Ramon (Ray) Arthur Damerell was born October 31, 1931 to Frederick and Ina Damerell in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  His grandparents were Finnish settlers to British Columbia settling in the Cambie region of Eagle Valley.

 

Boyhood days were spent with his cousins on his grandparent’s farm.  He worked on the farm, cut the day’s firewood, fished in the river and went trapping with his Uncle Reino.

 

The family lived in Vancouver B.C. where Ray attended school.  Throughout his youth he was an avid hockey player and also played rugby and soccer.  He played the clarinet in the Vancouver City Band and while on tour one summer, stopped in Salem to march in the annual Cherriots’ Day Parade.  He graduated from Brittannia High in 1949.

 

As a young adult he worked and saved money to pay the required fees for the privilege of becoming a U.S. citizen.  He then proudly served his country in the Air Force for four years.

 

Ray graduated from Portland State University in 1962.  He was Senior Class President, a founding member of the Vet’s Club, the 1620 Alumni Club, and a member of Oregon Young Republicans.

 

He graduated with a business/accounting degree and his career began with Jantzen.  He developed accounting systems, quality control and inventory programs for several companies including Alcoa Aluminum and West Coast Lumber Company.

 

In the summer of 1959 he met his love, Mary Ann (Rutz).  They married in 1960, and on March 19^th they joyfully celebrated their 50 year anniversary.  Their family grew to include four children, Delane, Derek, Dean and Deanne.  Daddy Ray was a loving and devoted husband and father.

 

The family moved to Salem in 1967 when Ray accepted the position of State Purchasing Agent.  He served as President of the National Association of State Purchasing Officials, founded the Oregon Public Purchasing Association, and worked for various State Agencies during his career span, retiring as an Internal Auditor for ODOT.

 

Ray was well known for his woodworking skills and cabinet making.  With his father he built a beautiful country home, stable and workshop for his family in the South Salem hills.

 

In the Damerell’s gourmet kitchen Ray was the Idea Man, Sous Chef, Grill-Master and thorough Critic. His love of fine food was further evidenced through frequent special occasion dinners and in the pleasure he derived from preserving jams, jellies and relishes. 

 

Yearly family vacations were taken to Mazatlan, Mexico and winters were spent there after retirement.  He combined his knowledge and love of the city to write and publish ‘Mazatlan Inside/Out’ a tourist’s guide to the city.

 

Ray’s strength of character and high moral code were evident in every aspect of his life.  He had a deep spiritual nature and an unwavering faith in God.

 

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Derek (Cheryl) and Dean; and daughters Delane Damerell, and Deanne Kessler (Dan Baker); and three grandchildren, Jared, Maeve and Reina.

 

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 5th, 2 pm at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Home.  In leiu of flowers, contributions may be made to Salem Boys and Girls Club.