Ray Wilson, local award winning outdoor photographer passed away on May 2, 2008 after a 3 year courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gerhrig's Disease). Ray was born on February 7, 1943 in Akron, Ohio to Raymond and Emily Wilson. Ray served in the Air Force from 1962 through 1966 in Korea and Vietnam. Ray worked for several years in the Industrial Supply Industry and prior to retiring worked for the Washington State Dept of Fish & Wildlife promoting the GO PLAY OUTSIDE Program, reaching out to school age children educating them about the activities in the great outdoors. Ray had many passions in his life that included family, hunting, fishing, archery, traveling and photography. Ray opened Wind Spirit Photography in 2003 in order to share his photos of the beauty he captured through the lens of wildlife and outdoor scenery. A sampling of Ray's work can be viewed at www.windspiritphotography.com. Ray participated at the Kittitas County Fair during the last years of fighting ALS/Lou Gehrig's through displaying his photography. He deeply enjoyed the relationships developed during this time. Ray served as President of the Washington State Archery Association for 4 years and was inducted into the WSAA Hall of Fame in 2005. He was very involved in teaching our young as well as adults the art of archery; and was instrumental in launching the national program bringing the sport of archery into Washington State Schools. Ray is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pam, daughters Jennifer Wilson, Teri Piazza and son Joe (Cathie) Wilson and 6 grandchildren, Jayson, Michael, Tim, Madilyn Grayce, Brennen, and MaKeena, and another little girl, due in August 2008. Sisters Rachel Grijalva, California; Becky Lane, South Carolina, and Mother Emily Wilson, South Carolina and dear family friends Scott Piazza, Jeff Hansford and Kjirsti Bergam. Ray loved his many Sisters-in-Law, Vicki, Gale, Karen, Marlene, Pauline & Doreen and his Brother-in-Law Bill Haugen. An outdoor memorial service will be held Saturday May 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the pond at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland, (the Chapel will be available in the event of bad weather). There will be a Celebration of Life following at a location to be announced later. In honor of Ray, donations can be made in his name to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter 19110 66th Ave S #G-101, Kent WA 98032 or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy of Hospice, 2108 Entiat, Kennewick 99336.
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