Ray Harrison

Oysterville resident Ray A. Harrison, 62, died April 3, 2007 in Vancouver, WA. The son of Alvah and Edith (Orin) Harrison, he was born September 23, 1944 in Grand Valley, Colorado. As a youngster Ray moved with his family to Longview where he attended grade school. He graduated from Castle Rock High School in 1962. Ray was the manager of the varsity football team and school photographer. Having joined the Navy Reserves while still in high school, Ray entered active duty following graduation. He served in the US Navy for the ensuing 22 years as an engineer and electricians mate, obtaining the rank of Senior Chief. He served aboard various ships and in many locals including Vietnam. He was proud of being a member of Imperium Neptuni Regis for having crossed the equator numerous times. Following his military service Ray moved to Klipsan Beach where his first job was with Astoria Oil Co. This job took him to Alaska where he worked on the North Slope oil field. Returning to the Peninsula in 1988 he attended the Sheriff's Reserve Academy and became the resident deputy for the Surfside Homeowner's Association, a job he held until his death. Ray also served as a reserve deputy for the Pacific County Sheriff's Department. For over 20 years Ray served as volunteer firefighter and EMT for Pacific County Fire District No. 1 with the rank of Battalion Chief. He was a member of both Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. As a member and High Priest of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ray served as Long Beach branch president. In addition he was a Boy Scout leader in a troop sponsored by the church. Ray was a ham radio operator with the call letters N7XZX and loved tinkering with cars. Ray loved and served his community unselfishly in many ways and was the ultimate public servant. He was the same person whether wearing his police, fireman or civilian clothes. He respected others, was able to have rapport with almost anyone and lived his life as a true tribute to his faith. He was devoted to his family and loved and cared for children. He served as umpire at his son's Little League games. He and Candy Horton were married in 1965 and later divorced. On November 13, 1973 he married Nada Frandsen and their vows were solemnized June 30, 1980 at the Seattle LDS Temple. Nada survives living at the family residence in Oysterville. Surviving are sons Kenneth and wife Carolyn Harrison of Vancouver, WA, Carl and wife Carole Harrison of Longview; daughters Diane Elswick of North Kingstown, RI, Barbara Montgomery and husband Donald of Caldwell, ID, Betty McGraw of Vancouver and Amy Horton and husband Pat of Longview; brother Tim Harrison of Longview; sister Linda Jessen of Longview; and 21 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Michelle Rae Harrison. Family service will be held Wednesday afternoon, April 11, 2007 at the Long Beach Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A procession with police and fire escort will proceed to Ilwaco High School where a funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM. A reception follows in the school cafeteria. Per Ray's wishes, he will be buried at sea by the United States Navy. The casket will be open Tuesday, 10 AM until 5 PM and Wednesday, 9 AM until 12 Noon at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach. The family would prefer memorial donations to either the Pacific County Fire District 1 Firefighter's Association, PO Box 890, Ocean Park, WA 98640 or Pacific County Sheriff Reserve Deputy Association, PO Box 935, Long Beach, WA 98631. The guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.