Raymond Henry Titus

December 1, 1921 - December 7, 2013

Raymond Henry Titus CMSgt. United States Air Force, Ret. Dec. 1, 1921 — Dec. 7, 2013 In memoriam: Dec. 7. Pearl Harbor Day. A fitting day for a 30-year veteran to leave his worn-out body behind and become pure Spirit, since he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps because of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ray was born in Sharon, Pa., at the home of his parents, Clarence Edwin Titus and Pearl Isabel Furey Titus. Due to his Dutch lineage, Ray was hardworking, steadfast and disciplined. His mother’s Irish heritage gave him his gentle sense of humor, his love of adventure and his appreciation of music. He was an honorable man who always strove to do the right thing. He remained a gentleman and a sweet soul to the very end. During World War II, Ray was an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he used the GI Bill to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree from Allegheny College. He continued to learn his entire life. An avid reader (of nonfiction only) with an awesome memory, he was a whiz at trivia games. He traveled extensively, and enjoyed learning about other cultures. He visited all 50 states, including most of our national parks, plus 59 other countries, and all continents except the Antarctic. During his career with the Air Force, he was a research laboratory technician, a phlebotomist, a medical technician, a hospital laboratory administrator and an instructor of biological sciences. After retiring from the USAF, Ray attended classes at the University of Oregon to make sure his knowledge of chemistry and related sciences was up to date. He then worked for 16 years in the Environmental Protection Agency’s water analysis laboratory in Corvallis. He was a dedicated birder with a Life List of more than 700 species. A lifelong golfer, he was pleased with his hole-in-one trophy, although, being a modest man, he never bragged about it. He was a yachtsman for a few years; took flying lessons, and enjoyed going up in any kind of aircraft; he enjoyed cross-country skiing, and at the age of 71, learned downhill skiing. One of his great joys in life was gathering with family and friends. He loved being with people to talk, laugh, sing, play games or just listen to music. Some of his favorite memories were the times he spent in Canada with the huge clan of relatives he was fortunate enough to marry into. Ray was a good son, thoughtful brother, a kind and loving husband, wonderful father, proud grandfather and pleased great-grandfather. All three of his children held him in great regard, enjoyed his company and are blessed to have had him for a father. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him. Goodbye, Ray. Per the deceased’s request, there will be no memorial service.