Long time Oak Harbor resident Ray Cline, 78, passed away at his home on Jan. 10, 2006. He was born June 6, 1927.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Shirley Cline. He also leaves his sons John and Scott Cline of Oak Harbor, and Rick Cline of Camarillo, Calif. He had three daughters-in-law, Rita, Leanna, and Helen and seven grandchildren: Richard, Don, Amanda, John, Violet, Marina, and Gabriel.

Ray was born and raised in San Pedro, Calif. He graduated from high school there and had been a track star. He came to Washington more than once during WWII to help out on a family farm during the summer.

Ray joined the US Navy in 1944 at age 17. Among other tours, he was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island and served as and aircraft mechanic and plane captain in squadrons VP41, VP17, and VR5. He retired as a chief in 1961 after 19 years and 6 months.

Ray had many interests, not the least of which was his love of dogs. While still in the Navy, Ray raised show dogs – beagles and cocker spaniels. He learned dog grooming and upon his retirement opened a grooming shop in Montecito, Calif. He became quite well-known for his talents – even having a customer that flew his dog in to be groomed for shows. He became interested in show dogs, handling dogs for their owners at shows and even judging in some smaller events. One dog he groomed regularly won top honors in the Sporting Group at the famed Westminster Dog Show.

Ray and Shirley moved to Oak Harbor in 1979 where he continued to groom dogs and worked at the veterinary clinics of Ray Ellis, Robert Bishop, and Eric Anderson.

Ray’s numerous other interests included golf, fishing, boating, hunting, leatherwork, gardening, and archery. In 1957, Ray won the Washington State freestyle men’s championship for archery.

An avid boater, Ray belonged to the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Santa Barbara and joined the Oak Harbor Yacht Club as a charter member. He went on to serve on the board at the Yacht Club for two terms.

More than anything else, Ray had a great love of family. He was a wonderful dad and his boys remember that he never missed a home game. He was a loving husband to Shirley. As anyone can attest, the two were rarely apart.

Friends may call for a celebration of Ray’s life at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. Dress is casual. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Harbor Youth Sailing or your favorite charity.