Raymond George Blondin Sr.

He was born January 6, 1922 to Edmond and Mable Blondin in Yakima, WA, in his parents’ home. He was one of 12 children. He went to Tietonview Grade School, Franklin Jr High, and graduated from Cowiche High School.

Ray met Eloise Shearer on a blind date July 17, 1939 and went together 4 years being interrupted by WWII. They were married July 25, 1943. Ray enlisted in the Army Air Corps Reserve while attending Yakima Junior College. He got his private pilot’s license under the tutelage of Charles McAllister and was called into active duty while attending Washington State College (WSU). He served in Texas and California. His 5 brothers: Eugene, Art, Ernie, Frank and Doug also served in various branches of the Armed Services. After serving 2 years and winning highest athletic honors, the war was winding down and the cadets where given the option of continuing pilot training or being honorably discharged. He often joked that he was the first one out the door to return home to Eloise.

Ray worked in the fruit industry as a field representative with the original Rainier Fruit Company for 13 years and, after their fire, spent the next 34 years with Roche Fruit Company where he took great pride in the credibility he developed with growers and shippers over those many years. During that time, he met many people who became lifelong friends. He retired in 1990.

Ray and Eloise had 2 children, Diana and Raymond, both of whom became teachers, which he was very proud of. Ray had a lifelong commitment to family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and large extended family – attending every annual family reunion. Ray and Eloise were members of St. Paul’s Parish for many years where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. After moving to a new home, they joined Holy Family Parish.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Eloise, son Raymond Jr, brothers Eugene, Art, Frank and Ernie, sisters Blanche, Leona, June, Betty Jean, and several brothers and sisters-in-law and son-in-law (Jim Rust). He is survived by daughter Diana Friedlander (Len) of Moses Lake, granddaughter Lisa Hansen (Bryan) of Moses Lake, grandsons Mike Rust (Kristi) of Spokane, Mark Blondin (Teresa) of Yakima, and Eric Blondin (Janelle) of Eugene; great-grandchildren Derek Hansen, Emma Blondin, Olivia Blondin, and Elloise Rust.

In the last few years of his life, he made many new friends at Harmon Senior Center. Dancing, playing cards and travel adventures with friends Arlee, Gary, Lorraine, Ken and Betty gave him the new lease on life he so needed after the passing of his beloved wife.

Viewing will be Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 3:00 PM until the Vigil Service begins at 5:30 PM at Langevin El Paraiso, 1010 W. Yakima Ave. Mass of Christian Burial is Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5315 Tieton Dr., followed immediately by a luncheon in the church hall. Burial with military honors at 2:00 that afternoon at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Dr. Memorials may be made to La Salle High School or memorial of choice c/o Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902. To share a memory of Ray, please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.