Raymond Armstrong Ebert, 82, passed away December 17, 1999 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born, January 27, 1917, Ray was the second child of Clara Famia Armstrong and Frank Henry Daniel Ebert. Intellectually adcanced for his years, he started elementary school at the age of five so that he and his older brother could go through school together. He achieved academically and had completed his high school requirements at the age of 15, but due to the depression, opted to remain in school another year. During those years, he mastered and played the soprano saxophone in the Salt Lake Junior Youth Symphony.Joining the U.S. Navy, he served nine and one-half years both before and during World War II. Fortunately, his ship sailed out of Pearl Harbor on December 6th, just prior to the Japanese attack. Ray was involved in major naval battles during the war and in one battle, had his ship sunk out from under him. He survived several hours in shark-infested waters before he was rescued. During his naval service, Ray proposed to and married his long-time sweetheart, Grace Ann Cahoon Ebert, and together they reared their family of five children: Craig Raymond Ebert (Linda), John Frank Ebert (Peggy), Scott Cahoon Ebert (Jean), Barbara Marion Ebert Gutke and Todd Cahoon Ebert (Gay).
A quiet, industrious, dependable and noble man, he taught his children through both his word and example. All who knew Ray respected him for his unquestionable integrity, fairness, character, and trustworthiness. After returning from the war, needing to furnish a nice home for his growing family, and knowing of the wood shortage caused by the war, he bought one of the Kearns Army barracks. With the help of his wife, his three little boys, and his brother, he dismantled the barracks to get the wood to build the home that his family lived in for 50 years. Wanting to provide for his young family, Ray worked two jobs (beginning his careers with the U.S. Postal service and the Salt Lake Stock Exchange) and attended the University of Utah full time to earn his bachelors degree in business. Ray loved to learn and continued that learning through his love of reading. If ever a sailor deserved "Fair Winds and Following Seas," Ray did.
Together, Ray and Grace provided wonderful memories for their five children, 15 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. During the early years, they enjoyed yearly trips to Yellowstone, building 4th of July parade floats, putting pennies on the train tracks, riding the bus to meet dad at work. Later, trips to the beach house, Disneyland, camping, water-skiing and other special family times. Their home was the gathering place of the neighborhood children where all felt welcome and enjoyed playing for endless hours. Their house and their camper had the most wonderful closet full of toys, games, puzzles, play-doh, paper, crayons, and more. During their retirement years, Ray and Grace were able to enjoy many trips at home and abroad. He particularly enjoyed their several cruises on the Mississippi River.
Dad "Grandpa Ray," we'll miss you, but we know you've gone to Heaven to be with our Lord. Now you are free to once again be the man who lived such a wonderful full life and left us so many special memories. We love you very much!
Services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 21 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 South Highland Drive; where friends and family may call on Monday evening 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday, 10:45-11:45 a.m., prior to services. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
The family wishes to thank the Highland Care Center nurses, aides, and other wonderful people who provided care for Ray during his extended illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 1250 Hylan Blvd #4B, Staten Island, NY 10305-1946, in hopes that a cure can be found for this devastating disease.