Raymond A. Proper Jr.'s Obituary
Raymond A Proper, Jr.
Raymond A. Proper, Jr., 66, passed away January 18, 2016 at his home in Puyallup, WA following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ray was born August 4, 1949 in Casper, Wyoming the son of Raymond and Angela (Desch) Proper, Sr. He graduated from Casper Community College in 1969 and University of Wyoming in 1971 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He married Sandra Butner on July 12, 1969.
After graduation from college Ray and Sandi moved to Long Beach, California where he was employed as an Engineer at the Texaco Refinery in Wilmington, California. In 1978 the family moved to Puyallup, WA and he was hired as an Engineer at U.S. Oil and Refining in Tacoma. In 1984 Ray joined the Tacoma Fire Department, working there until he retired as a Lieutenant in 2011.
In earlier years, Ray was a member of the Tacoma Mountaineers, helping lead climbs and cross country skiing trips. He was a volunteer at Tacoma Mountain Search and Rescue and the Summit Fire Department.
Ray lived life to the fullest enjoying many years of mountain climbing, hiking, cross country skiing, kayaking, running, bicycling and traveling. In later years he enjoyed many motorcycle trips with his friends, riding both in the U.S. and abroad, watching baseball spring training in Arizona and spending time with his granddaughters.
Ray is survived by his wife, three sons, Raymond III (Japan), Steven and his wife Sonya (Issaquah), and Matthew Proper (Tacoma). Three siblings, Rick Proper and his wife Janice, Ann Marie McClure and husband Terry and Amy Williams and husband Dexter, all of Casper, Wyoming. He was the proud grandfather of two granddaughters, Sienna and Silver. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Ray was an inspiration to all who knew him and will continue to inspire those who were a part of his life.
An Open House celebration of Ray's life will be held on Saturday, February 13th, at the Tacoma Firefighters Hall, 1109 S. 50th St., 12:30p to 4:30p.
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