Raymond “Ray” E. Smith, an Islander for more than 40 years, died Jan. 7, 2006, at Highline Hospital in Burien. He was 65 years old.

He was born Feb. 28, 1940, in Watertown, N.Y. to Raymond Eugene and Corine Carter Smith.

After high school, he served in the Coast Guard on the USS Northwind from 1958 through 1961.

Mr. Smith was said to be a jack of all trades. Before going to work at Kimmco Construction as a heavy equipment operator for 27 years, he owned and operated Ray’s Enco, which later became an Exxon station across the highway from the present-day Sound Food Restaurant and Bakery.

Ray and Joyce Gretten Kimmell were married Nov. 24, 1989, in Seattle. Together, they built their family home. He is remembered as a friend to many. The gift of gab was one of his many talents. He was formerly a member of the Vashon Sportsman’s Club. He also was an avid stamp collector. And he was a volunteer firefighter.

Mr. Smith retired at 60 because of declining health issues.

Survivors include his wife Joyce, their children, Brenda Thieme of Adak, Alaska, Donnie and Anabel Smith of Port Orchard, Julie and Duane Didricksen of Vashon, Tom and Paula Kimmel of Pullman, Laurie and Shawn Gateman of Vashon, Greg and Lori Kimmel of Vashon, Jenny and Crist Granum of Vashon, Becky and Archie Jenkins of Port Orchard, Andrew and Dusti Kimmel of Vashon, Rob Smith of Tacoma; mother Corine Ranel of Sheridan, Ore.; father Raymond Smith of San Diego, Calif; a sister Bonnie MacNeil and her husband Rick of San Diego; two brothers, Jim and his wife Julie Smith of Cherry Point, N. C., and Larry Ranel of Sheridan, Ore; 25 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A brother Roy died earlier.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the chapel of Island Funeral Service.

The family suggests memorials to the Vashon medics, care of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 1150, Vashon Island, 98070.