Raymond Herbert Beyer

Raymond H. Beyer (Ray) passed away April 6, 2026, at the age of 88. Ray was born on July 17, 1937 in Spokane Washington to Mabel and Walter Beyer. He also had a brother, Walter Jr., nine years his senior. Ray began playing the piano at age six and soon learned the organ, as well. He attended Rogers High School where he provided musical accompaniment for the theater arts department and was a member of DeMolay International until age 21.

Ray met his bride, Irene Peterson, on a blind double date. The two were married July 27, 1958. Ray was baptized as an adult at Our Saviors Lutheran Church the year after their marriage. They purchased a home in Spokane and began life together, but Ray was drafted into the Army and sent to California for basic training. Irene eventually joined him where they lived off base in a twenty-four-foot travel trailer for the remainder of his two-year term serving as a Chaplain Assistant. Here, Ray embarked on his long-standing leadership role in planning, organizing, and executing community events, including the service members family holiday program with music and social activities.

Ray and Irene returned to Spokane and welcomed three children in four years: Scott, Alicia, and Rochelle. Ray’s professional work as an Operations Manger and Auditor for a commercial chemical distributor moved the family across the US five times in eight years. No matter where they landed, the first order of business was to find a church home, preferably one that needed an organist, choir director, or both, his avocation of choice.

In 1986 Ray left the chemical business to begin working for Calvin Presbyterian (Rise Church) full time as the church administrator and director of music until his retirement in 2002. In addition to the Chancel choir, Ray established and nurtured a men’s chorus and handbell choir, which continues to this day.

In 2002 he became integral in Northwest Senior Theater (NST), serving as the artistic director and keyboard accompanist for seventeen years. After stepping down from NST and transitioning into full-time retirement, he became co-director of King City Music Club Chorus and Village Voices at King City Senior Village. Ray spoke fondly of that work until his passing, often imagining what song they would perform next. He touched countless lives with his musical talent, humor, and vision in this avocation spanning over seven decades.

Ray was a family man, a traditional husband, and father of three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His extended family includes seven nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children as well as many close cousins. He was extremely proud of his offspring and “what they are up to.” At 6’-4”, Ray stood out in the crowd. But in his family, his stature was more than a physical attribute; he was the man everyone looked up to. He shared humor freely with a pun or lighthearted tease and looked for levity in every conversation, an attribute that endeared him to many people.

Ray treasured Irene as a wife, mother, and partner. He cared for her through everything life presented until she passed away in June 2024, just shy of their 66th wedding anniversary. They kept every love letter, diary, Birthday, Valentines, Mother’s and Father’s Day card they had exchanged between them from the beginning. Irene sang in many of his choirs, being “directed” by him. And in return, Ray faithfully followed her “direction” in family life, home, and endless gardening projects. He laid many brick patios or built decks where they could enjoy one of their favorite weekly traditions, a Saturday night hamburger.

As we reflect on the time we had with Ray, you may have witnessed the pride and satisfaction on his face as he came to the end of a performance, smiling, a twinkle in his eye, a hand clenched victoriously, claiming it was a good show.

Good show, Ray Beyer. Good show!