Raymond Gordon Heimbigner

Ray Heimbigner, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to many, passed away on March 29, 2014 after a long battle with dementia and a bad stroke.

Ray was born August 12, 1936 to Harry and Margaret (VanZandt) Heimbigner. He was born and raised in Walla Walla and attended schools in College Place and Walla Walla. On July 19, 1958 Ray and Patricia Wallingford were married at the Christ Lutheran Church. They made their home in the Walla Walla Valley.

Ray worked for Birds Eye General Foods, College Place Public Schools, Central Washington University, AmeriCold Cold Storage, and the Walla Walla Union Bulletin. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, the Walla Walla 59er’s, and Fort Walla Walla Museum.

Ray’s greatest joy in life was his family. They always came first to him. Ray is survived by his wife (Pat), son, Gordon Heimbigner (of Walla Walla), daughter, Debra Conn (and husband Ray of DuPont, Washington), two granddaughters who were the joy of his life: Amanda Heimbigner (of Tacoma) and Sara Heimbigner (of Walla Walla), sisters, Gloria Mustril (of Roseburg, Oregon) and Myrna Jones (and husband Russel of Roseburg, Oregon), and brother, Edd Heimbigner (and wife Tina of Roseburg, Oregon). Ray was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Margaret Heimbigner, and brothers, Harry Jack, Melvin and Richard (Dick) Heimbigner.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 3pm to 5pm at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:00 am at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens on Myra Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Walla Walla Humane Society, Walla Walla Community Hospice, or the Alzheimer’s Association through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder Street, Walla Walla.