Raymond (Ray) Dean Boecker, age 75, passed away peacefully at the Richland Rehabilitation Facility on May 18, 2025. After a courageous battle with cancer, he was called home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his brother and clergy. He was born July 6, 1949 in Denver, CO to Elmer and Agnes Boecker. He graduated from Lutheran High School in Denver in 1967. After high school, he attended Western State College in Gunnison, CO, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Ray never shied away from sharing memories of his college experience, including all of the good times had with his roommates, through tough college classes and rough winters. After college, he began his career as an accountant in San Francisco with Swinerton and Walburg. This path led him to Atlanta where he worked as a department store manager before returning back to LA to serve as an accounting supervisor at May Company. He held several more upper-level accounting positions in different companies before transitioning into independent auditing. He traveled across the country auditing big-box retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart, and took great pride in his keen eye for detail. Alongside his accounting endeavors, Ray also partnered with his brother-in-law and sister on real estate investments. After an accomplished career, Ray retired from auditing and relocated to Tri-Cities, WA, to be near his brother and nieces.

Ray lived his life with determination, integrity, and a tireless work ethic that inspired all who knew him. Whether pursuing business ventures, guiding others in wise investments, or exploring new places around the world, he brought passion and purpose to everything he did. His faith in God was unwavering, and it shaped the way he lived, loved, and served. His relationships with his brother, Don and his sister, Rita, were those of love, laughter and unwavering loyalty. Retirement didn’t mean rest for Ray, it just meant more time for the things he loved to do. During the day-to-day, Ray enjoyed playing pinochle, participating in church activities, spending time with his nieces, Alex and Gabi, and his weekly breakfast dates at Magill’s with his brother. Over the years, Ray found great joy in exploring the world through
cruises, sailing to destinations such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and various parts of Europe. Amid his busy career and travels, Ray always made it a priority to visit his nephew, Brian, and niece, Kristen, during their time living abroad in Spain and Argentina. He also proudly accomplished a personal goal: spending at least two nights in every state across the United States.

Ray was a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Richland, WA, where his faith and sense of community shone brightly. Over the years, he actively participated in Sunday worship services and Bible study classes, deepening his understanding of Scripture and strengthening his spiritual life. Ray served faithfully as the church treasurer, a role he carried out with integrity and dedication, helping to ensure the church’s financial stability. He also gave his time generously to outreach programs like the Compassion Kitchen, serving meals and offering kindness to those in need. Ray’s leadership and steadfast presence were a blessing to the Redeemer community.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elmer and Agnes Boecker, his cousin Kris (Wolski) Tinsman, and his brother-in-law Bill Garfield.
He is survived by his sister, Rita (Boecker) Garfield (Los Gatos, CA) and brother, Don Boecker and his wife Lisa (Richland, WA). He is also survived by his nephew, Brian Garfield and his wife Meghan (Tustin, CA), his nieces, Kristen Garfield (Manitou Springs, CO), Alex Boecker (Richland, WA) and Gabi Boecker (Bellingham, WA), and his cousins Karen (Wolski) Wilson and her husband Brian (Polson, MT) and Dale Boecker (Abilene, Texas).

Ray’s legacy is one of strength, generosity, and steadfast belief – he has now finished his race and is at peace in his eternal home. Ray’s burial will be held June 7th, 2025, at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home, 915 By Pass Highway, Richland WA, where he will be laid to rest surrounded by his loving family; followed by memorial services at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 520 Thayer Dr, Richland, WA, at 11:00am.