In Loving Memory of Ray Podmore: 1936-2022 

Posted

Sunrise 1936 ~ Sunset 2022

Raymond Walten Podmore passed away quietly on May 10, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife Judy of 61 years and two children, Cheryl and Ron. He was born in Newport, Wales (United Kingdom) to the late Harry and Matilda “Martha” Podmore in 1936. Growing up during World War II presented many life obstacles but through sheer grit, he overcame adversity to become the person who was enjoyed by all who encountered him. 

He completed his public education studies and joined the British Merchant Marines in 1955. In 1959, while docked in Vancouver, Canada, he decided to leave his ship for a brief shore excursion and simply never returned. Gradually making his way south, crossing the border into the United States, he eventually settled with an aunt in rural Lewis County, making this region home for the rest of his life. In 1960, he met the love of his life Judy, while he worked in the Chehalis cannery. They married in October of 1960, eventually having two children, Cheryl and Ron. 

Ray served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964. During that time, the newlywed couple were stationed mostly in the deep South of the United States, with stops in such exotic locales as Fort Eustis, Virginia, Corpus Cristi, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

In 1972, he branched out entrepreneurially with Ray’s Heating and Roofing doing business providing heating, air conditioning and asphalt roofing to many homes and businesses in the Chehalis, Centralia and Southwest Washington region. He sold the business, retiring in 1992. 

Ray is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Cheryl, son-in-law Jeff of Yakima, and son Ron of Federal Way. He also leaves behind three beloved siblings, sisters Jean and Marion, and brother Alan, all from his ancestral homeland of Wales, United Kingdom. In addition to the multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins, he leaves a legacy of welcoming multiple exchange students from Japan and Denmark. Always one to recognize the worth of individuals, he was available to help his fellow man many times. He was also fortunate to visit his family periodically in Wales, United Kingdom. In addition, he was blessed to travel and visit numerous countries around the world, both when he was in the British Merchant Marines and later in life, as a private civilian. 

At his request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.