Life’s journey for Raymond Leslie Vaughan, 70, of Coupeville, Wash., ended Sept. 14, 2020, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. God knew he was suffering, so he gently closed his eyes and whispered “peace be thine.”
Ray was born at Harpole’s Maternity Home in Coupeville on Nov. 18, 1949, to Norma Corinne (née Solid) and Ivy Morgan Vaughan. He attended Coupeville schools and graduated from Coupeville High School in 1968. After high school, he attended Skagit Valley College until he joined the United States Army.
Ray received several medals from his Vietnam service. Following his honorable discharge, he joined the Brotherhood of Carpenters Local #1532 as an apprentice and shortly transitioned to journeyman carpenter. He constructed buildings throughout Washington state, but did some of his best work locally while building additions to Coupeville High School, South Whidbey High School, Oak Harbor Middle School and Whidbey General Hospital. He loved being a carpenter and training younger apprentices.
Ray married Janice Burke on Sept. 18, 1976. They have one son, Michael, and a grandson, Huxston. Ray was proud of his family and being able to share his love of Whidbey Island with them.
Ray loved football, especially the Seattle Seahawks and the University of Washington Huskies. He was a “Dawg” fan and season ticket holder for many years and attended a Rose Bowl, a highlight for him. Ray also loved watching the Seattle Mariners baseball team from the stands during at-home games and on television.
He was a true outdoors man. Ray not only loved pheasant and deer hunting, he had a passion for salmon fishing. He was active with the Central Whidbey Sportsman Club, teaching hunters safety classes for many years. Among his other favorite activities were clam digging, planting a garden, talking about Coupeville’s history to friends and cruising to many new places around the world, learning the history. Add to that his poker nights with “the boys,” Friday night gatherings with friends at the Tyee and frequent trips to the casino. And, finally, there was always room for one more seat at the table during the holidays, because friends were always welcome in Ray’s world.
Ray is survived by his wife, Janice, of the family home in Coupeville; son, Michael; grandson, Huxston; sisters, Beverly Tommasi and Barbara Cope (Steve); brother, Ken Vaughan (Diana); and many nieces and nephews. Ray also leaves a host of friends he made along life’s path. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Richard and David.
Remembrances can be made in the name of Raymond Vaughan to the Friends of Ebey’s (grant program for historic preservation), P.O. Box 958, Coupeville, WA 98239.
A heartfelt “thank you” to the caregivers at UW Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for going above and beyond in caring for Ray in the kindest ways.
Private services will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville.
Ray was an amazing man. He is greatly missed by his family every day, and his desire for life will never be forgotten. He left us with a twinkle in his eyes.
