Obituary of Boyd Raymond North

Boyd Raymond "Ray" North passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by his wife and children.

Ray was born on July 11, 1936, to Arthur and Lorene North in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of five children and is survived by his youngest sister, Linda Tachell. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Tom North (Betty), Jerry North (Joyce), and Alvin North.

Ray moved to Rainier, Washington, from Oklahoma when he was 10 years old. In high school, he was very active in sports (basketball, baseball and football), and he remained passionate about sports throughout his lifetime. Ray enlisted in the Naval Reserves in 1953 and proudly served his country for eight years. He graduated from Rainier High School in 1954. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Donna, and they married in 1956.

Ray and Donna moved to Vail, Washington, a company logging town, where he began his career and family. They eventually moved to a 10-acre farm in Rainier where he lived the good life, enjoying his family, raising animals, gardening and growing dahlias.

He worked 43 years for the Weyerhaeuser Company and did everything from planting trees to becoming a Grapple Operator. When he retired, he and Donna lived the RV lifestyle and travelled the US for many years. They eventually became Snowbirds, splitting their time between their homes in Yuma, Arizona, and Yelm, Washington.

Ray enjoyed his life very much and was a true blessing to those who knew him well. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, camping, bowling, golfing, watching sports, playing the dobro, and listening to country music.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; two daughters, Judy Reid (Tom), Sandy Babcock (David); and three sons, Steve North (CJ), David North and Rick North (Tonya); eight grandchildren, Carson (Rae) and Logan Reid, Ariel and Austin (Ty) Babcock, Kindsey Gattman (Alex), and Cody, DJ and Kyle North; and two great-grandchildren, Myla and Owen Gattman.

Ray will always be remembered as the very best husband, father and grandfather.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and condolences we have received during this difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of comfort to all of us.

A funeral mass service will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Saint Columban Parish in Yelm, where friends and family will gather to honor Ray’s remarkable life.

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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