Raymond William Ellinger also known as Poppy, Pops, Poppyson, Big Ray, and Gerzmo was 76 years old and a resident of Boring, Oregon when he passed away on September 9th, 2017. He left this life surrounded by his loving wife and their posterity.
He was born in Santa Monica, California as the fourth son of Ralph and Beatrice Ellinger. His brothers Patrick, Thomas, John, and his younger brother James grew up in Santa Monica, California where Raymond went to Catholic school. He served in the Navy on the USS Midway and later served in the Oregon National Guard.
He worked for GTE when he met the love of his life Bonnie McLaughlin and married her in 1967. They later moved to Burbank where Ray worked for the City of Burbank and in 1977 decided to move to Boring, Oregon. Raymond soon started working for the local school district that led him to his job in plant services at Mt Hood Community College where he retired from after over 25 years of service.
Raymond was a man of many special talents. He had a way of making friends out of complete strangers, making those who felt alone like they belonged, and making those who felt heavy with burdens feel that they were strong enough to bear them. Ray had a way of making people feel safe and secure. He was known for his hugs that could make you feel more loved than anyone or anything else in the world, completely at peace. He could cheer up those with heavy hearts and bring a smile to a stranger who passed by. Raymond had a beautiful deep and resonating voice that could sing every care away. He was often found whistling while he worked with a smile on his face.
Ray was a loving and devoted husband who put his wife and family first in all things. He was happiest when he was spending time with his wife and 9 children, then later his 25 grandchildren. He was a father figure to far more than just his own posterity. He made the best scrambled eggs and chocolate chip cookies with all those who came to visit. Raymond was a member of the LDS church where he dutifully fulfilled his callings, some of those being executive secretary, Sunday school teacher, and in the Sunday school presidency. Ray enjoyed serving others and truly being a friend to all. He taught his children to see the bright side of things, to have hope, to laugh, to be kind, and to love above all.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, and their nine children; Marc (Cherene) Ellinger, Timothy (Angela) Ellinger, Robert Ellinger, Melissa (Charles) Bergstrom, Charlynne (Adam) Edmunds, Rheanne Ellinger, Tyler (Celestine) Ellinger, Jennifer (Anton) Conklin, and Keaira Ellinger; 25 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; and his brother’s Patrick (Shyrle) Ellinger, James (Clare) Ellinger.
He is predeceased by daughter Malinda Ellinger 1980, brothers Thomas Ellinger 2007 and John Ellinger 2016, and parents Ralph Ellinger 1960, and Beatrice Ellinger 1987.
Ray has left us with a legacy of how to truly love, serve, and laugh throughout this life.