Raymond Alfred McLaren

Command Chief Master Sergeant Raymond Alfred McLaren passed away on December 28, 2022. He was born in Moline, Illinois on January 1, 1932 and raised in Southern California. He attended James A. Garfield High School in east Los Angeles and joined the newly created Air force in April 1949. His first assignment after basic training was as a Drill Instructor at Lackland AFB, Texas. In December 1950 his troops were selected as the Squadron honor flight.

Raymond served his country at various locations throughout the world and United States and retired from the Air Force in January 1979. His service involved managing Base and Command level training programs, plus several special assignments.

During his military career, he was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, six Air Force Commendation Medals, six Outstanding Unit Awards, the Korea and Vietnam service medals, plus several commendation and achievement letters from senior Air Force and government Officials. His yearly performance reviews were always rated outstanding.

He met the love of his life, Aiko Shinzato, during his first assignment to Okinawa, Japan. After many evenings of dating, dinners, and movies he asked her to marry him. She agreed and they were married at the Japanese City Office in Naha, Okinawa. Raymond and Aiko have three wonderful children, Mary (husband Mike), George (wife Janis) and Linda (husband Rob). They also have 6 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Sadly, his wife passed away on February 13, 2020 after a brief illness.

During Raymond’s Air Force and civilian careers, Aiko was a participant in everything he did by supporting his career objectives. When Raymond retired from the Air Force, he went to work for Northrop Aircraft Industries. His first three years were devoted to developing Aircraft Maintenance training proposals and programs supporting sales of Northrop F5 fighters to foreign countries. Eventually, he was reassigned to function as the Operations Support Manager for Engineering with the Stealth Bomber Division. During his tour with the Bomber Division, he also served as the Management Club President in 1989 and 1990. In 1985, he was awarded the Treasury Department outstanding achievement award for his management of the Division Savings Bond program. His Division had the highest participation rate in Northrop. Raymond worked for Northrop a total of 16 years.

Raymond was a Master Mason member of Okinawa Lodge 118. After retirement, both he and his wife enjoyed traveling and social events with friends and family. In 2005, they moved to Sun City Grand in Arizona to be near their youngest daughter and her husband who live in Goodyear. Both Raymond and his wife Aiko will be missed by family and friends. Raymond has now joined Aiko and their love and happiness is once again flowering as it did in the beginning 60 plus years ago.

Services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona, 85374, (623) 546-8002. Light breakfast reception from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM. Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Ray are invited to celebrate his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the McLaren family.