Ray Frank Bryson, 74, passed away Friday, February 17, 2023 at his home near Lyman, Washington.  Ray was born December 27, 1948 to Frances Catherine (Burress) and John Dee Bryson at the family home built by his dad overlooking the Tuckaseegee River outside Cullowhee, North Carolina.

The family moved to Washington State to find work in the logging industry arriving at Hamilton when he was 2 years old where he lived through his teens; attended Hamilton Elementary School, Cascade Middle School and graduated with the Sedro-Woolley High School class of 1967.  He played little league baseball and was a member of the Hamilton Boy Scout Troop.

His first regular job was at the Northern State Hospital starting in 1967 and worked there until the hospital was closed in 1973. He then worked for the City of Sedro-Woolley until the Northern State Multipurpose Center was created using some of the facilities of the old hospital site. He was part of the maintenance staff and over the years held several positions and titles from grounds maintenance to roads, equipment operator,  to various facilities maintenance including heating, electrical, plumbing and  managing the water system.  He often said he knew every inch of the Northern State Hospital property.  He retired January 2003.

Ray and longtime friend Terry Higgins were married March 2003 in the tiny Roadside Chapel at Marblemount, Washington.  He sold his house in Sedro-Woolly and they lived near Lyman until Terri passed away in 2020.

Ray is survived by daughters, Angela (Peter) Belanger, Amanda (Mike) Lewellen; son, Ryan Bryson; grandson, Tanner Comstock; granddaughter, Meggan (Freddie) Comstock- Lienhard, Lilian Belanger, Annika Gahan; grandson, Darby Bouey; two-month-old great grandson, Niko James  Lienhard; brother, Bruce Bryson; his beloved Golden Retriever Andi who was by his side to the end.

He loved the outdoors, barbequing, picnicking, camping, hiking with his family and backpacking, especially with his late father-in-law, David Parker. He always had a great garden and manicured lawn. He loved sports specifically youth and high school wrestling and football helping his son Ryan prepare for and participate in both sports.  He was a frequent attendee at those events. During football season he was “tuned in” and known to have as many as three games going on different TVs and the radio at one time.

Ray is preceded in death by his mother, Frances; father, John Bryson;  he spent much of his time visiting and helping them especially in Johns last years.  He was his wife Terri’s lifeline as he helped her with extensive health issues during the last year of her life.

Ray had many longtime friends because he was so likeable and good hearted.  When someone became a new friend, they were a forever friend.  He will be sorely missed.

There will be a celebration of life for Ray Bryson on September 23rd from noon to three at River Front Park, 901 River Rd Sedro-Woolley, WA. We have reserved the small gazebo and will be there to share stories and munch on some of Rays favorite finger foods.  Please pass the word along so that people may have the opportunity to celebrate Rays memories.

Memorials can be made in Ray and Terri’s name to Humane Society of Skagit County. 18841 Kelleher Rd, Burlington Washington 98233. Share memories of Ray and sign the online guest register.