Raymond Carpenter passed away at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington, on Thursday February 8, surrounded by his wife Maria, other members of his family and friends. He was born the youngest of eight children to Murrel and Betty Carpenter in 1961 in Minnesota. After moving with his family to Bremerton in 1966, Ray started his schooling and developed a love of all things sports-related. He was involved as a player, coach, referee, umpire and eventually a spectator.
Ray married Maria on February 13, 2009 and developed a very special and loving relationship with her children and grandchildren. Shortly thereafter, he started his work at the Port of Kingston, eventually becoming Harbormaster in 2018. Like his parents, at an early age, Ray began many years of community service and has been recognized for his community involvement. In 1979, with the help of his classmates, he started an annual golf tournament as a fundraiser, with the collected monies being given to local charities. The tournament and donations continue to this day with golfers from many classes. In 2018 he was honored by the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce as a “hidden gem” at its Second Annual Denim and Diamonds Awards Gala. He was well known for his role in starting and growing the annual Kingston Cove Christmas Light Show and was often the recipient of many accolades for his welcoming demeanor to all who came into contact with him.
Ray was a kind, thoughtful, and loving person who cared deeply for his family and friends. He was very passionate about the Bremerton and Kingston communities, the people he worked with and those he served, the boaters and fishermen. Ray rarely met someone that he didn’t greet with a smile and conversation. The ones who spent any time with him considered him family. He loved to fish, take long drives, and watch sports of all kinds.
Ray is survived by his wife Maria, her son, Paciano, her son Christopher (Desiree) and their sons CJ and Ryder, and her daughter Charity; his sisters Bonnie (Paul) Moreau, Sharon (Hoyt) DeMers, and Cheryl; his brothers Edward (Gae), Dean (Jolene), Richard (Kristen); and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth and his parents.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony, casual dress, for family and friends at the House of Awakened Culture, located at 7235 NE Parkway St, Suquamish, on Saturday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Suquamish fishermen, lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m. Ray’s family is extremely grateful to the Suquamish people, with whom Ray shared a great love and special bond, for their loving nature and continued support during this very traumatic and stressful event in our lives. Without hesitation they offered to provide the facility, the food and its preparation to honor their friend Ray. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them.
In lieu of flowers, donations for medical expenses can be sent to Maria Carpenter, P.O. Box 1674, Silverdale, WA 98383.
