Raymond Bryan Pludow

Ray was born in Los Angeles, California to Howard and Ethel Pludow. He joined his two older sisters and in four years Ray became the idolized big brother to twin sisters. He adopted his parents' passions for medical science and experiencing the great outdoors.

Following high school, Ray earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Pitzer College. He would go on to study at UC Davis, earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Excitedly, he and his wife, Susan, opened a practice in Coarsegold, CA. His loving dedication to helping animals of all sizes reassured anyone who sought his expertise. His daughter called him 'the pet whisperer of Yosemite'. His practice continued for 40 years until Ray retired in 2024.

Moving from LA to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Ray pursued, with many friends and family, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and cross-country skiing. Ray will live on through his wife and his two children: Taylor and Hannah. They will always remember their father ending every phone call joyfully saying, 'Take it easy!' Family and friends will remember his sense of humor, sharp mind, friendliness and his love for the wilderness and animals.