January 30, 1925 - February 19, 2010
Raymond Ardel McGhan Obituary
Raymond Ardel McGhan, 85, passed away Friday, February 19, 2010, at
Manorcare in Spokane. Ray was born to Frank and Lela McGhan on January 30, 1925 in Troy, Montana. The family later moved to Spokane. Ray grew up and attended school in Spokane, graduating from North Central in 1944. Within days of graduating, Ray was inducted into the Army and served his country during World War II in Europe. He was
always reluctant to speak of the horrors he observed in the concentration camps. Following his discharge from the Army, Ray attended Gonzaga and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In the same year, he relocated to the Seattle area and began a 35-year career with Boeing designing airliner fuel delivery systems. On October 17, 1953, Ray married Helene Steneide following a six-week courtship. They had one son, Mike. Ray enjoyed keeping an immaculate yard and working around the house. He had a unique gift for fixing and organizing things in his own special way. His biggest passion was his immediate family, devoting all his spare time to his wife and son. Ray and
Helene were avid square dancers, and at one time were in the Guiness Book of World Records for having participated in the world?s largest square. They also enjoyed
traveling. In 1991, Ray and Helene moved back to Spokane to be nearer his son?s family. A few years ago, Ray?s wife developed Alzheimer?s Disease. He dedicated the final years of his life to her care until he physically could do it no longer. It was
devastating for him to be losing the love of his life. Ray is survived by Helene, his wife of 56 years; son Mike and his wife Dawn of Dayton; granddaughter Kelli Kezele, her husband Dan and their son Jaxon of Milton-
Freewater, Oregon; granddaughter Lindsay McGhan of Spokane; sister Shirley McDaniel and her husband John of Hoquiam; and his wonderful neighbors, especially
good friend Ed Hicks. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leo McGhan and sister Deanna Butte. It was Ray?s wish to be cremated and be placed overlooking the Spokane River.
It was also his wish that there be no service. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer?s Association--Inland Northwest Chapter, 910 W. 5th Ave., Ste. 256, Spokane, WA 99204