Raymond Anthony Ross was born in Marysville on August 10, 1977, and moved to McKinleyville with his family when he was five years old. Ray spent many summers of his childhood with his grandparents in Marysville where he loved swimming and hanging out with cousins.

Ray attended McKinleyville schools where he met his best friend, Larry Roth, before working at local mills. At 21, Ray had an opportunity to start an apprenticeship as an electrician in the Santa Rosa area. Ray moved in with Larry and Larry Sr., and within a few years, Ray became a certified journeyman electrician. Ray had a real knack for electrical — he had an ability to map out jobs in his head and was known for his supreme pipe bending skills. In Santa Rosa, he worked for Knights Electric for eight years helping bring power to wineries and commercial buildings.

While living in Santa Rosa, Ray met the love of his life — fellow Humboldt native Kelly Houston. They married a year and a half later and enjoyed living in Sonoma County. When their son Jakob Anthony was born in 2007, the desire to return home to Humboldt to be closer to family and cooler weather was too strong to resist. In Humboldt, Ray worked for Colburn Electric, supervising many commercial jobs. He was with Colburn Electric for twelve years, where many knew him simply as ‘Big Ray,’ and he thoroughly loved the opportunities he had with the company.

Addyson Ann was born in 2009, making the Ross family complete. Ray took great pride in his family and loved spending time with them and watching his kids play sports, especially Jakob playing football and jujitsu and Addy playing softball, volleyball and basketball. Twice a year, Ray and Kelly would pack the family up and head back over to the Sacramento area to spend time with his Papa Jim, Uncle Mitch, Aunt Joann and other family members. Ray’s kids especially loved these trips with their dad and being able to spend countless hours in the hotel pool swimming with him.

Anyone who knew Ray knew how much he loved hanging out with friends and family, drinking beer, telling stories and grilling an amazing steak or two. Ray was a connoisseur and master cooker of meat and took immense pleasure in knowing his tri-tip was always in high demand at any family function. Ray enjoyed listening to music LOUD, offensively loud to many, but he maintained the mantra that ‘if it’s too loud, you’re too old!’

Ray was ornery, silly and loved to have a good time. He is deeply missed already.

Ray left this earth to be with the Lord on January 30. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, son, Jakob and daughter, Addy, as well as many other family members.

A celebration memorial for Ray will be held February 12 at noon at Azalea Hall in Mckinleyville.

Anyone who wishes to honor Ray Ross is requested to make a contribution to Jakob and Addy’s college fund via Kelly Ross at any Coast Central Credit Union location.