Raymond Lloyd Quimby

Ray was born in Portland, OR on June 28, 1921, to Mabelle and Frank Quimby. He was the youngest of their four children. Mabelle passed away when Ray was fourteen in 1935. He lived with different family members and tried different schools. In the late 30’s he joined the Civil Conservation Corp. He was stationed in Central Oregon and learned many trades. He decided the “many trades” were not what he wanted as a life time career.

Ray enlisted in the Navy after Pearl Harbor. He trained in Colorado to learn Japanese and typing at the same time. During this time he met Hazel Neiman. They were married in Washington, DC, on August 31, 1944. Hazel returned to Colorado and Ray went to the Pacific Theatre. He received the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and Combat Action Ribbons for his service during WWII.

Ray and Hazel returned to Colorado after his discharge. He attended a watchmaking school and that was the beginning of his ”real career.” Daughter Karen was born in Colorado and a year later to the day Daughter Penny arrived in Portland, OR. Ray worked for numerous jewelers in Oregon but settled in Portland, and eventually opened his own Store, Ray Quimby Jewelers.

Sports cars were one of many hobbies Ray enjoyed. He was very active in TCO (Touring Club of Oregon). He enjoyed the rallies, cars and all of the people involved in the club.

The Quimby’s retired in 1968. They travelled around the country in an Airstream. They managed to drive 55,000 mile in the auto and trailer behind.

They again returned to Oregon deciding on Garabaldi, OR. They built a home and enjoyed their time with friends and Ray of course fished. Hazel fell ill and passed away at the beach in July 1985.

The late 90’s brought Ray back to Portland. He started dancing again and met Betty Leach. They both had the travel bug and loved to dance. They enjoyed many cruises and often won dance competitions. They moved into Russellville Retirement Home and enjoyed all of the activities and friends they made.

December 2019 Ray moved to Bend, OR and resided at Aspen Ridge Retirement Home.

We will miss his sense of humor, his wonderful artwork and his love for his family and country.

He is survived by 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Also his “Special Betty”.

A Military Service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on June 28, 2021 (HAPPY BIRTHDAY) at 1:30 pm.

Donations may be made in his name to a Veterans Organization of your choice.