Cranston Dunlop Raymond, Jr. died on June 20, 2013 just one month following the celebration with his beloved family of his 97th birthday. He was born on May 21, 1916 in Albany, New York to C.D. and Anne Raymond and was joined by his brother Donald, born in 1917. After his family moved to Seattle, Cran graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1936. He attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1940, and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Cran was raised in an environment that encouraged his love of books and published works as his father travelled as a salesman, first for magazines and subsequently for a book publisher. The subsequent expansion of the family business grew to include sales of prints and rare books with travel in Europe and across the United States.
Cran started his own book sales career working in the Seattle Frederick & Nelson’s book shop. Subsequent work as manager of The Bookworm, a small shop selling used books to students and faculty near the University of Washington further enhanced his appreciation and passion for great literature and learning. He moved on to work for book publishers as a ‘college travelers’ sales agent, travelling to call on the faculties of colleges. He met his wife, Fernande, while on his first summer vacation in Europe in Baden Baden in 1963, where she was on vacation from her home in Saint- Raphael, France. Subsequent summer visits with Fernande and her family led to a special, beautiful relationship and after 12 years of courtship, Cran and Fernande married in 1975. Cran joined his father in the family business in sale of art and rare books, which he and Fernande managed for many years.
Cran’s love of knowledge, information and appreciation of new ideas he retained until his death. He saw no limitations in his ability to pursue areas of interest – learning Pilates in his late ‘80’s, acquiring the latest technological tools that allowed him to pursue research online when visual capability was declining, listening for hours to many Great Courses tapes on historical, scientific, and literary topics, or acquiring newly developed ‘gadgets’ that provided new opportunities. His memory and interests were endless – his articulate communication of his learnings enraptured friends and family. He was able to recall in explicit detail historical events and retained his interest in history, art, literature continuously. This passion was an inspiration to his family and all who came in contact with him.
Cran felt deeply that generosity, kindness, compassion were key elements needed for our world to achieve peace and extend love and healing. His family learned from him on a regular basis. He generously donated to many non-profits and other organizations worldwide in which he believed. Cran’s family deeply appreciates the staff of The Kenney Retirement and Assisted Living Facility - an amazing and caring group who supported Cran’s independence and tenacity, and provided an environment for him to continue to pursue his interests, and develop new friendships.
Cran’s dear wife Fernande died in 2010. Cran is survived by his three nieces, Lauriann Reynolds, Sally Marts, and Joan Raymond, and their families - Norton Reynolds, Stephanie Hutchinson, Erik Johnson, Karl, Susie & Ally Johnson; Sage Marts, Tom & Olive Fitzpatrick , Alan Marts; Chris Boucher, Derek & Kristi & Layla Boucher, and Maia Boucher.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Cran's memory to:
Seattle Children’s Foundation:
Mail Stop S-200
PO Box 50020
Seattle, WA 98145-5020
Phone: (206) 987-2000 or (206) 987-3101
C/O Thomas Hansen, MD, Chief Executive Officer
email: [email protected]
http://www.seattlechildrens.org/ways-to-help/contact/
A Celebration of Cran’s life will be held in late July. You may leave a message for the family at www.acaciafuneralhome.com in the online guestbook portion of this webpage.
Thank you Cran – for all you have given to your family, friends and community. Bless you – Over and Out.
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