Raymond Clair Reeves

Raymond Clair Reeves, 76, of Everett passed away on January 10, 2013, after a mercifully brief but severe flu. Born in Eureka, CA on April 24, 1936, Ray spent his youth happily hunting, fishing and pursuing his passion for music.

Following his graduation from Fortuna High School, he attended Humbolt State College in Arcata, CA and served in the army prior to his marriage. Ray married Betty Reynolds on April 14, 1960, and the couple was approaching their 53rd wedding anniversary at the time of his passing.

Ray was an accomplished trumpet player and boat builder from his youth, but found his life's work in woodworking; his handiwork still graces many fine dining establishments in the area, such as Anthony's, Daniel's Broiler and the Space Needle. He took special pride in a fifty foot surfboard he produced for a bar top for a Jungle Jim's restaurant in Kissimmee, FL. Ray always found time to build more boats and taught his grandkids to build alongside him as they grew. In addition, he could always be counted upon to do woodworking projects for family, friends and his church. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Everett since 1962, was active in the life of his church family, and was also active in supporting his wife's work with refugee families, helping them to feel welcome in the United States. He loved the Lord, and showed it by sharing all he had with others.

In his retirement, rather than slowing down, Ray added new interests and became very involved in funding a ministry for street children in Thailand and Laos, and assisting at-risk adults in his own community. He modeled this for his grandkids, many of whom have served alongside him over the years.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Eleanor Reeves; his sister, Margaret (Peggy) Wilson; and his nephew, Wesley Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Marcia (Michael) Hall, Cindy Pimentel and Mike (Renee) Reeves; his grandchildren, Donovan Reeves, Alexandra and Raymond Pimentel, Jeremy (Kim) Johnson, Nicholas (Kari) Johnson, Jennifer Miller, Marisa Johnson, Nathan Hall, Mischa Hall and Aislinn Hall. He also leaves four great-grandchildren, Dylan and Kaitlyn Ludwigsen, Erin and Andrew Johnson. He was called Grandpa by many more and proudly claimed them all.

This wonderful man taught his family to work with care, to love with abandon, and to give with an open hand of both time and money. His legacy will live on through his descendants.

"Home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hill."

Robert Louis Stevenson.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 18, 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Everett, 1616 Pacific Avenue.