Raymond Julius Nielsen, born April 10, 1951, known to some as “Russia Ray” for his intrepid and successful enterprising in the Russian Far East, rode the “Great Ferry Boat” home March 6, 2016.
Baby Ray, being Norwegian, caught his first fish in Lake Meridian. Then moving to Ballard and went on to catch salmon, halibut, cod, herring and crab. His most surprising catch was alligator gar in Texas.
Ray did Golden Gloves, but changed to ‘Big Burly Bob’ when he boxed in Kodiak.
Westport became his true love because of the area and the people. He built the Sandy Sea Inn cabins and enjoyed treating customers well. He loved hearing their responses.
Raymundo: Your poetry, sense of humor, good cooking and friendship will be missed.
Please join us for a celebration of his life this Saturday, March 19, at 1 p.m. at the Grayland Community Hall, 2071 Cranberry Rd., in Grayland. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fishermen’s Memorial or your favorite charity.
He is survived by family members including a sister, Randi Lawler (Mathis, Texas); nieces Ann Stephens (Grapeland, Texas), Gail (Clay) DuPree (Zanesville, Ohio); seven great-nieces-and nephews; several cousins; Ed Compton and family, Amee and family, and everyone he called a friend.
A special thank you to Grays Harbor Community Hospital for their wonderful loving care.
Fair winds and following seas.
