Ray Ernest Rennie, 73, of Sandy, Oregon, passed away on May
31, 2026. He was born on April 4, 1953, in Portland, Oregon, to Harold and Fannie
Rennie.
Ray lived a life defined by hard work, generosity,
dedication, and love for his family. Over the years, he held a variety of blue-collar jobs,
including working as an automotive instructor at Mt. Hood Community College and as a forklift
operator at Northwest Ice Cold Storage. He eventually found what became his true
calling, working as an excavator and heavy equipment operator. Ray owned and
operated his own excavating business in the Sandy community for more than 30 years.
He took great pride in his work and built a reputation for
honesty, determination, and always being willing to lend a helping hand. Whether someone
needed assistance with a project or simply needed support, Ray was the kind of
person who showed up. He was always on the move and rarely slowed down, and his
strong work ethic was matched only by his generous heart.
Outside of work, Ray could often be found tinkering with
something or working on heavy equipment. He also shared quieter moments with his
daughters, including occasionally making freezer jam together. More than anything, Ray loved
his family, especially his daughters, who were the pride and joy of his life.
Those who knew Ray will also remember his unmistakable gift
of gab. He loved visiting with people and had a way of striking up a conversation with
just about anyone. His kindness, humor, generosity, and willingness to help others
allowed him to form friendships wherever he went and touch the lives of many
people throughout his community.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Fannie
Rennie, and his beloved wife of 31 years, Sheila Rennie.
He is survived by his daughters, Shawna DeJohn-Lacey and her
husband, Johnny Lacey, and Courtney (Rennie) Thomas and her husband, Joshua
Thomas; along with his loving companion, Jacqi. As well with many family
members and friends who will forever cherish his love, guidance, friendship, and
unwavering support.
Ray will be remembered for his tireless spirit, his strong
work ethic, his generous heart, and the way he was always willing to help someone in need.
His legacy lives on not only through the work he accomplished, but through the
people whose lives he touched
and the family he loved so dearly.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on October 24,
2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt.Hood Event Center, located in the Café. Location: 29450 SE
Lariat Lane, Boring, Oregon 97009.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that an act of
kindness be performed in Ray’s memory — a fitting tribute to a man who spent so much of his
life helping others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.