Raymond J. Downey

August 17, 1953 - December 26, 2014

Raymond J. Downey, age 61, of Bellingham passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on December 26, 2014. Ray was a consummate musician, a dedicated music teacher, and an award-winning composer. He grew up in Lake Tahoe, California and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1972 to play clarinet and saxophone in the McChord Air Force Band. In 1981, Ray graduated from WWU with a degree in jazz studies and composition. He played professionally in back up orchestras for famous performers and numerous local groups, such as Eddie and the Atlantics, The Saltwater Octet, and Saxquatch Saxophone Quartet, among others. He was also principal clarinetist with the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra from 1989 to 2011. Ray maintained a successful music teaching studio for 32 years, enriching the lives of many students. Ray was honored to be a recipient of the Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award in 2001 and 2013. Ray married his wife, Diana, in 1993, and they especially enjoyed attending jazz concerts, camping, nature walks, gardening, and having fun with their grandchildren. Ray was known and loved for being kind, thoughtful, and generous. He will be deeply missed. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Grace Downey. He is survived by his wife, Diana Murphy, his sisters, Sharon (Scott) Heiser, and Sandy Groom and her children, Lucas, Gabriel, Micah, Hannah, his step-children, Jennifer (Emmanuel) Gabet and Jessica (Francisco) Rodriguez, grandchildren Xavier, Augustus, and Lucila, and other extended family members. The family wishes to thank the entire community for the outpouring of support during Ray’s illness. A graveside service will be held on January 2nd, 1:00 pm, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 5977 Northwest Drive, Ferndale. A memorial service will be held on February 7th, 4:00 pm, at Broadway Hall, 1300 Broadway, Bellingham.