May 08, 1935 - October 22, 2016
Ray Pilgrim was born in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada May 8, 1937, the youngest of nine siblings. Ray passed peacefully in Providence Sacred Heart Hospital among his loving family after courageously enduring a long-term struggle with kidney failure. After graduation from St. Michaels College he worked for the US Airforce Base in Goose Bay, Labrador before moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he met and married Barbara, his wife of 58 years. Ray and Barbara were transferred to Los Angeles in 1962. Sons Robert and Gary were born in Riverside, CA. In Canada and the USA, Ray embarked on a career in Sales and Marketing that he continued to enjoy throughout his whole lifetime. In 1965 Ray became a Field Trainer for career representatives at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks, then Regional Manager in Pasadena, CA. Later the family was transferred to Carpinteria, CA, where Ray joined and became President of the Carpinteria Jaycees. As a member of the Board of Directors he was instrumental in the founding and establishment of the Carpinteria Boy's Club of America. Here Ray and his family enjoyed the privilege of living ocean side. As a diving instructor, Ray was also the skipper of the Silver City, which served as a means for abalone diving, fishing and pleasure boating off the Channel Islands. In 1979 the lure of the Pacific Northwest inspired the family to move to Coeur d'Alene, ID, where father and sons were able to become avid sportsmen in all seasons. In 2002 Ray created the Pilgrim Marketing and Sales service, representing retail products from Oregon to Montana. He loved his work and all the wonderful associates he met and worked with throughout his long career. - Poppy Ray leaves behind his loving and grateful family, including 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, a beloved sister, and many dear friends. The Masonic tradition ran throughout his family, and he was a member of the Spokane Lodge. As a Shriner he assisted Santa to distribute cheer to the children in the Shriners Hospital. The family will celebrate Ray's life privately so no memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane. On behalf of Ray, the family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, kindness and support.
