Ray Brook Obituary and Celebration of Life

The world lost a beaming Ray of sunshine on February 25, 2021, having just celebrated his 80^th birthday. 

Ray leaves a legacy of faith, hope, and love for all who knew him personally, read his journals, watched his videos, or heard him speak.  His endearing presence and incredible smile will remain in our hearts forever.

Born in Los Angeles to loving parents Rulon Edwin and Lora Ruth Brook and elder brother Donald Edwin. The family moved to Whittier, CA, where Ray attended East Whittier Middle School, California High School, Fullerton Junior College, and received his BA in Economics from California State University – Fullerton. 

Ray always believed in maximizing opportunities. He joined the Marines and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Lynn (nee Slonaker) (1942-2002), and they celebrated 40 years together. Ray and Patty had a much-loved son, Ronald Stanford (1962-1989), who passed away far too soon from complications of Cystic Fibrosis.   

Ray worked for several grocery stores before landing his dream job as the youngest salesman with The Folgers Coffee Company (a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble). He obtained his University degree while juggling family life.  

His 35-year career (1965-2000), from coffee sales to logistics management with Procter & Gamble, took him across the country until he finally settled in the Pacific Northwest, making Mercer Island, WA, home in 1976. 

Ray loved every minute of his career and can attribute it to the strong values held by P & G and the incredible people they employed.  His great smile, winning personality, and honest interest in people reinforced his commitment to success in life.  He was “all about relationships.”

The importance of relationships led Ray to serve as Co-facilitator of the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” workshop, guiding others to become their best selves.  At Procter & Gamble, Ray earned the prestigious President’s Club, Gold Club, and Retiree awards.

Ray always made time for family, friends, and the young men he mentored.  Ray’s commitment to fitness and healthy living was an inspiration to many of his friends.  He was more than an active member of the Mercer Island Beach Club, The Rotary Club of Mercer Island, The Bellevue Athletic Club, and Evergreen Covenant Church, where he served six years as Deacon of Men’s Ministry.

Retiring in 2000, Ray’s life became full of adventure.  Whether climbing mountains, solo hiking the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, cycling through all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces as he turned 60, Ray approached every challenge in life with passion and limitless optimism.   He kayaked the Sea of Cortez alone with his newfound Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for 40 days and 40 nights. 

While kayaking the Inland Passage from Olympia to Alaska in July of 2003, his trip was interrupted when he proposed to Gay the day before their first date.  They were married three weeks later.  Their 17½ years of marriage were cherished, and the adventures continued. 

In 2011, Ray and Gay felt called by God to share “Pathway for Life” a life skills program they developed for College students.  In partnership with Gay, Ray imparted a limitless spirit to thousands of young people through the Private Foundation he founded named Summit Seekers.  

This transformational instruction for university students led them to travel the globe for almost a decade. Over the years, they gained more than a few surrogate children and were called dad and mom by many.    

Health challenges brought them back to Seattle in April of 2019 when Ray was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and later pancreatic cancer.  His nearly 2-year journey fighting cancer was faith-filled and maximized by sharing the faithfulness of God in his life with others.  In the end, it was still about relationships for Ray.

Ray, a devoted follower of Jesus, exemplified perseverance through suffering, with the joy of the Lord his strength.

“He who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me . . . has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24 NKJV)

• Lovingly remembered by his cherished wife of 17 ½ years, Gay Brook  
• Sisters-in-Law – Vonna Brook, Bonnie Slonaker, Diane Collett (Donald)
• Cousins – Ron Brook (Marilyn) Darrell Brook (Judy), Duffy Brook (Trish)  Barry Brook (Debbie)
• Nieces and nephews – Jeffrey (Denise) Brook, Chad (Terri) Brook, Dannielle Brook, John Slonaker, Amy Slonaker, Dave (Stephanie) Collett, Ken (Megan) Collett, Laura (Geoff) Caldwell 
• Great nieces & nephews – Alycia Frye, John Mark Brook, Tyler Brook, Zachary Pusatere, Ashley Pusatere, Sawyer Collett, Brayden Caldwell, Spencer Collett, Avery Collett, Addison Caldwell, Ryder Collett, Ella Collett, Carson Collett

Heartfelt thanks to the amazing and dedicated staff of the Hematology/Oncology department and to his doctors: Mark Beiter, Rajesh Krishnamoorthi, Donald E. Low, Vincent J. Picozzi Jr., Leland Teng, all of Virginia Mason. 

A virtual “Celebration of Life” was held on March 20, 2021.