Ray Mathews, 81, a former Whidbey Island resident, died Jan. 27, 2004, in Colville.

He was born March 27, 1922, in Everett to Edward and Violet Mathews. The family lived in Coupeville, and he graduated from Coupeville High School in 1940. His family said he will be remembered for his prowess on the baseball field playing for Coupeville and Oak Harbor. He played many games on South Whidbey, and he also played a lot of softball. He was a loyal Yankees fan. In 1947 he married Ellen Cloughby of Greenbank. He was a farmer near Fort Casey and a logger. Mr. Mathews also was an avid hunter and trapshooter, he enjoyed big game hunting and was an all-around outdoorsman.

In 1966 the family moved to Dawson Creek, B.C., where he farmed and logged. He and his wife moved to Colville in 1990.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Mathews; a brother, Irving Mathews; and a sister, Myrtle Stillwell.

He is survived by Ellen, his wife of 55 years; a daughter, Coleen Mathews, and Stan Johns of Dawson Creek, B.C.; a son, Ed Mathews, and Ruth of Colville; four grandchildren, Allisa Casselman in Alberta, Matthew Casselman in British Columbia, Myjah Mathews in Colorado and Yoni Mathews in Texas; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Casselman, in British Columbia.

No services have been planned following cremation. Arrangements are by Danekas Funeral Chapel, Colville.