Raymond F. Drake Jr., 93, a longtime resident of Concrete, Washington, passed away peacefully in Arlington, WA on November 4, 2025.  He was born on February 20, 1932, in Merced, California, to Raymond and Alice (Hanner) Drake, Sr.

In 1946, Raymond moved with his family to Arlington, where he attended Arlington schools and met the love of his life, Bonnie Mortensen.  He later moved to Concrete and graduated from Concrete High School in 1952.  Raymond and Bonnie were married in 1953 and shared as remarkable 72 years of marriage.

Raymond began his professional career as a plant engineer with West Coast Telephone Company in Everett, WA.  In 1963, he returned to Concrete to work in the family business, Superior Shake Company, where he continued his lifelong dedication to hard work.

In the early 70's, Raymond and a partner purchased the Pressentin Ranch Homestead; 100 acres on the south side of the Skagit river. He developed the raw land into single family home sites which is now known as Wilderness Village. In 1978, Raymond and Bonnie built a new home on the Skagit river where they enjoyed seeing eagles, elk, deer, bobcats and cougars in their yard.

A devoted patriot and community leader, Raymond deeply loved his country, the American flag, and the community he served.  He and Bonnie were actively involved in the community throughout their lives.  Raymond served as a Skagit County Fire Commissioner for 24 years and was a proud member of the Concrete Lions Club, where he was honored with the Melvin Jones Award.  He also contributed many years of service to the Grassmere Fire Department and the Cascade Days Celebration, where you could often see Raymond in the parade driving his 1940 LaSalle convertible.

Raymond and Bonnie were avid dancers and could be found attending dances throughout Skagit and Snohomish Counties from the 1950s through the early 2000s.  Above all, Raymond cherished his family.  He never missed an opportunity to express his pride, offer encouragement, or lend a helping hand.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie Drake; son, Raymond F. (Bonnie) Drake III; daughter, Sharon Diggs (Bill Kinney); grandchildren, Nathan (Kari), Kaylee and Bailey; great-grandson, Barrett.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Dane Drake; son in law, Ron Diggs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Aero Skagit Emergency Services, P. O. Box 705, Concrete, WA 98237 or the Cascade Days Celebration, P. O. Box 792, Concrete.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Lemley Chapel, 1008 3rd Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA.  A reception will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles.  Share your memories of Raymond  and sign the online guest register.