Ray Walter Strand
July 23, 1924 - November 13, 2010
Obituary
Ray W. Strand passed away November 13, 2010 from complications of Myeloma and heart disease. He was the younger son of immigrant parents, Arvid and Antonia Strand. He was a graduate of Broadway High School where he was a four year letterman in tennis. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the 94th bomb group, surviving 32 missions over Germany as a bombardier in a B-17. At age 15 he became a junior partner in the construction firm of Strand and Sons. He learned early the process of estimating for steel erection, masonry, carpentry and concrete work. Projects built by this firm at the “U” were Administration, Music, Thompson Hall, Moore Hall and the addition to Husky South Stadium. In 1954 Ray organized the firm of Strand Incorporated, building commercial facilities throughout the Northwest, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, Hawaii and operated an office in Anchorage, Alaska for 25 years. In 2008, he was inducted into the University of Washington Construction Industry Hall of Fame. He was nominated for this high honor by his peers. Fifteen people serving in executive positions in other construction companies, all of whom trained at Strand Incorporated. He was an avid fly fisherman and golfer and enjoyed travel to participate in these events. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruby of 50 years, sons Tim Eileen and Don and three grandchildren, Michaela, Erik and David. Also surviving are his nephew Richard A. Strand Sally of Bothell and niece Sue Still Alan of Edmonds, nephew Dr. William Harbert of Spokane, grand niece Heidi Harbert Rossie Barrett of Spokane and grand nephew Dr. William Harbert, Jr. Alyson of Pittsburgh, Pa. In 2001, Ray visited many relatives in Sweden. Deceased are his parents, brother Elmer; infant son, nephew Robert, and niece, Nancy Harbert. Memorials may be made to University District Rotary Service Fund P. O. Box 31125, Seattle, WA 98103; the Ray Strand scholarship fund at Seattle Central Community College, 1701 Broadway, Seattle, 98109, or Horizon House Resident’s Assistance Fund, 900 University Street, Seattle 98101. A celebration of his life will be held at Horizon House at 1:30 PM, Saturday, November 20, 2010. Garage facilities available.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Ray.
With love and thoughts from Oskar Strand and daughters Gunilla Strand, Kerstin Bergman and families.
With love and sympathy, Betty Adams.
My deepest sympathy to the Strand family, Ruby,Tim,Don,Richard and extended families.
Ray was my mentor. We worked together for 15 years and I had the privilege to have met many truly professional construction people.
Ray was an innovator, he required complete cost records of all completed projects to assist in bidding new projects. He taught me the bidding process.
We enjoyed many other experiences such as fishing, golf and bird hunting. I will miss him.
Carl Johnson
johnson.carl9@comcast.net
I had the pleasure of serving Mr. Strands banking needs for the past few years. He brought a smile to my face whenever he walked through the door. He was a true gentleman in every way and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends who must have been truly blessed to know this man.
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Ray. I had a chance to be the banker for Strand Hunt Construction quite a few years ago. Ray was a very good businessman and an even better person. He was a man of his word and was very well respected in the industry. Our condolences to Ruby and the immediate family.
Many years ago I did business with Ray at Seafirst Mortgage. He was a true professional and very proud to be a general contractor. Many local grocery stores, Safeway and Albertsons, were financed by us and built by Strand Inc. – without a hitch. Good job and thank you, Ray.
Ray was a wonderful person. He contributed so much to Horizon House, and he was such a warm friend.
Don – I’m so sorry about the loss of your father. I didn’t know him. I’m thinking of you and your family. After reading his obit it is clear he was a leader, innovator, motivator,artist,and a stand-up man. I think you carry these qualities. Frank Thornton
We shall miss our good neighbor of so many years.
Ray Strand was a very special person in my life. He gave me an opportunity not only to work at Strand Inc. in the l970’s, but to further my career as a Project Manager, in the world of construction and management.
I also had the most interesting experience golfing with him. He gave great lessons, not only in construction and golf, but also in life. He truly was a great man. I shall miss him.
Ray and I were classmates and dear friends at Broadway High School some 60 years ago, and for many years after.He was a fine boy and man,lived a generous, successful life, and I mourn his passing. My sympathy goes out to his wife snd family. He will be missed.