Raphael James Morris II
June 23, 1930 - December 04, 2012
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Raphael James Morris II
June 23, 1930 - December 04, 2012
Obituary
Raphael “Ray James Morris II
Raphael James Morris II (Tsats-ul-tun), Sunrise June 23, 1930 – Sunset December 4, 2012. Ray was known for his talent of carving and his beautiful singing voice. He had various jobs retiring from Intalco after 30 plus years, Lummi transit driver for over 7 years, tribal commercial fisherman, boat builder, tribal leader, and master carver with art at the Smithsonian. His most important job was being a loving, caring, gracious husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Ray was appointed and served on several commissions; the economic commission in 1999, fish commission, and planning commission. He traveled to Washington D.C. on several occasions for tribal business of which was for the authorization for the Silver Reef Casino and funding for the Lummi High School. Ray served on the Lummi Indian Business Council for 2 terms while serving as Vice Chairman and Lummi Indian Gaming Commission Chairman.
He is survived by his wife Ramona of 63 years; daughters Raydean (Bernie) Finkbonner, Raynell Zuni and Rayanne Morris; sons Raphael Morris III and Michael (Laurie) Morris; his sister Ruth Morris Solomon; grandchildren Ron Finkbonner Jr., Bridgett Finkbonner, Armando Brionez, Natasha Finkbonner, Brady, Brandon, and Bryce Morris, and Kyle Diehl; and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Raynette Morris Finkbonner; brothers Leo, Thomas, and Ronald Morris; parents Raphael J Morris Sr. and Mary Ann Kelly Morris; grandparents James and Mary Lizzie Kinley Morris, Joseph and Mary Shay Kelly; and grandson Ryan Finkbonner.
Farewell Tribute Information
A Prayer Service will be Friday, December 7, at 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 8, at 8:00 AM. Both services will be held at the Wexliem Community Building.
10 responses to Raphael James Morris II
Adeline says:
December 4, 2012
I was sad when I found out he was in a nursing home. I only found out because he was my grandma’s next door neighbor. I went and visited him once, told him that I used to ride the vanpool a lot when he was driving. I felt bad because when he heard he had a visitor, he was probably hoping it was someone he really knew, but maybe was at least glad that someone was even coming to visit him.
He was a nice old man, and it wasn’t until a couple months ago when I found out that the man could really sing when I was on the Ferndale vanpool and Theresa threw on one of his tapes. The man sounded like…Johnny Cash in his late days when he just went by Cash.
Well, I’m gonna miss the guy. He was nice. Rest in Peace…,…Ray Morris.
Rita Perry says:
December 4, 2012
Please accept my sympathy to the loving Wife,Sons & Daughters in the painful loss of your dearly loved Ray.He will be so missed by all those whp knew & loved him. Hopefully you will be comforted by the following Bible Verses: Psalm36:7 “HOW PRECIOUS YOUR LOVING- KINDNESS IS O GOD! AND IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS THE SONS OF MEN THEMSELVES TAKE REFUGE,FOR WITH YOU IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE.”
Mark Phillips says:
December 4, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Morris family. I heard many wonderful stories of Ray through Rayanne and learned what a special man he was, May the shared memories you have, forever bring you peace.
Jessie says:
December 4, 2012
Such a “gentle man”….He will be missed! Prayers and strength to his Lovely wife and family! God Bless you all in your time of need.
Leoda Yallup says:
December 4, 2012
Prayers to the Morris Family, he will be missed by all…