Surnames: Soborowicz, Zurakowski, Lewandowski, Hoffman

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) December 24, 2008

Soborowicz, Ray (11 September 1933 - 11 December 2008) With Flag

After a life full of enriching activities, Ray Soborowicz passed away on December 11, 2008, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Ray battled a life threatening infection for two weeks in the ICU that eventually claimed him.

Ray was born on September 11, 1933, in Thorp WI and is the son of Victor and Lottle Soborowicz, now deceased. He is survived by seven siblings: Frances Zurakowski, Valeria Lewandowski, Lucy Hoffman, Anton Soborowicz, Joseph Soborowicz, Marlene Soborowicz, and Richard Soborowicz.

Ray enjoyed traveling, backpacking, fishing, golfing, running, mountain climbing, snowshoeing, and reading. He combined many of these activities, like hiking in the Scottish highland to mountain climbing in Mexico. Ray’s greatest love was mountain climbing and he was a member of "The Mountaineers" in Seattle. He was an instructor and taught new members the techniques in mountain climbing during the 60’s through the 80’s, and led many expeditions in the Olympic and Cascade mountains. He ascended over 149 distinct peaks in Washington State alone, with multiple re-ascends.

Ray retired in 1995 from Boeing after 31 years of service working as a computer engineer supporting the military and commercial divisions. He served the nation in the Air Force for eight years during the Korean Conflict as a jet mechanic.

Ray was extremely active with the Kent Legion Post 15. He held many officer positions throughout the years and was the Commander when he passed away. In 1993, when Tahoma National Cemetery was created in Kent, WA, Ray organized the Honor Guard from the legion members to honor those who have served our nation.

Ray’s remains will be cremated, and in July a service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery located in Kent, WA. A plaque will be placed on the memorial wall there and his remains will be scattered over Mt. Rainier.

Information about the service and other details can be found at this web site: www.finewoodstudio.com/ray, as they become available.