1953
Raymond
2012
Raymond Ferris
March 28, 1953 — June 7, 2012
03/28/1953 – 06/07/2012
Ray, lovingly called Rayman by his wife and fondly referred to as RayRay by co-workers lived in Bellingham since 1990. He was 59 years old when he passed away peacefully at home of heart complications. He was born March 28, 1953 in Painesville, OH to Ray Ferris and Virginia Riddle. Ray’s legacy is his big generous heart; when he was just a teenage boy, he gave his mother money to buy his four younger siblings winter coats and his generosity never ceased. His legacy continues with his calm, easy manner, humble nature, pragmatic approach to life, his passion for music and playing and teaching guitar. Ray was a self-made man. Upon learning of his genius I.Q. status, he got his G.E.D., continued schooling and received a B.S. degree in Geology from Western Washington University in 1994.
Ray married his best friend and true love, Mary Jean Van Almen in 2003 sharing the better part of the past 27 years together. He was her quiet hero. Ray was employed by Whatcom Transit Authority as a transit operator. He was a proud and active member of ATU Local 843. He will be missed by his co-workers. Ray shared many sweet stories about his bus riders, especially regarding the little kids. Ray had passions for listening to public and talk radio and was ready with his political views and soft opinions. Chocolate, spaghetti, rocks, Sunday night animation-domination T.V., and spotting eagles and hawks were a few other delights. Ray so loved his best buds Cory Carlson and Ben Holmgren. Ray was a great Dad to his cats Cy, Sam and Jack. He loved all things earthly and in the universe and had a talent for petting bumble bees. Ray is survived by his wife Mary Jean Van Almen, his “dear ol’ Dad”, siblings; Marie Goetz (Roger), Martha Donnelly, Tim Ferris (Marie), nephews and nieces; Ian, Andrea, Shelby, Brooke, Summer, Kenny, Billy, Brandon, Jason and great-nephew Caleb. Ray was preceded in death by his mother, brother Ted, uncle Ted, brother-in-law Jim and best bud Cory. A Celebration of Ray’s Light and Life is planned for September 9, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Squalicum Boathouse.
Donations may be made to fund a star in his name starregistry.com, the ACLU www.aclu.org or the Winter Coat Fund c/o Interfaith Coalition 2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225. Mary Jean extends her deepest gratitude to the WTA/ATU, Westford Funeral Home, family and friends for their phenomenal love and supportive care.
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Ray, lovingly called Rayman by his wife and fondly referred to as RayRay by co-workers lived in Bellingham since 1990. He was 59 years old when he passed away peacefully at home of heart complications. He was born March 28, 1953 in Painesville, OH to Ray Ferris and Virginia Riddle. Ray’s legacy is his big generous heart; when he was just a teenage boy, he gave his mother money to buy his four younger siblings winter coats and his generosity never ceased. His legacy continues with his calm, easy manner, humble nature, pragmatic approach to life, his passion for music and playing and teaching guitar. Ray was a self-made man. Upon learning of his genius I.Q. status, he got his G.E.D., continued schooling and received a B.S. degree in Geology from Western Washington University in 1994.
Ray married his best friend and true love, Mary Jean Van Almen in 2003 sharing the better part of the past 27 years together. He was her quiet hero. Ray was employed by Whatcom Transit Authority as a transit operator. He was a proud and active member of ATU Local 843. He will be missed by his co-workers. Ray shared many sweet stories about his bus riders, especially regarding the little kids. Ray had passions for listening to public and talk radio and was ready with his political views and soft opinions. Chocolate, spaghetti, rocks, Sunday night animation-domination T.V., and spotting eagles and hawks were a few other delights. Ray so loved his best buds Cory Carlson and Ben Holmgren. Ray was a great Dad to his cats Cy, Sam and Jack. He loved all things earthly and in the universe and had a talent for petting bumble bees. Ray is survived by his wife Mary Jean Van Almen, his “dear ol’ Dad”, siblings; Marie Goetz (Roger), Martha Donnelly, Tim Ferris (Marie), nephews and nieces; Ian, Andrea, Shelby, Brooke, Summer, Kenny, Billy, Brandon, Jason and great-nephew Caleb. Ray was preceded in death by his mother, brother Ted, uncle Ted, brother-in-law Jim and best bud Cory. A Celebration of Ray’s Light and Life is planned for September 9, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Squalicum Boathouse.
Donations may be made to fund a star in his name starregistry.com, the ACLU www.aclu.org or the Winter Coat Fund c/o Interfaith Coalition 2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225. Mary Jean extends her deepest gratitude to the WTA/ATU, Westford Funeral Home, family and friends for their phenomenal love and supportive care.
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