Raymond Earl Jongeward

RAY E. JONGEWARD August 12, 1920 ~ October 12, 2011 Ray E. Jongeward, 91, of Vancouver, WA, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in his home, Oct. 12, 2011. The cause of death was (TMB) "Too many birthdays". He was born on a farm in Moxee, WA on Aug. 12, 1920 and he worked the productive family farm with a mule team. Ray enlisted in the Army in WW II returning to earn his degree at Central Washington University where he became student body president and married the homecoming queen, his college sweetheart, Virginia Adolf. He was later honored as a distinguished alumni of Central Washington University in 2000. A lifelong educator, Ray began as a 7th grade teacher at Fruit Valley School, then as principal, returned to college earning his doctorate in education. Never tiring of his goal to improve the educational system he then became Director of Research for the State Department of Education in Olympia. Furthering his accomplishments he accepted a position with the Federal Office of Education in Washington D.C. with the promise of a position as the Head of Education for the whole country. Being a family man first, he declined the position so the family could remain on the West coast. Continuing with his aspirations, Ray was among the five founders of Northwest Regional Educational Lab in Portland, OR. He was one member of a three person team that founded the structure for the WSU - Vancouver. His strong organizational skills were applied to many projects and in leadership roles at First Presbyterian Church and Kiwanis. Ray lived his faith and immersed himself in church and community. Learning was his passion. He took pride in staying current and loved to discuss the newest discoveries and developments. Looking to the future he said he was going to miss not being able to see what was coming next and not being part of it. Ray is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Jongeward; his brother, Dave Jongeward; his children, Jan (Russ) Murphy, Jodee (Hal) Force, John (Kim) Jongeward; and five grandchildren, Jacob and Zachary Force, Ross and Hailey Jongeward and Colin Murphy. He was preceded in 2003 by his son, Jay Jongeward. Memorial services will be held on Sat., Oct. 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98663. Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Choir Robe Fund.