Kenneth "Kenny" D. Ray, 66, made his final TREK on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born Jan. 4, 1950, in Lewiston, to Lyle and Ernestine Ray. Kenny grew up in Lewiston and attended school at Whitman Elementary, Jenifer Junior High School and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1968. During his 12 years of primary education, Kenny never missed a day of school and to date is the only student to obtain perfect attendance in Lewiston.
In 1968, he was awarded the Most Inspirational Player for basketball, Athlete of the Year, and Baseball MVP. He was nominated for Idaho Athlete of the year as a senior in high school. While playing American Legion baseball, they won three state titles and played in the Legion World Series in 1966. Kenny was named to the All Regional American Legion baseball team.
He attended the University of Idaho on a full-ride baseball scholarship, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor of science in recreation. He was the first freshman to ever make the All-Big Sky baseball team and was the all Big-Sky first team catcher for four years in a row. Kenny was voted "Top Catcher" at the University of Idaho. He received the Idaho Vandals MVP award twice during his four years at the University of Idaho. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Kenny's dream of playing professional baseball came true when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1972. At the conclusion of his baseball career, he married his best friend, Janet Marie Scharnhorst, on Oct. 7, 1972. They spent the next 44 years together, raising their three children, enjoying their grandchildren, coaching local youth, community service, traveling, fishing, snow skiing, water skiing, sailing, backpacking, road biking, archery, hunting, yard work and visiting many wineries.
Kenny worked for Avista Utilities (formerly Washington Water Power) in the Lewiston office before accepting a job as a construction design coordinator in the Clarkston construction office. He loved his job, his co-workers and customers. He retired in December 2012 at the age of 62.
Kenny lived a life of service to his family and community. He served at St. James Parish, on the planning and zoning committee for the city of Lewiston, board of directors for Winter Spirit, Lewiston Lions Club and a member of the Kelly Creek Fly Casters. He coached Little League baseball, All Stars baseball, basketball, football and soccer for many years for the Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department.
Kenny's most recent years were spent perfecting fly tying, fly fishing, sailing, traveling and frequent walks with his wife and children. He prided himself in doing things with perfection, pouring his heart into all of his many hobbies and activities. He rarely missed a game at the Avista NAIA World Series. He looked forward to summers rafting on the Salmon River, steelhead season on the Grande Ronde and sailing trips to the San Juan Islands.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Janet; son Todd Ray of Snoqualmie, Wash.; and daughters Stacy (Darrin) Fields of Lewiston and Molly Ray of Lynnwood, Wash. Grandchildren are Braden Ray, Kaitlin Ray, Slayte Fields and his grand-dog "Doug." Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Ray.
The family would like to thank all who joined him on "Kenny's TREK."
A memorial service is scheduled to take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Valley Christian Center, 3215 Echo Hills Drive, Lewiston, followed by a celebration at 5 p.m. at Lindsay Creek Winery, 3107 Powers Ave., Lewiston.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Winter Spirit, P.O. Box 1813, Lewiston, ID 83501, or www.winterspirit.com; or Kelly Creek Fly Casters Club, P.O. Box 2131, Lewiston, ID 83501.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, November 26, 2:30 PM
- Location
-
Echo Hills Church
3215 Echo Hills Drive
Lewiston, ID 83501
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Condolences
Dr. Bill and Mrs. Kathy Jordan
Dear Janet and family, I am so sorry to hear of Kenny's death. My brother Julius and I knew Kenny and David as good friends as we grew up in Lewiston. Kenny was a wonderful, fun loving, an amazing athlete and a high energy kid. Kenny and my brother were great friends. Kenny and David were an important help to me when my brother died in 1966. Please know Kathy and I are praying for you, your children, grandchildren and family. God bless you. Bill
Friday, November 25, 2016 10:33 PM
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