Raymond King "Ray" Stout

I don't know how to say goodbye to my longest, dearest friend. I will miss him in ways I haven't yet known but he will be with me the rest of my life because he was so much a part of the last 50 some years we spent. I could write on and on but doing so would be writing about me. I think I;ll keep both of us in my memories.

In the years that Ray and I were friends, he has proven to be an inspiration, a nimble and well informed debate partner, an adventures mate, and a lot of laughs. The first time we met, during a weekend at a small cabin in the Columbia Gorge, Ray regaled us with his boyhood adventures at a horse riding camp. The story was falling down hilarious when he told it the first time and has been a humorous memory many times since. That was only the first time, over subsequent years, Ray told riveting stories of furnace fires, disappearing bar patrons, firearm mishaps, overseas travels, small town recollections, and prisoner custody stories. During our own adventures, Ray proved to be a gifted conversationalist, able to connect with random strangers in ways that I admired and came to emulate. His social skills broadened my world and introduced me to people and places I never would have known about. An avid bicyclist, Ray took me to unfamiliar biking trails that have since become my favorite places to ride. He joined Cycle Oregon and rode around the state well into his late 70s. He was an amazing athlete and carried his abilities with modesty and grace. His accomplishments were something I dreamed about but never matched, and remain something I look upon with deep respect. When relaxing under less demanding circumstances, Ray proved to be a thoughtful and knowledgeable conversationalist. Topics ranged from ancient history, to past wars, current political challenges, and economic ramifications for policies relating to local and national settings. He was insightful and always offered perspectives that were thought provoking. In so many ways, life without Ray will be a lot less fun, less challenging, and too boring. He brought a fresh light to the world and a smile to everyone around him. It won’t be the same without Ray, but its a better world because of him.

Ray was a wonderful brother-in-law...smart, funny, adventurous. He and Beth brought out the best in each other. We will miss him.

Ray was a wonderful, smart and caring brother-in-law. He and Beth brought out the best in each other. Tom and I and our children will cherish our fond memories of him.

I am going to miss Ray so much. He was so comfortable to be with, and hefelt like family. I loved having him in my life.

We met Ray in 2015, when we bought a condo down the hall from Beth and Ray. At first we were part-timers at the condo, and we always looked forward to seeing Beth and Ray. Ray was so much fun to be with. He told great stories, and he had a wonderful sense of humor. We enjoyed going places with them, sharing dinners, and going to demonstrations together. When we moved in full-time last summer, we were so glad to have them as full-time close neighbors and friends. He was a terrific athlete and good sport; I remember seeing him in the hall with his bike and helmet, and I remember that he was among the first to "take the plunge" when Poet's Beach first opened for river swimming. Later, as he came up against physical limitations, I would run into him in the hall on his scooter with Shayna, as he found "workaround" methods of staying active and involved and positive. He met the challenges of cancer with incredible courage, grace, and positivity. I so miss his warmth, humor, conversation, and kindness already, and I'm grateful we had a chance to get to know him.

We met Ray and Beth (and of course Shayna) in the fall of 2015 when we moved to RiverPlace. Besides the friendly greetings of neighbors, we've helped each other with animal care, visited in each others condos where Ray, Beth, and Shayna welcomed our dog, Marlon Brando. Even though Marlon, without invitation, helped himself to Shayna's toys. We have shared meals, adult beverages, movies, a protest march or two, and a lot of great conversation. I was fortunate enough to be in their Arts and Culture Book Group where many great conversations took place. I think what I will miss the most about Ray are the wonderful conversations and the unfailingly warm and friendly greetings he offered. He added to our RiverPlace community and he will be missed.

I meet Ray for the first time when I moved into my condo at RiverPlace in 2018. He was the first person to introduce himself to me and also introduced his dog, Shayna. He was quite distinctive as he was wearing a hat that was very similar to the one worn by my boyfriend in college. Not long after, I met his wife Beth. Seeing Ray and Shayna in the hallway or walking along the esplanade was always a pleasure and as I introduced him to my friends he would always include introductions to Shayna. He was delight to know and I shall miss him.

Ray was my one true love. Words can’t describe how much I will miss him. He was my husband and my best friend. I will miss him for the rest of my life.