“Ray Ray or Ragin Ray”, 57, as he was known by his family and closest friends, peacefully followed the Lord home on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018, after an eight-year courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), surrounded by his loving wife and two sons.
Ray was born on October 19, 1960, to Hector Kohl Hancock (“Hec”) and Shirley Baldry Hancock, in Walnut Creek, CA. He attended Kennewick High School and after graduation joined the U.S. Navy in 1980, serving 19 years as a 2nd Class Navy Diver and Specialist in Explosive Ordinance Disposal.
Ray served upon the Proteus in Guam and the USS Sacramento with his WESPAC family.
Who would have thought that the $2.09 Lisa was looking to borrow for a cherry California Sun Cooler from the friendly neighbor guy (who always seemed to be around while she was sunbathing…) would change their lives so profoundly.
Ray and Lisa were married August 16, 1986, and lived in Marysville and Arlington, WA, raising two incredible sons.
As if diving in the ocean at 80-plus feet or working with underwater explosives was not enough of an adrenaline rush for Ray, he decided to change course in his career, graduating from Washington State Fire Training Academy to his lifetime dream job as a firefighter, Rope Rescue Technician and Ladder Truck driver – serving 19 years with The Marysville Fire Department.
Among his favorite things were: Family, his fireman brotherhood, outdoorsy anything, the Seahawks and sharing good times with his loved ones. As he would say, that’s what truly warmed the “cockles of his heart” to no end.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Hector K. Hancock Jr. “Hec” and Shirley Baldry Hancock.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Marie, and sons, Alex and Tim, and his fur baby, Sir Winston and mother, Carol Noe.
Ray is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Hancock (Penny), Jeff Hancock (Liisa), Terry Hancock (Teresa), Tom Noe (Miranda), numerous nieces and nephews and their families, whose world’s Uncle Ray rocked just by his presence, smile and anecdotal advice. One could also add he rocked them literally, often times donning full military camouflage with the sole purpose of hiding in bushes to scare his nephews on their way home back from school…
He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
The family wishes to thank the Arlington and Marysville fire departments and Rocio (Ray’s caregiver of two years) for their longtime compassionate care, support and assistance with Dad and our family.
A “Go Fund Me” account has been set up by firefighter Kate Songhurst. Please go to https://www.gofundme.com/5d3zego or just type in Firefighter Ray Hancock.
A celebration of life will be held at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, 5611 108th Street NE, Marysville, WA 98271, on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from noon to 2 p.m.
Reception to follow at Gleneagle Golf Course, Arlington, WA.
