Raymond R. Eggland, age 75, of Coupeville Wa., passed away on January 1, 2012.

He was born on December 29, 1936 in Sioux City Iowa to Gilbert B Eggland and Edna L (Slack. He was the youngst of three children. He loved to fish on the Big Sioux River as a child. Ray always regretted not serving in the armed services, but he realized he had served on the home front by clearing the right of ways for powerlines. That helped further our country in the war.

Ray married and had three daughter’s. In 1961 he met and later married Betty Wilson of Sioux City and together they had three sons and one daughter. Ray moved his family to the northwest and eventually started his own tree service company. He was known as the “Woodinville Squirrel.”

Ray continued his love of fishing. Ray’s heart was filled with God’s love that he shared with all. He was always willing to help anyone in need. No one was a stranger. As you know, Ray had a great sense of humor and some would even say he was quite the character. He also had compassion and love for animals. Everyone knew his pets were not just pets, they were his children.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jack and his sister, Elaine, his daughter, Ramoa Iwanchok, a granddaughter, Chelsea Achurra and a niece, Diane Fox.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, his children, Susan and Russell Venables of Massillion Ohio, Janet and Mel Barth of Yucca Valley, Calif., Richard Eggland of Tacoma Washington, James and Bindy Eggland of Hawaii, Daniel Eggland of South Carolynia, Teresa and John Achurra Eggland of Coupeville, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, one nephew and 6 nieces.

Ray’s ashes will be scattered by his family at one of his favorite fishing holes.

Go to www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guestbook and leave memories for the family.