Leighton C. Rama passed away on October 31, 2013 in Damascus, Oregon. He was 86 years old. Leighton was born on December 30, 1926 in Elma, Washington to Marion “Elmer” Rama and Ethel Altha (Gore) Rama.
Leighton graduated from Montesano High School before joining the Navy in World War II. He served in the Pacific on the USS Kern and was honorably discharged as an Electronic Technician’s Mate Second Class in the summer of 1946.
Leighton earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington. This education allowed him to work for various companies such as General Electric as a development engineer, Boeing as a system engineer, University of Washington as an instructor, John Fluke as a project engineer, Holt Laboratories as engineering director, Electro Development Corporation as program manager and Pacific Technology as national sales manager. Leighton also founded the janitorial company, Consolidated Building Management in 1982. He retired in 1987. Most of his adult life was spent living in the Seattle area.
Leighton married Bethadell Cash, the daughter of Ernest Franklin Cash and Dorothy Lou (Williams) Cash, on September 7, 1942 in Spokane, Washington. Bethadell preceded him in death in 1970. He later married Joan Lee (Carlson) Royal on October 4, 1974 in Seattle, Washington. They were divorced in 1987.
Leighton enjoyed a lifetime of learning. He audited classes at the University of Washington well into his 80’s and enjoyed listening to college lectures on DVDs and reading The Economist until the final days of his life. He was an avid reader, golfer and tournament bridge player. He gave his best effort to everything he did, and passed that trait down to his daughter, Lyndee.
Leighton is survived by his daughter, Lyndee, and son-in-law, Denny, grandchildren Ryan and Bethany, and great grandchildren Karis, Colton, Kinsely and Hannah. His brother, Marion Glen preceded him in death.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
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