Seattle, Washington - Ray Puddicombe, a class act through and through, died at his home of 66 years in Seattle on May 18, 2021, age 96. He was born in Tacoma, second son of Albert and Gladys Puddicombe, on August 5, 1924, and graduated with honors from Stadium High School in early 1942 with a scholarship to Whitworth College in Spokane. Inducted into the US Army in early 1943, he served 3 years and went overseas in a rifle platoon that fought through Holland and Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for bravery. After the war he went to the University of Washington on the GI Bill, graduating with degrees in journalism and accounting. He was hired personally by Nick Bez, the salmon canning magnate, in the early 50's as the P E Harris Company chief accountant, finally retiring as Secretary/Treasurer of Peter Pan Seafoods in 1989.

He married Barbara Jeanne Montgomery in 1955. They parted in 1970 but remained lifelong friends. She survives. Later, he had a longtime partnership with Mary Beth Wege until she died in 2018.

Ray was the greatest of dads to his sons, Steven and Curtis, and the "most wonderful brother" to his sister, Elaine Tobin, who survives him. He was the doting grandfather of Alyssa Mary Puddicombe and a most revered uncle of Ann Matejko, Tim and Dan Tobin, and Lori Kasemeier.

Ray Puddicombe was a man utterly devoted to the persons and places he loved: He sent a Mothers Day card for 45 years to the mother of his best buddy, killed next to him in Germany in 1944.

Discovering the Mountaineer Players while in a mountain climbing course in the early 50's, he began his amateur acting "career" in "Green Valley" in 1952 and took his final bow in 2009 in "High Button Shoes" at the age of 86. But he volunteered at his beloved Forest Theater until his death; some 70 years' involvement. A great patron of the arts, he was a season ticket holder at Seattle Opera and Seattle Rep from their inception in 1962. In his later years he appeared as himself in a WWII review with his neighbor, singer Dina Blade, recounting his experience as a veteran in that war.

Ray had a deep and abiding faith in the essential goodness in life and in people. In that way he had a decency and a sincerity that shone and inspired.

He will ever be remembered for his youthful enthusiasm for beauty and fun, and for his ready smile, eager laugh and altogether unique self. Ray Puddicombe "entertained" us all with his generous spirit. It was our privilege to have known him.

Memorials to be announced. Please send donations in his name to the Mountaineers Players/Kitsap Forest Theater, 7700 Sand Point Way, Seattle 98115