Raymond Eugene Hunter, aged 85, passed away on September 27, 2024, in Discovery Bay, Washington. Born on June 28, 1939, in Port Townsend, Washington, Ray led a life marked by dedication to his community, his country, and his family.
Ray’s family settled in Discovery Bay when he was 7. His early years were characterized by hard work; he started working on local farms at the tender age of 8 and progressed through various demanding jobs, including working at Walt Moa’s sawmill at the age of 10, then on an Alaska fishing crew at 15. Ray graduated from Port Townsend High School in 1957.
After working in the local logging industry, Ray enlisted in the US Navy. He served honorably for eight years, with a portion of that time in Vietnam. Following his military service, Ray settled with his family in the Seattle area where he embarked on a 30-year career as a Teamster.
Outgoing and fun loving, Ray led an active life. Winter weekends were spent with his family at the Sahalie Ski Club. His passion for fishing put him on the backside of Mount St. Helens in 1980 on the day of the eruption. He also enjoyed sailing, and for several years after retiring hosted chartered day trips on his beloved Star Rover sailboat.
Ray remained connected to Discovery Bay, and in the 1970's started building a cabin on the same road as his childhood home. The process to build was a labor of love over many years, and upon his retirement he and Susan returned to Discovery Bay, settling into the cabin as their permanent home.
Beyond his professional life, Ray was an avid historian of Discovery Bay, often sharing his deep knowledge through interviews and write-ups for local papers and the Jefferson County Historical Society. He contributed significantly to the documentary "Buried in Sawdust for 50 Years," which chronicled the Discovery Bay estuary’s restoration. His commitment to service continued through his roles with the Jefferson County Democrats, serving as recently as 2020 as a Precinct Committee Officer, and his active participation with the Port Townsend American Legion.
Ray was a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Port Townsend, where his life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 5th at 1:30pm. A reception will be held immediately afterward at St Paul’s Parish Hall.
Ray is survived by his wife, Susan Hunter; daughters, Reagen, Rebecca, and Rachel; grandchildren, Jorden, Stephanie, Veronica, and Tristen; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine, who passed earlier in the year.
Bradley-Kosec Funeral Home of Port Townsend, WA, is assisting the family with arrangements. Ray’s legacy as a veteran, a community historian, and a devoted family man will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
