Ray Anthony Daza

Ray was born in Manila, Philippines to Evangeline and Prisco Daza (deceased, 2021). He is the eldest son and the fourth of seven siblings. The Daza family immigrated to the United States when Ray was 12 years old, and they settled in West Seattle where Ray attended Madison Middle School and Chief Sealth High School. He graduated top of his class and followed Husky tradition… attending the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Zoology, 2000). Ray nurtured a passion for brain science and went on to pursue careers in neurology research at Harborview Hospital, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and UC San Diego.

Ray met and married the love of his life, Mitchelle, on September 22, 2004. Soon after, they were blessed with two wonderful boys, Marcus and Xavier. When his boys found their passion in baseball and swimming, Ray was eager to cheer, support, and chauffeur them across the PNW. He was the proudest parent at every competition.

Ray loved traveling abroad with his family – Greece, London, France, Italy, and Philippines. He loved the Pacific Northwest – crabbing at Cama Beach, hiking the Cascades, and camping the Oregon and Washington coasts. He loved California – Del Mar beach, Joshua Tree National Park and eating his way through San Diego. Ray was born on Earth Day, exploring and appreciating his surroundings was his nature.

When Ray’s career took him to San Diego in 2018, his family would embark on the biggest adventure of their lives. Although he would leave Seattle behind, it was not long before Seattle would visit him and his new access to Legoland, Disneyland, beautiful beaches and consistent sunshine. Ray loved his sibling’s visits. He loved hosting, reminiscing, and showcasing his other pride and joy: a prolific Valencia orange tree that would reliably bear sweet and juicy fruit in his backyard (alongside calamansi, lemongrass, and herbs that he used for cooking).

Like his father, Prisco, he showed his love through his passion for cooking. Often donning an apron, Ray is always in proximity to a kitchen; cooking like a true scientist trying different recipes, ratios, and perfecting his trade secret sauce. His BBQ is always a hit and especially his Louisiana-style baby back ribs accompanied by sweet baby Ray’s sauce. Made with love.

Ray was kind, sweet, brilliant, genuine, POLO-wearing, funny, happy-go-lucky, and optimistic. He is known for his one-liners by quoting songs and movies such as “You know me. Just for the Kids” or “I’m just trying to make a dollah out of fifteen cents.” His talent for communicating via internet memes is unparalleled. He is special, he is loyal, and he is irreplaceable.

He is survived by his loving wife Mitchelle of 20 years, his children; Marcus and Xavier, his best gal, Luna, his mother Evangeline, five sisters, one brother, twelve nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law, Norma.