Raymond George Rathburn, 58, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at his home in Spokane, WA after a year long battle with cancer.

Ray was born December 9, 1951, in Sheridan, WY to William H. and Katherine (Gosch) Rathburn. Ray attended school in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1970. After high school he attended Sheridan College for 1 year.

He married Vicky Harper in 1970 and had two daughters, Angela Marie, and Andrea Rae.

He worked for Husman Brothers construction, Montgomery Wards and Fletcher construction in Sheridan. Looking for a new area and work, Ray moved to Spokane from Sheridan in 1984. From 1984-1990, Ray worked for a variety of construction companies, including Mooney & Pugh and Norpack. In 1990, Ray was hired as a Superintendent for Associated Construction, where he remained employed for over 20 years.

All of the men and women in the construction trade that crossed Ray's path will miss him greatly. Ray was a true fan of all sports, but golf was his true passion. He was a talented drummer and played drums in local country bands both in Sheridan and Spokane. The last band that he played for was 'Snake River' in Spokane.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughters, Angela Anderson and Andrea (Anthony) Brebbia, both of Las Vegas, NV, brothers Bill (Holly) of Sheridan and Steve (Joyce) of Billings, MT, sister Rosanne (Don) McGlaughlin of Tipton, IA, seven grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Halle, Emma, Abigail, and Leah, who affectionately called him Papa Ray, and Jack Raymond to be born in July. He is also survived by numerous adoring nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be 10:00am on Friday (June 4th) from Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheridan with the Rev. Phil Wold officiating. Inurnment will be in Sheridan Elks Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the youth golfing program at the Kendrick course, the Elks Cemetery fund, or a cancer fund of the donor’s choice.

SheridanMedia.com - June 1, 2010.