ray
We miss you and love you so-
Danielle, Eric, Kayla, Jayme, Desirae, Ben & Jennifer
Daymeon & Blayke Ray, Kyla and Karisa, Rylee Rae, Eva and Khloe

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service-

Danielle's Memory-
When I think back of all the memories I have of my Grandpa there are several and I was lucky to have had him over the 30 years of my life.  One of them that I will remember forever and have shared with my girls, Kyla and Karisa and hope to share with my grandchildren on day, is about the jelly beans.  When I was little, Grandpa always kept a jar of jelly beans on his dresser.  I would follow him in anxiously waiting for my jelly bean.  It was always a rule that we had to leaveon jelly bean in the jar so the "jelly bean fairy" would know to come and fill it back up.  Several years passed before I realized that Grandpa was actually the "jelly bean fairy."
I always looked forward to seeing the smile on his face when we were all together as a family.  It is what was most important to him.  I can only hope that in 50 years, I have as many people to treasure me that treasure him-
We miss you

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service-

Hi, My name is Eric and I am one of Grandpa Ray's grandchildren.  Grandpa Ray was many things to me protector, teacher and most of all friend.  I have lots of memories of hanging out with Grandpa, but the one that sticks out the most is the trip to Lake Koocanusa with the pit stop at the Yak River Camp Ground.
The trip started with Grandpa picking me up late one evening on a long weekend to go fishing at Lake Koocanusa when I was about twelve or thirteen.  On the drive over about halfway there it was getting really dark and Grandpa said, "Hey, let's spend the night here at the Yak River Campground."  and I said, "Okay."  When we pulled in I noticed that there weren't any lights, it was pitch black with no other campers in sight!  As I looked out the windows all I could see were the dead branchy bottoms of the trees and it knid of reminded me of a horror movie.  Grandpa turned to me and said when he found a camp spot, "We're here let's get in the camper" which  I replied, "Nuh uh, It's dark out there and I am not getting out."  He got out walked around the truck opening my door and repeating himself, "We're here let's get in the camper."  I looked at hime with fear and said, "it is really dark and scary here."  He then decided that we would just finish driving to Lake Koocanusa. When we got there the campground office was closed and we had to stay in the boat launch parking lot.  After we parked Grandpa said, "We're here, now get out."  and I turned and replied, "But, it's dark outside."  After several minutes of discussion he persuaded me that it would be OK, and I got out of the truck and into the camper.  When we got into the camper he told me to get my bed ready and I asked if I could just sleep in the bed with him instead.  He said that was fine and off to bed I went.
I will miss you, Grandpa a whole bunch.  You were always there no matter what. You never asked for anything unless you absolutely needed it.  I am happy that you were here to meet my baby girl, Rylee Rae.  I am happy that we spent alot of time together this past year talking about work, school and cars.  I will remember all of your advice and take it to heart.  I will remember all the memories you have given me, all are happy with no regret and no remorse.  I love you, Grandpa. We will miss you -

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service-

Hi, I am Ray's oldest son Nick, I also would like to thank you for coming here today to celebrate my Dad's life with my family and I.  He would really appreciate it.  He was my friend, business partner, my mentor but most of al he was my Dad.  I think the main thing he taught me was that a man is only as good as his word.  I have tried to live by that and he was definitely a man of his word in every aspect of his life.  He loved his family more than he would ever say, but he proved it to me and I am sure to my brother and sisters and my mom, Gayle by how he lived!  He would have given his life freely for anyone of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren or wife!  In my opinion just about anyone, if it was either him or them, he was just that kind of guy.  A true hero among men!  He was tough but fair in the way he took his approach to life and his family, no matter the problem he was the first one there to help get it solved! He would have given the shirt off his back even if he needed it and he did this his whole life with his family and his friends!  I am no sure which of us was more stubborn I would say it was him and he would say it was me, so today I am going to agree with him and just call it a tie.  My Dad taught me to hunt, fish, to camp and about nature and to be a good man.  Pretty much everything else he showed me the way and let me take it from there.
My Dad didn't have any brothers, but there were two men that he told me were like brothers to him, my generation would call them brothers from another mother.  They are Jack Slingsby and Bill Topar and they spent many a day out fishing together.  Even though neither one of them could drive the boat very well because they both have tried to crash into me at one time or another on the river when Dad was trying to get a nap or get the lines untangled.  I know that he love Captain Jack and Bill as family!  Then there is Jay Davitt, the man doing Dad's service today. He loved Jay like a son even though in my opinion he's a damn liar! But thats a fishing liar and thats another story that I am sure if you are one of the fishing buddies or family you have heard it already- thanks again Jay for today.
My Da told me a long time ago that on the day that you die if you can count the number of good friends on both your hands you were a wealthy man and by al the calls, texts, emails and as I look out here today at the friends and family here today- it tells me something I guess I have always known.  Dad you were the richest man I ever knew! I could talk all day about my Dad and what he did for my life, my brother and my sisters and his wife Gayle, our Mom who in my opinion was the best woman that any man could have asked for - she made him whole!
I am proud to say that Raymond F. Crocker was my Dad, he will be greatly missed by me and his family forever, he was a great man.
So as you go through life- do something good in Ray's name- he would be proud of you!  Thank you all again

Thoughts and memories from the family that were read at the funeral service-

Cheryl - has a poem that reminds her of her Dad

I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and shiney days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.

I cold not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy,
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things to I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free

Dad- We love and miss you so very much, watch over us- Love

Thoughts and memories of the family, that were read at the funeral service.
From Gayle Crocker

I would like to share a few of my thoughts and memories with you.  Ray and I talked about everything over our 54 years of marriage, including death and funerals.  The service today was planned around his wishes.  His Dad's WWII flag draped over his casket, the photos, music, military taps and his good friend Jay Davitt officiating.
Ray was a good man, good husband, dad and grandpa.  I admired him for his honesty, integrity and dependability- "if he gave you hs word on a handshake, it was as good as gold".  Anyone who know him, also knew that there was no gray area where he was concerned, it was black or white.  
Ray's home was his castle.  Our family get-togethers on holidays and around the swimming pool in the summer were what he enjoyed most.  He loved telling all the little kids over the years that if they pee'd in the pool he woudl know it because a red ring would appear around them- the kids made many trips into the house to go the the bathroom.
Friendships were very important to Ray and he had friends from all walks of life; highschool, the army, motorcycling, truck driving, the coin business, his neighbors, the Yuma group and last but not least his fishing buddies
His boat was his "prize" possession and his enjoyed many great fishing trips.  He only left the plug out once!
Ray's passing has left a big void in our hearts, but we have many wonderful memories and will always love him as he loved us.

Hi- So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I still remember all those year's ago when I was a fresh faced new salesperson, how he intimidated me----til I got to know him and realized he was just a big teddy bear. My heart goes out to your family...Jan, The Exchange

Dear Gayle , We think of you every day and are always just a moment away from picking up the phone to tell Ray something. You were so brave to get up and speak at the service and did such a loving and good job. We were so impressed with the whole family and Ray would of been especially proud of the grandkids with their comments, stories and poem. We have never met Marcy, but of course feel like we know her from all the family stories through the years. She,like the others did such a loving and beautiful tribute. It was very special that her best and chidhood friend,Shelly, was there to contribute the Native blessing. We just keep thinking of what a supportive and wonderful job Cheryl, Mark and Nick , as well as others have done, not just at the service, but all the kindnesses behind the scene also. Ray must be so pleased that he was always there for whoever needed his help and that all that love& respect is being given in return.You know we are here if you need anything. Love, Gale and Don

Gayle & Family,
We are truly sorry to hear about Ray's passing. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Mark, Kathy & Alex St. Amand

Remembering fondly those hot summer days when we finally begged our parents long enough to let us visit Uncle Ray and Aunt Gayle at the pool! Watching Uncle Ray manicure his yard to perfection while still finding the time to test those pool chemicals right in front of us….watching wide eyed until he gave us the ok that everything tested out alright :)
Thank you for the memories.
Love Carie (Koker) Mourin

Was so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time!!  
Debbie Sturgeon-Keller

To the Crocker Family: Ray will be missed, we know that Ray will be looking down to keep a eye on his family.. Love to all of you on one of your sadest days of all.

He was so much fun.... loved his humor and all around love for his family...will be missed on the Columbia... I will still drive my wife's truck to go fishing..

I would like to express my sincere condolences and sympathy for your loss. Mike @ Goldworks

Gayle I am so sorry for the sudden loss of Ray. My heart goes out to you and family. I will always appreciate Ray's visits to my  Mom. She just loved when you guys came over to visit in your motor home.

To the family of Ray Crocker, We are very sad to learn the passing of ray. He was a good friend to Martha and I. with condolences Ron and Martha Davis - Coeur d' Alene Idaho

My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the Crocker Familiy.

To the Crocker Family, Beth and I are extremely saddened to hear of your loss.  I always loved talking with Ray, he always had a very defined view of things.  I liked that in him.  I hope you can find some peace and solace at this difficult time.  You all will be in our prayers.
Sincerely, Steve and Beth Schmedding

I met Ray when his boat trailer broke short of the launch about 3 years ago. I left him my tools to use. We had only talked a couple of times on the phone about fishing since and the last time was last October. He was on his boat with his friends doing what he loved, fishing. Tight lines Ray.

To Gayle and family.

I loved Ray for many things but mostly for his wonderful sense of humor.

Dear Family of Ray, 
We met at the Coin Corner when my boys were very young. Ray took them under his wings and would teach them about the different coins and their values. He and Gayle were always so Sweet to them. It meant so much when you all helped me during the joy of planning my wedding set, and later listening to the saddness of the problems in that marriage, and your support after the demise of that marriage. I always loved seeing Ray's smile when walking in the door, it was always like seeing an old friend,.. and my boys,... now young men always loved seeing him too. To me, he was like a big gentle teddy bear! Ray, you are missed already, but we'll see ya later my Friend! May God's love provide you with support and comfort during this difficult time. Hugs and Love, Cheryl & Jeff Zicha and Rory and Andrew Finley

To Gayle and family; My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I want you to know how grateful I am for being able to get to know Ray better over the last decade or so. Mom (Aunt Ruthie) always spoke so fondly of you both, and I really appreciated that you came to visit her.I am grateful we had a chance to chat about our ancestors Ray, you will be missed by so many.  Till we meet again dear cousin...rest in peace. Thea Miller

Dear Gayle,  
While we don't really know your part of the "Crockers", we feel a kinship none the less.  We always enjoyed your visits to Ray's Aunt Ruthie's in Everett WA. Ruth loved you both.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Your cousin, 
Karen (Miller) & Elmer Bunch
Lakeview Oregon

Dear Family of Ray,
It's been awhile but none the less, we are sorry to see of Ray's passing unexpectedly.  He was a genuine friend, not only at the Coin Corner, but also at Coin Shows.
We send our heartfelt sympathy to all family members and pray that the good memories linger.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Arley and Myrnie Bischoff
Harrington, WA 99134

We were so sorry to hear about Ray, you are all in our thoughts.
Lee and Lucy

We were sad to hear of Ray's passing.  I know he enjoyed his family, his hobbies and his time on earth.

Joe & Sally Noyes

Our sincere condolences to the Crocker family, Dr Treloar and staff.

I wish I had the words to lighten your hurt Aunt Gayle, But sometimes words are not enough. Please accept our deepest condolences. We will miss Uncle Ray greatly.. *Hugs & Luvs*

 "If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, we'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again."

Love Always,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Gayle, and deepest sympathy to all your family.  Ray will be missed by all.  Joyce

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Raymond F. Crocker for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.

We are so sorry to hear Ray was taking away from everyone so soon.  I was loving our talks about the Mustang he was wanting  Miss you so.  Jan Odom

We are holding you in our thoughts, Gayle, and our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are in Yuma and learned this sad news when reading this morning's Spokesman online.
Sincerely,
Gary and Glenda Brannan

To the Crocker Family;
I was sadden to hear of your Father's passing.My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I enjoyed the visited I had with him when we had occassion to meet. He will be greatly missed. 
Sincerely,
Tom Carroll

Can't believe you were taken so suddenly, we will miss you very much! Our condolences to the entire Crocker family ...

OBITUARY

Raymond F. Crocker

19 June, 1932 – 25 November, 2011

Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home

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