Raymond Jerome Bowles

date of birth August 27 1923

date of death June 30 2012

Raymond Jerome Bowles, 88, of Portland passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday June 30th. Ray and four siblings were born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan by their Italian mother and Irish father. Despite living in the Pacific Northwest for 65 years, Ray was an eternal New Yorker—bold, determined, and proud of his Italian heritage. Growing up in Manhattan, Ray developed a love of banter and making conversation with strangers. In other words, he was a natural salesman. Fittingly, Ray spent 30 years as the West Coast Sales Manager for Norcross Greeting Cards engaging with customers across the Pacific Northwest. Ray’s New York tenacity served him well when he met Patricia Edwards. Thanks to Ray’s confident and persistent wooing, Ray and Pat married in 1951. Together they raised three daughters, and embarked upon many adventures together—a three-month long road trip for their first visit to Europe, teenage daughters in tow, skiing lessons at age 50, and a new business venture when most of their friends were getting ready to retire. In 1977, Ray and Pat founded Ray Bowles Sales Company. They specialized in giftware sales representation until Pat’s death in 1999.  Ray served as president of the Raleigh Hills Optimist Club and as a member of the Lions Club chapter of Portland. Ray holds a certificate from Portland State University’s Sales and Business Management Program, and was a WWII veteran. Though active in his community and dedicated to his work, Ray reserved his deepest passion and ultimate devotion for his family. Whenever and whatever they needed, Ray was there. Ray is preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat and their daughter Cynthia. He is survived by his daughters Rosanna Bowles and Victoria Turra, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ray's name to St. Mary’s Home for Boys in Beaverton.

 Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center - Portland

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