In Memory Of Grampa Ray

Ray J. BRANT Ray passed away on April 15th, 2008, at the age of 76. He was an electronics industry manager in the Kirkland area. He is survived by Alice, his wife of 53 years; 5 children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and Ty, the dog. He was a devoted family man and friend. His wit and wisdom will be missed. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kirkland, WA, on May 3rd, 2008. In lieu of flowers, any remembrances may be sent to Evergreen Health care Foundation, Hospice Services, 12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #200, Kirkland, WA, 98034.

My Grampa was an avid World of Warcraft player along with several of us family members. These beautiful flowers were sent from a family that we have gotten to know thru the game.

I included other pictures of several other flowers that were givin to Grandma Alice below.

The Week of Grampa's passing most of the family gathered at Grandma's house in Kirkland Washington to celebrate Grandpa's life. Justin and I were happy to be able to Drive up on Thursday - April 17th (yes our anniversary of 4 years) to spend the weekend with the family.

This is a picture with my whole family in it.

(from left to right)

Adrienne, Me, Justin, Jeff, Kyah, Kaitlin, Kathy (mom), Sommer, Tim (dad) and Kayden.

This picture is Of Grandma and Her kids.

(left to Right)

Sue, Karen, Theresa, Grandma Alice, Tim (Dad), and Mike.

In My family we like to Laugh, Be loud, and play cards . . .

So We did. We played lots and lots of cards and at one point we even pulled out Pictionary and played in teams of 3 to 4 people.

Aren't my Niece and Nephew just adorable.

(sorry had to throw them in here)

Unfortunately we all had to travel back home that same weekend. Grampa's service was held on May 3rd. So unfortunately not every one was able to return for the services. The only ones who weren't able to make it were Justin, and my uncle Mike's family.

Mom and Dad on the way to the Grampa's service.

The day of the service was cool and rainy - it reminded me of all the movies you see were someone dies and there is a funeral and its yucky and gloomy outside with rain and umbrellas.

We all huddled under a canopy over grampa's grave site and those who didn't fit held large umbrellas.

Grampa was Cremated so there was no casket but we did have a burial site for the ashes.

After the blessing of the Burial site we attended a Catholic Mass service for Grampa. The service was very nice. Afterwards there was a reception that took place in honor of Grampa.

One thing Grampa had wanted was an open bar for the attendees. Instead Grandma Alice just had shots of Crown Royal and shots of Sparkling Cider for a toast.

One of my cousins kids Michael was double fisting sparkling cider and we thought it was Hilarius.

The next morning Mom, Dad, Kaitlin and I departed to head back to good O' Boise. However we had to make a slight detour in taking Kaitlin back to Rexburg UT. We left at 7am pacific time.

Everyone took turns sleeping.

Except ME. Well that's not true. I slept for maybe an 30 minutes during the day and then I slept about an hour on the drive back from Rexburg to Boise. I was the front seat passenger who kept the driver awake.

Kaitlin Drove most of the way. Dad drove for the first 4 hours then Kaitlin took over and drove the rest of the way home and to Rexburg. Dad took over driving for 2 hours and then Mom took over and I kept Mom awake.

Over all both trips were wonderful. I was so excited to beable to see family and to tell stories of Grampa that make us all laugh and cry and things we'll always remember and keep in our hearts. We will miss Grampa - but we know he is in a better place and that he is waiting for our return with arms wide open. Grampa WE ALL LOVE YOU!

GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN