Raymond Bolaños, a retired entrepreneur and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has served on numerous community and business organizations and was active with the Seamar Health Care Centers in Seattle, Wash., where he had a summer home.

Ray served as a Trustee on the Borrego Health Board.

In Borrego Springs Ray lived at 4629 Gold Crest Dr. in the Rams Hill Golf Club. He served as an officer on the Carrizo Neighborhood HOA.

After a long battle with his illness, Ray Bolanos passed away peacefully with his family around him on Dec. 12.

"Dia de La Virgen De Guadalupe"

His presence in Borrego will be greatly missed by the whole community.

Raymond P. Bolanos Memorial Service is to be held at St. Richard's Catholic Church on January 23rd 11:00 a.m.

Reception: de Anza Country Club 12:30 p.m.

In Lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity.

Raymond Perfecto "Ray" Bolanos

Raymond Perfecto "Ray" Bolaños Jr.

"Ray", age 80, passed away in his desert home on December 12, 2015, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He died on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, for whom he always held a special devotion.

Ray was born on December 30, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY, to Raymond and Consuelo (Ortega) Bolaños. He attended schools in New York, although he often said that he was a graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks". Ray proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, and was a stalwart patriot through and through.

Ray married Marion Joan Gregorski, his high school sweetheart and lifelong love, on June 23, 1956, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flushing, NY. Ray and Marion moved around the U.S. while they raised their five beloved children, eventually settling in Washington State. After retirement, they wintered in Borrego Springs, CA, another place they called home.

Challenges inspired Ray, particularly business pursuits. He worked primarily in the transportation industry, in which he ultimately owned a family business, and served as president of the Seattle Air Cargo Association. Ray was a true philanthropist, who supported many worthy causes. He founded the annual Sea Mar Golf Tournament in 1996, which continues to help provide comprehensive health, human and housing services to diverse communities.

Ray loved many things in life, including: golfing, fishing, riding his motorcycle, drinking fine tequila, playing "Taps" on his bugle, and cracking good business deals. He was great fun at gatherings, and made each seem like a celebration. His personality was larger than life, and his absence has left a void in the lives of many.

Ray is survived by his wife, Marion, his sons, Raymond (Barbara) of Lake Tapps,WA, and Stephen of Seattle, WA, his daughters, Teresa (Gary) Pulvermacher of LaCrescent, MN, Barbara (John) Kagerer of Anchorage, AK, and Maria (Brian) Martin of Redmond, WA, his sister, Norma Pena of Arlington, VA, his "brother" George Alvarez of Goodyear, AZ, his "sister" Carmen (Ed) Post of Columbia, MD, 15 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rev. Robert J. Bolaños. Ray leaves behind many other dear relatives and friends, as well as his devoted dog, Ruby.

A funeral Mass will be held on March 19, at 11:00 at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Woodinville, WA, with Rev. Frank Schuster, Rev. William Heric, and Rev. Timothy McKenna officiating.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 on Sunday, March 20, at Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to one of Ray's favorite charities, which include: The Crozier Society (Archdiocese of Seattle, 710 9th Ave. Seattle, WA 98104), Sea Mar Community Health Centers (ATTN: Donations, 1040 S Henderson St. Seattle, WA 98108), and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (P.O. Box 1237, LaCrosse, WI 54602).

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh

Published in The Seattle Times on Mar. 13, 2016