Ray Wesley Whelan

June 8, 1922 ~ December 18, 2017

Heaven gained a special angel this Christmas. Ray W. Whelan passed away gently on December 18, 2017, in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He lived a very long, productive life. He provided his family with love, support, advice and inspiration over his lifetime.

Ray W. Whelan was born June 8,

1922 to Percy and Raynette (Hampton) Whelan. His mother died when Ray was very young. His father went to Alaska during the turn of the century to follow the gold rush. Alas, no gold, so he returned to Seattle and became a chef at the old Olympic Hotel in Seattle. His father's sister, Mable Whelan helped a great deal in Ray's upbringing. Mable was a professional mandolin and guitar player in the L.A. area as well as Seattle. From his aunt, Ray learned and became a very talented musician, playing classical mandolin and guitar. He later added the piano to his musical skills. His family remembers lots of music and singing in their lives.

Ray met his future wife, Nadine Arfman, while stationed at Ft. Lewis. They were married in 1946, moved into a small houseboat on Lake Union next to the old Showboat Theater. They built their first modest home in NE Seattle themselves. Ray and Nadine had four wonderful children. Michael R., Marianne (Bachus-John), Laurie Whelan, and Daniel John. Very sadly, Ray was predeceased by his beloved daughter Laurie.

Ray served as a decorated officer in the Army in Europe during WWII. He later spent a year on Okinawa during the Korean war.

Interrupted by the war, Ray returned to University of Washington receiving a B.S. in civil engineering. He spent 25 years with Western Gear Corp as both an engineer and a sales manager.

1970, the family returned to Seattle from California, and Ray invested in a small franchise. That business became well known in the Seattle area as Cabinetpak Kitchens of Seattle, the original cabinet refacing. Nadine, Laurie and Dan were very involved in the success of the business. Cabinetpak remains a successful business today in Seattle (5 stars on YELP!!!) thanks to Pete Spiess who picked up the reigns after Ray retired.

After Ray's retirement in 1997, Nadine and Ray enjoyed a lot of time on their boat around Puget Sound. He was known as "Captain Ray". They also enjoyed cruises with friends and traveling around the country to visit their many friends. They even cruised to Europe on the QEII.

Ray is survived by his loving wife "Dena", his children, Michael Whelan (Ginger), Marianne Bachus-John (Ken John), Daniel Whelan (Paige). He also leaves 5 grandchildren, David, Brian, Jennifer, Jacob, Annie, 2 great grandchildren-all Whelan's.

Services will be held at Lake City Presbyterian Church, 3841 NE 123rd St., Seattle, at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 6, 2018. Reception to follow.

Interment will be at Acacia Memorial Park immediately following with family members.