Ray A. Tilden

1923 - 2013

Ray A. Tilden obituary, 1923-2013, Bellevue, WA

FUNERAL HOME

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

14951 Bothell Way NE

Seattle, Washington

Ray Tilden Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 13, 2013.

Ray was born in Seattle to Art and Emma Tilden. He proudly referred to himself as a "Ballard Boy". After graduating from Ballard High School, he attended the University of Washington until WWII inspired him to join the Army Air Corp. He served as a Radio Gunner on a B24 airplane in the Philippines. While stationed on a base near Caldwell Idaho, he met a beautiful girl named Margaret on a blind date. They fell in love and were married just three months later. They only had a few days together on their honeymoon in Boise before he had to ship out for a year. When he returned the newlyweds made their home in Seattle together.

Ray had an entrepreneurial spirit and with only a small amount of money and a lot of ideas, he started Color Craft, a Silk Screen Printing business, in 1949. Color Craft specialized in high quality, large format printing including contracting with Boeing to produce their airplane decals. He was passionate about his business for 45 years and when he sold it in 1994 there were 45 employees.

Ray and Margaret had two daughters, Ginny Dykes (Pat) and Pam Meyer. Ray was blessed with seven grandchildren, Shauna Peltier (Buddy), Lisa Reith (Dennis), Gabe Meyer, Katy Hauser, Lindsay Dykes (Dock), Collin Meyer (Candace), and Devon Meyer. He also had seven great grandchildren, Mason, Hannah and Emma Reith; Ryan and Ben Peltier; and Rachel and Heidi Hauser.

Ray and Margaret traveled the world with the Screen Printing International Association. They loved to dance and spent their retirement years on their boat exploring the San Juan Islands. Ray's greatest joy was his children and he once said sincerely that he thought he loved his family more than most people.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 28th at Westminster Chapel, 13646 NE 24th St, Bellevue, WA 98005 with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

World Vision
34834 Weyerhaeuser Way S
Federal Way, WA 98001
(253) 815-1000
www.worldvision.org

or

Seattle Children's Hospital
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 987-2000
www.seattlechildrens.org

Ray left this world knowing how much he was loved and that he had left a legacy behind. His long and fulfilling life has touched us with memories that will now last our lifetimes and make us cry, smile, laugh and feel loved.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

March 11, 2013

Mike and Char Dykes

Our sincere condolences for your loss. Ray was an extremely kind and generous man and will be missed by all whose lives he touched. He lived his life as we all hope to, with the love of family and friends. He was well respected by not only his family but also friends, coworkers, and associates he met throuhout his lifetime. He was fortunate to be able to travel the world, and to spend quality time with family and friends. He was not only a successful business man, but truly a successful man. His family and friends left behind are truly his legacy. Our love and prayers are with all the family...

March 2, 2013

Kelly Martinez

It is unfortunately too rare these days to see such a strong and loving family as that which was founded by Ray and Margaret; it is a mark of what a caring and loving man Ray was that he had his family by his side throughout his life and at his passing. Ray, though he was not my own family, was there at some of my happiest times and I will always remember him as a kind and generous man. My sympathies for all who are left behind; may you find comfort in your many treasured memories of him.

February 28, 2013

Ken Scott

Pat, Ginny
Very sorry to hear of Rays passing.
Though I didn't know Ray well I know how wonderful a family he rasied!
You are all in my thoughts.
Ken Scott

February 28, 2013

Katrin Koeth

Grandpa Ray was like a real grandfather to me and I am very thankful for all the great memories I have got of him and his whole wonderful family.

In deepest sympathy,
Katrin and family

February 26, 2013

Kathy and Doug Anderson

What a wonderful legacy Ray has left to his family and to all of us who have known him. He has shown us the rewards of hard work, generosity, kindness to others,and love of family can be. The greatest reward of all was to have his family at his side offering love and support when he passed. To Margaret, Ginny, Pam, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren we send our love, respect, and deepest sympathy. Enjoy the many great memories Ray has left for you.

February 25, 2013

Lee Anne H.

Ginny I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, I know you will miss him and hope your memories of him help you in the coming days.

I remember when we were in high school, we went up to Mt Vernon for a game. It was pouring down rain and your wipers stopped working. You called your dad and he had us go buy a bag of Bull Durham to wipe on the windshield.It got us to a motel(I think there were 4 of us)where he put us up for the night. We would wait till morning to drive home in the daylight. I also remember eating pizza which I'm sure your dad arranged too. It was a fun night.

That was just one memory I have of your dad from a long time ago. I know you probably have enough of those to last more than a lifetime. You were truly blessed to have him.

Take care my friend,
Lee Anne

February 24, 2013

Nancy Sharpe

I know how hard it is to say goodby to your father, even though I only saw him a few tmes through out the years I heard good things about him from everyone in the family he was a very loving husband, father and grandfather you have wonderful memories to follow you for the rest of your life.
May God Bless you all during this time of loss.
All my Love

February 24, 2013

Mark Williams

To the Tilden Family,

I would like to express my condolences for your loss. I hope that your sadness is somewhat eased in knowing that your Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather was one of those rare individuals whose boundless kindness, generosity, and wit touched all of us who were lucky enough to have known him. During my years working at Color Craft Ray made all of his employees, myself included, feel like "Family". To this day, the lessons that I learned from him have had a profound influence upon me that have served me well throughout my life. Ray was not only a true gentleman, he was truly a gentle man. I know that as I write this, Ray is rightfully sitting at the right hand of God sharing a laugh.....and probably a toddy! I am proud to have known him.

Mark Williams

February 22, 2013

David Schafer

Ray,

If you told me once, you told me 100 times:
"In my life there are only three things: My Wife, my Children and my gold".
You have done well, my King!....

Dave Schafer

February 21, 2013

Dennis Bowman

I am very sorry for your loss. I am a member of Demasco Mutual Association and had the pleasure of spending time with Ray In our organization. Ray brought many great stories and tailes to us as we sat around the campfire and enjoyed our time together. He was also a great asset to our organization when issues came up as to its operation. I and the rest of the members have found memories of Ray. We will have a " Skoal " in his honor at our next meeting.

February 19, 2013

We have so many fond memories of Ray & "Maggie". Our parties &
dance club picnics will be special memories forever!! Ray was fun &
creative to always make it a great time. THX!! All the LFP dance club.
Lee & Geri Barney & "the group"

February 19, 2013

Ray was a generous man. Back in the 70's he donated the production of signage we designed for the Billboards For Jesus ministry in the Seattle area. His smile was infectious and his sense of humor was boundless. Looking forward to seeing you upstairs, Ray.
Mike and Sue Nienaber, (Medina, WA)

February 19, 2013

Skip Balliet

February 18, 2013

Barbara Usitalo

I have many good memories with Ray & Maggie and our wonderful LFP Dance Club gang. It was a pleasure to be a friend.

February 17, 2013

Linda Carlson

Ray was such a fine man and will be deeply missed. We will be praying for the family and keep them in our thoughts. Love,cousin Linda and Aunt Esther Carlson

February 17, 2013

bradley root

A great man within the Seattle printing industry and well beyond. A friendly competitor who created a fantastic company.
Brad Root, President, GM Nameplate, Inc.

February 17, 2013

Betty Dykes

Ginny for years I have witnessed your respect and love you have for your Dad ,My heart achs for you now that you have lost him,My deepest sympathy to all of Rays family.

February 16, 2013

Robin Pelton

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time Ginny,our dads came from a unique era and were our heroes! Robin

February 16, 2013

Ginny Dykes

I loved my dad.
Ginny

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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