Raymond Hickey

RAYMOND HICKEY October 1, 1927 - April 14, 2010 "Ray always had an open door, a listening ear, a generous handshake and a caring heart." On April 14, 2010, while at his Washougal, WA residence, Ray Hickey, 82 years old, peacefully entered through the gates of heaven. Ray was a leader in the business community, a philanthropist, a mentor to our youth, and a wonderful role model. He was born in Victor, Montana, October 1, 1927 to Wesley and Clara Hickey. Ray joins his parents, 9 siblings (7 sisters and 2 brothers), and one son, John Boutinen, that preceded him to their eternal resting place. Ray grew up during the depression on his family's farm in Victor, Montana, and later moved to Idaho. One of his siblings saw an ad in the newspaper for a deckhand position. He was hired by Tidewater Barge Lines in 1951 as a deckhand. Ray worked his way up through the company and eventually bought the company. He retired from Tidewater in 1996. Tidewater was a vital part of Ray's life and Ray was a vital part of what Tidewater is today. Ray was very proud of publishing his book "Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done", chronicling his work ethic, character, and values that made him so special. As an enlisted man in the USMC, Ray spent time serving in Tientsin, China with the 1st Tank Battalion. He was stationed there from 1944-1945. He was very proud of his service to his country and encouraged others who were interested in serving. Ray was a true sports fan, sticking by his teams win or lose. After attending an Engineering Trade school in Chicago he became a lifelong "Cubs" fan. Ray even had two cats named "Cubby" and "Sox" for his beloved Chicago teams. He enjoyed watching sports on television and attending games. The Blazers, Seahawks, and Mariners were games he liked to attend when he could. It didn't matter where he was, every Sunday he had a "pool" going during the football season, and always had a Super Bowl "pool". He enjoyed swimming, spending time on his property and spoiling his animals (which include llamas, donkeys, and goats). Ray truly loved his family and friends and time spent with them was cherished immensely. He would always call everyone afterwards and say what a special day it was for him. Ray loved with such a big and generous heart. He was a wonderful father and grandfather. Ray is survived by his children: son, Wes Hickey, his wife Diane, and granddaughters, Mackenzie and Sierra; daughter, Cindy Nesbitt, her husband John, and grandsons, Trevor, Nathan, Dawson, and granddaughter, Jasmine; daughter, Linda Hickey and granddaughter, Solana; first wife, Jean Adair; Debbie Boutinen and Megan Boutinen. He is also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA. A funeral for Ray will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Vancouver First Church of God, 3300 NE 78th Street, Vancouver, WA. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Reception will follow. Interment will be private. Donations can be made to the YWCA Clark County, Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation, or the Ray Hickey Hospice House.