Raymond A. ‘Ray’ Cupples, 74, a life long resident of Concrete, died on Saturday, June 17, 2006 on his ranch in Concrete Washington.
He was born on July 17, 1931 in Burlington, Washington one of four sons of Bill and Angele’ Howe Cupples.
Ray lived his entire life in Concrete, working with his brothers and father on the Cupples Dairy farm and cattle ranch.
He served in the Army as a Corporal during the Korean War, however returned immediately after his service to his country.
Ray loved working with his brother Ron on what became the R & R Ranch, changing the focus of the ranch from a mixture of dairy and beef cattle, to strictly beef shortly after his father’s passing. He and his brother Ron continued working the ranch until Ron’s passing in 1994. With the help of good friends and family, Ray continued to work the ranch right up until his death.
Although Ray spent innumerable hours doing typical ranching duties such as milking, haying and fencing, he especially loved falling timber and clearing land with a dozer.
Ray will be well remembered for his sense of humor, strong ideals and his love for being a prankster.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ron and Bill. He is survived by his brother Bob, of Scappoose, Oregon and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Graveside Services will be held at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete on Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Tom Ross of the Mount Baker Presbyterian Church officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to the upper ranch on Baker Lake Road for a BBQ. Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.