Raymond Albert Jensen

Raymond Albert Jensen was born December 21, 1926 to Irene and Albert Jensen in Tacoma, WA. He was brother to Connie Hill, husband to Joan, father to Douglas, Steven and Kathy, grandfather to Dana and Evan. Ray died on May 24, 2013 after a brief illness.

In 1935 he moved to China with his family while his father worked as an in-flight airplane mechanic for two years. During the siege of Shanghai, they evacuated from China and moved to West Seattle. Through Ray’s high school years he played football, served as President of his Junior class and climbed Mt. Rainier with the Mountaineers. In November of 1944 he joined the U.S. Marines and trained with the 4th Marine Division on Maui and Guam.

After the war he entered the University of Washington, was a member of the SAE fraternity and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. When the Korean War broke out he was recalled from inactive duty March of 1951 to the Marine 1st Calvary Division in Korea. A Bronze Star with Valor, Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were awarded for combat action. He was evacuated to Osaka Japan and then back to the U.S. to recover from grenade and bullet wounds.

Ray felt the best decision he made in his life was to marry Joan Em Jensen on April 5 of 1952. His working years were spent as a furniture manufacturer representative. His engaging and gracious nature earned him many lasting friendships. His passions included extensive scuba diving, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, sailing, fishing and golf with his wife and friends. His sentiment at the end of his life was “I’m a little bloody, but unbowed.” His expression to his beloved wife was “We did it all, Toots, no regrets.”

He leaves his wife of 61 years, sister, three children, two grandchildren, daughter-in-law Celia, close cousin Neal Jensen and many nieces and nephews.

Services and celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2013 beginning 10:30 AM at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007.

In lieu of flowers, donations to favorite charities can be made.