Raymond E. McVicker's Obituary
On Saturday Feb. 25, 2012, our father, Raymond E. McVicker passed away on his own terms in his home in Tacoma, WA. He was born November 27, 1925 in Tacoma and was the 9th of 14 children born to Daniel & Catherine. Dad watched his older brothers join the armed forces and at 17 left high school to join the Navy and serve his country. A man of character who finished everything he started felt as if not graduating from high school was considered unfinished business and on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 he received his diploma from Lincoln High School class of 1945, fulfilling his wish to complete high school.
Dad was the most patriotic man we ever knew. He proudly wore his VFW hat every where he went, and often people would stop and shake his hand and thank him for his service. He was a proud veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after 23 years of service. It was an honor and privilege for him to have served his country. After he traveled the country with his family he settled in Tacoma and went to work for Tacoma boat building co. he worked for them and retired in 1987 after 21 years.
Dad met his bride Phyllis when they were class mates at Stewart Junior High and they married in 1946. They were married for 58 years until she preceded him in death in 2004. After Mom died Dad would go to the cemetery almost daily to visit with her, have lunch or just take a nap. We should all be so lucky to have that kind of love in our life. I know their reunion made the stars twinkle a little bit brighter last Saturday night.
Dad & Mom had 3 girls, Cathy, Cheryl & Connie, and those girls made them grand parents to 8, great grandparents to 9 and great great grandparents to 1. Papa was loved so much by his grandchildren he will be truly missed.
Dad enjoyed fishing and took several trips to Alaska, but loved finding a lake or 2 to drop his pole into. He also was an avid bowler and continued to bowl in a traveling league until just last year. His other love was taking trips in the trailer with Mom. Where ever they went a good time was sure to be had.
Our Dad was not a flashy, outspoken man, he was quiet and humble and when he spoke you had better pay attention. As someone said recently -Å"Ray smiles with his eyes- so here's a little wink to you Daddy, we will miss those smiling brown eyes. We love you the mostest.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home
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