Kern Funeral Home
http://kernfuneralhome.com
Raymond Theodore Reep, Jr. passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 6, 2024 at the age of 89. He was born in Mount Vernon to Ted and Ruby (Johnson) Reep on March 6, 1935. He was truly proud to be from Mount Vernon and loved his community.
He attended Mount Vernon schools, graduating with the Class of 1953. A natural athlete, he participated in both football and baseball in high school. He continued these sports at Pacific Lutheran College, and was fortunate to play for the great Marv Harshman. At PLC, he met Florrie Magnusson whom he married in 1956, and after graduating from college they came back to the valley where they raised their family.
When first returning to Mount Vernon, Ray worked for his dad driving trucks for Highland Pacific Dairy. This later became the Pepsicola Bottling Company. He enjoyed meeting customers on his route and working with store managers, and this proved foundational in his connection with people. In 1969, he began working for Bob Stein at Bob's Sports Center, eventually buying the business with his cousin's husband, Phil Haupt Sr. Together they ran the store until selling in 1980. He then moved into his work in city government. Beginning with two years on City Council, he then ran for mayor and served three terms. Credited for getting the SKAT public transit approved, he also worked to expand the service areas, including the Boeing Express. He was instrumental in bringing Haggen's to Mount Vernon, in the building of the new viaduct, the Riverside bridge, and the East Division Fire Station - all lasting legacies. Each of the jobs he held in his career were very suited to his personality, but being Mayor of Mount Vernon is what he is most remembered for, and where he was literally in his element.
He loved sports, especially baseball, so it was natural that early in his career he would find time to coach Little League. He led the Thrifty Foods team to more than one league championship back in the 1960's. Both of his sons, David and Robbie, played for him. A great supporter of his kids' sports, he never missed a football, wrestling, or baseball game. Later when he married Kristine Bilski in 1976, he was the biggest cheerleader for stepdaughters Debbie and Jennifer's sport teams. He continued this with his grandchildren as well and remained a lifelong Bulldog booster.
Ted and Ruby Reep instilled the value of giving back and volunteering in the community. In early years he was a Hi Y leader and taught Sunday School at Salem Lutheran. He followed in his father's footsteps and was a Rotarian for many years. Proud of his Scandinavian heritage, he could often be seen having Swedish pancakes at the Vasa Lodge or enjoying Lutefisk at various venues in the area.
Attending First Lutheran Church for many years, he later met Carol Garberg there. They were happily together for the past ten years and cultivated a fun-loving group of friends who enjoyed socializing at the Skagit Golf and Country Club together. Often referred to as Razor, he was known for his love of people, making connections, remembering who someone was related to in the valley, which house they grew up in, and was always ready to share a good laugh. He has had a big impact in the community and will be greatly missed by all. His faith was very important to him, and we are thankful that he is at peace.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Ruby Reep, his brother Roger/Wiss and sister-in-law Lea Rae, his son Christopher, and his second wife Kristine.
He is survived by his devoted partner, Carol Garberg, his children Karen Brown, David (Vonni), Robert/Whitie, Debbie (Mike) McLeod, and Jennifer (Will) Larson, grandchildren Erin (Maclyn) Maguire, Kaylie Reep, Christopher Brown, Tyler (Aloysie) McLeod, Cooper McLeod, Renee Larson, Swen Larson, great-grandchildren Lana and Callixte McLeod, a nephew Kyle (Kelly) Reep and Kristen (Pete) Scroggs, great nieces and nephews Max and Ryann Reep and Sam and Molly Scroggs.
A memorial service honoring Ray's life will be held at First Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 23rd at 1:00 pm preceded by a family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Hospice of the Northwest www.HospiceNW.org or the charity of your choice.
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