Ray Arnett was a very generous and loving man, proud and happy father and grandpa "Papa Ray" and a very dear and sincere friend to many.
Always funny and full of surprises! There wasn't much he couldn't do or figure out and was great at everything he did. Raymond had the will to find a way!
Life itself was his grandstand! Lifting up the spirits of others was his passion.
As a young boy Ray attended church faithfully with his grandmother Maude, while growing up on a farm. Early in life Ray played baseball and it was soon discovered that he was ambidextrous, meaning that he could use both hands equally well. Ray was the lead pitcher on his team and could throw a left-handed, fast-pitch curve ball, striking out many of the opponent batters.
Then when he was up to bat for his team he powerfully hit many home runs with his right hand swing. His coaches began encouraging him to consider shooting for the stars to be on a Major League baseball team as a pitcher.
When Ray was 12 years old his father bought him his first drum set that he'd set up in the front yard and naturally played away on. In high school, Ray became the leader of the band and by the time he was in the 12th grade he was the drummer in a very talented band called "Loadstone". They had a band manager who soon booked them on a tour opening up for "Heart" where they traveled through Canada as the opening act, playing their own originals, while "Heart" was playing cover tunes.
When he'd returned from touring, his father "Bill" put him to work on the family business demolition crew, where they'd had major contracts to demolish old buildings such as hospitals, schools and city water towers and Ray was not afraid of heights. Ray soon learned how to take down huge buildings with dynamite and was then excited with creating big booms! Every year thereafter he wouldn't settle for nothin' less then M-100's or M-80's to light off on the Fourth of July.
During the summer time, Ray had a fan following that would take him out to Heisson Bridge, WA., where he'd entertain large crowds, as he pike jumped off of the bridge into a narrow piece of the river. People soon roared and cheered for him to do it again and again and offered to pay him for his brave shows!
Ray then began playing in many local bands in the taverns and club scenes as well as, for private events and was asked to create the drum portion of Seafood Mama's song titled "Harden My Heart". In which Ray claims that he did do and was asked by "Seafood Mama" to sign a copyright for royalties but stated that he'd refused to sign it and the rest is history. Ray stated that "Rindy" sang a special statement directed at him in the final recording of "Harden My Heart".
In 1976, Ray had a precious baby girl "Angela Marie".
In 1980, Ray had a precious baby boy "Raymond Lee Jr.".
Ray passionately loved his children and grandchildren and had their hearts tucked deeply inside of his very own.
In 1984, Ray moved to Seattle where he soon joined the Operating Engineers Local 302 and became Seattle's #1 Tower Crane Operating Engineer for the next 30 years! He was the lead Operator in building one of the world's tallest buildings, the 936.5-foot Columbia Center, completed in 1985, and afterwards Ray stood on the roofs edge and video taped an eagle eyes view of the city of Seattle.
Ray would say that he cannot count how many buildings he has built all over the Seattle area including the Century Link Stadium, the new and old tear down of the Tacoma Dome, Everett Ice Arena, U of W, many hospitals, jails and even an addition to Bill Gates' home. Ray traveled to Germany for specialized training as well. Ray was a very dedicated Operating Engineer - see more at http://www.anextraordinarytime.com/2005/06/27/shaping-seattle/
Ray then became friends with Gary Crow on [102.5 KZOK-FM, the Classic Rock Station], where he'd gained popularity on air after "The Crow" began calling him up for live entertainment throughout Seattle while he was working in the tower crane and soon became known as personality "Crazy Ray in the Crane".
Ray lived a high-roller lifestyle, loved the Seahawks with a passion, loved to participate in fantasy football, the Annual Kentucky Derby gathering in Las Vegas, and enjoyed living a western lifestyle as well, fishing, camping, water skiing and playing Daniel Boone.
Ray loved Christmas and Thanksgiving with a passion and especially when shared with family.
Ray was born in Vancouver, WA to William Edward and Lucille Florence Wood-Arnett.
Ray is survived by his loving wife Sharon, his beloved son Raymond Jr and Raymond Jr's. spouse (Angela), Ray's mother Lucille F. Arnett of Vancouver, WA., brothers Ronald Arnett, Loren Arnett and sister Patricia Arnett-Ailshie. Grandson Andrew, Grandson Christopher, Granddaughters Angelica and Roselee.
And many nieces and nephews.
Preceded family members include his beloved daughter Angela Marie (April 1976-July 2012), his father William E. Arnett, brother Steven, and sister Darlene. Ray touched many, many lives! A life celebration will be held on August 15, 2015. https://www.facebook.com/events/397959723727241/
We will dearly miss you Papa! - See more at: http://www.cascadiacremation.com/tribute/details/195/Raymond_Arnett/condolences.html#content-start
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