Ray Sato passed away peacefully on January 11th, 2009 at the Brookside Manor of Hood River. Ray was 91 years of age at his passing.

Ray was born April 3, 1917 in Parkdale, Oregon the son of Tadao Sato and Shin Hara. He graduated from Parkdale High School and continued his education at Oregon State University and graduated with a degree in horticulture.

When World War II broke out, he was interned at a war relocations center in Tule Lake, California. In l943, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he was employed as a mechanic. He was one of the first Nisei to return to the Hood River Valley in June of 1945. He had left the family farm in the care of his neighbor and friend, John Cooper, and upon his return, was fortunate enough to be able to resume ownership.

On February 12th, 1950, he married Dorothy Suguro of Seattle after postponing the wedding once during a record snowfall in Parkdale. To this union they were blessed with three children; Gordon, Peggy and Sally.

His community involvement included: Orchardist of the Year - 1965, Diamond Fruit Board of Directors - 1968-75, member of Shriner’s, member of the Masonic Temple, served as president of the Japanese American Citizens League.

In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling, hunting, swimming and boating. He was an avid outdoorsman, having climbed Mt. Hood three times.

His greatest passion was his orchard; producing high quality fruit was a constant challenge. He was also passionate about fishing. He took great pride in his garden; redesigning and improving his koi ponds was an ongoing project.

He and Dorothy have enjoyed travel to many countries over the years. More recently, trips to Las Vegas became a favorite past time. Ray and Dorothy have seen the beauty of many lands but always happily returned to their Parkdale home thoroughly convinced that truly there is no place as beautiful as the Hood River Valley.

In his later years, he took great joy in his grandchildren and being a part of their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his three children - Gordy of Parkdale, Peggy of Salem, Sally and Joe Parker of Lake Oswego, three grandchildren - Madeline, Julianne and Zach, and his sister, Lillian Toyota of Portland.

A time to celebrate Ray’s life is planned for 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 24th, 2009 at the Gorge Room at the Hood River Best Western Inn with a luncheon to follow. Family suggests that memorials be made in his memory to the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and sent care of Anderson’s.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit our website to sign the family guest book. www.andersonstributecenter.com