Ray Bruland, age 78, of Bellingham was born in Renton, Washington on March 3, 1948, to parents Arthur and Violet (Balzer) Bruland. He is survived by his wife Jeane; sons Damon and his wife Andrea, Dusty and his wife Raeann; his grandchildren, Tiffany, Brock and wife Itzel, Whitney and husband Michael, Brandy and Kylee; great grandchildren, Lucas and Arthur Ray; brother Ron and his wife Judy); sister-in-law’s, Marilyn and Diane Bruland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Violet, brothers Rod and Rick Bruland.

Ray was raised in Whatcom County; his parents owned a Chicken Farm. He attended Mount Baker High School and Lutheran Bible School, where he met his wife, Jeane Poulsen. They were married for 57 years.

Ray has been involved in sports in some way his whole life. He coached little league baseball for years; he loved the Husky Football team. Ray could always be found at the grandkid’s events, which he very rarely missed a game. He was a referee for 55 years and just completed this last season with 105 games.

Papa Ray has been his name for close to 30 years and not just to his grandkids, but to a huge community of people, including his work family. Ray worked for Skagit Farmer’s Co-op for 58 years driving Fuel Truck

Ray is missed already for everything he did for everybody, he was called to help all the time and he gladly lent a helping hand. He loved God, his family, his friends and his Church where he faithfully volunteered. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, 2:00 PM, at Hillcrest Church in Bellingham, 1400 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham Washington 98225.