Memories of Raymond L Fields

Robyn Fields

2024

Christmas Eve at Tim and Robyn’s

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Tim Fields

Robyn Fields

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Robyn Fields

2024, Eagle Crest Resort, Cline Falls Road, Redmond, OR, USA

Christmas at Tim and Robyn’s

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Tim Fields

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Anita Fields

Shared a heart

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Jennifer Fields

1961, Coquille, OR, USA

Coquille High School Graduating Class of 1961

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Anita Fields

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Jennifer Fields

1957, Coquille, OR, USA

The 8th Grade Graduating Class of Coquille Junior High

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Anita Fields

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Jennifer Fields

Photo: Ray Fields (center with bow tie and pronounced hair part).
Remembering Ray Fields by Jon Head
While sifting through an old box stuffed with piles of ancient Kodachrome fails and other objects lovingly, albeit inexplicably precious to my mother who maintained the family treasure chest of children drawings, report cards, meritorious citations, etc., I found a photo taken in May of 1957. A splendid photo. The 8th Grade Graduating Class of Coquille Junior High.
We were all standing on the steps, neatly attired. Many of us had started on the playground at Washington Elementary School as six-year-olds, children of parents whos live had been disrupted by WWII. Many joined us as jobs rebounded, normality started to return. Now we were going from Wild Cats to Red Devils. It was a big, big deal.
This encounter with a photo taken in the spring of 1957 was not accidental. Ray, classmate, teammate and buddy had died days earlier. I was looking for another photo of him.
There he was: Hair neatly combed in a spiffy sport coat standing next to Mike Pearl, Ernie Anderson, Carlos Capps, Dean Jackson, Mary Dee Richardson and Dick Marcum. But now he was gone. Then I realized, scanning the faces, so was Mike. So was Farol Peterson, Dave Brown, Becky Whytal, Valdean Lindsay, Roger Sanders, Richard Hogate, Jim Pribble, Gwen Panter. How many more were missing? And found myself in a well of memories. Everyone in that photo was now in their early 80’s.
In search of Ray, I had opened not only the past, but the future. It’s unavoidable. Though members of our class scattered into the world after high school into college, jobs, military service or wherever interests took them, Ray and I remained in touch now and then.
He and Anita had left Canby and moved to Central Oregon. I had just retired. I’d worked a bit in Madras on the newspaper there decades earlier. He was pitching the wonder of Juniper, mountains, warmer temps, less rain. A good salesman. It reminded me of a discussion we had not far from where the old class photo was taken. He pulled me aside after basketball practice and excitedly ask, “Have you heard Jailhouse Rock? Elvis. It’s fantastic. You’ve got to get it.”
At the time, I had no knowledge that Ray and family were musically oriented. I could play the radio, but nothing else. Only after we’d moved to the high desert did I learn of his family musical legacy, his passion for the blues, music, and unswerving, intense dedication to the Oregon and Black of Oregon State basketball and baseball.
While attending two high school reunions together, Ray’s keen memory of games, people and friends he’d made was striking. As he and I wandered among classmates sharing the emblems of age, especially white hair and/or no hair as in my case, it was apparent he was delighted by the number of people who immediately recognized him. It wasn’t just former teammates, but everyone. Ray’s engaging personality had not aged at all. What had changed, hidden from immediate view, was the pain, discomfort and challenge of dealing with long-term effects associated with a spider bite. 
It was tough to watch him wince in pain while walking. But he didn’t go on and on about it. But it was difficult to see his pace slowed, the athletic grace, perfectly preserved in my memory, diminished as the years went by. When he suffered a stroke, he focused on recovery with the brilliant support of Anita and his family. It worked. But the struggle and pain was never really very far away.
Ray was a welcoming soul. A true friend to all who knew him, wonderful dad, husband, a talented athlete, coach, superb poker player, passionate musical patron, a credit to OSU, a Red Devil from Coquille who made us all smile, laugh and enjoy his company along this incredible journey called life. Well done, Ray. From me (the dork in the glasses in a bow tie) and the whole class.

Photo: Ray Fields (center with bow tie and pronounced hair part).
Remembering Ray Fields by Jon Head
While... Read more sifting through an old box stuffed with piles of ancient Kodachrome fails and other objects lovingly, albeit inexplicably precious to my mother who maintained the family treasure chest of children drawings, report cards, meritorious citations, etc., I found a photo taken in May of 1957. A splendid photo. The 8th Grade Graduating Class of Coquille Junior High.
We were all standing on the steps, neatly attired. Many of us had started on the playground at Washington Elementary School as six-year-olds, children of parents whos live had been disrupted by WWII. Many joined us as jobs rebounded, normality started to return. Now we were going from Wild Cats to Red Devils. It was a big, big deal.
This encounter with a photo taken in the spring of 1957 was not accidental. Ray, classmate, teammate and buddy had died days earlier. I was looking for another photo of him.
There he was: Hair neatly combed in a spiffy sport coat standing next to Mike Pearl, Ernie Anderson, Carlos Capps, Dean Jackson, Mary Dee Richardson and Dick Marcum. But now he was gone. Then I realized, scanning the faces, so was Mike. So was Farol Peterson, Dave Brown, Becky Whytal, Valdean Lindsay, Roger Sanders, Richard Hogate, Jim Pribble, Gwen Panter. How many more were missing? And found myself in a well of memories. Everyone in that photo was now in their early 80’s.
In search of Ray, I had opened not only the past, but the future. It’s unavoidable. Though members of our class scattered into the world after high school into college, jobs, military service or wherever interests took them, Ray and I remained in touch now and then.
He and Anita had left Canby and moved to Central Oregon. I had just retired. I’d worked a bit in Madras on the newspaper there decades earlier. He was pitching the wonder of Juniper, mountains, warmer temps, less rain. A good salesman. It reminded me of a discussion we had not far from where the old class photo was taken. He pulled me aside after basketball practice and excitedly ask, “Have you heard Jailhouse Rock? Elvis. It’s fantastic. You’ve got to get it.”
At the time, I had no knowledge that Ray and family were musically oriented. I could play the radio, but nothing else. Only after we’d moved to the high desert did I learn of his family musical legacy, his passion for the blues, music, and unswerving, intense dedication to the Oregon and Black of Oregon State basketball and baseball.
While attending two high school reunions together, Ray’s keen memory of games, people and friends he’d made was striking. As he and I wandered among classmates sharing the emblems of age, especially white hair and/or no hair as in my case, it was apparent he was delighted by the number of people who immediately recognized him. It wasn’t just former teammates, but everyone. Ray’s engaging personality had not aged at all. What had changed, hidden from immediate view, was the pain, discomfort and challenge of dealing with long-term effects associated with a spider bite.
It was tough to watch him wince in pain while walking. But he didn’t go on and on about it. But it was difficult to see his pace slowed, the athletic grace, perfectly preserved in my memory, diminished as the years went by. When he suffered a stroke, he focused on recovery with the brilliant support of Anita and his family. It worked. But the struggle and pain was never really very far away.
Ray was a welcoming soul. A true friend to all who knew him, wonderful dad, husband, a talented athlete, coach, superb poker player, passionate musical patron, a credit to OSU, a Red Devil from Coquille who made us all smile, laugh and enjoy his company along this incredible journey called life. Well done, Ray. From me (the dork in the glasses in a bow tie) and the whole class. Read less Photo: Ray Fields (center with bow tie and pronounced hair part).
Remembering Ray Fields by Jon Head
While sifting through an... Read more old box stuffed with piles of ancient Kodachrome fails and other objects lovingly, albeit inexplicably precious to my mother who maintained the family treasure chest of children drawings, report cards, meritorious citations, etc., I found a photo taken in May of 1957. A splendid photo. The 8th Grade Graduating Class of Coquille Junior High.
We were all standing on the steps, neatly attired. Many of us had started on the playground at Washington Elementary School as six-year-olds, children of parents whos live had been disrupted by WWII. Many joined us as jobs rebounded, normality started to return. Now we were going from Wild Cats to Red Devils. It was a big, big deal.
This encounter with a photo taken in the spring of 1957 was not accidental. Ray, classmate, teammate and buddy had died days earlier. I was looking for another photo of him.
There he was: Hair neatly combed in a spiffy sport coat standing next to Mike Pearl, Ernie Anderson, Carlos Capps, Dean Jackson, Mary Dee Richardson and Dick Marcum. But now he was gone. Then I realized, scanning the faces, so was Mike. So was Farol Peterson, Dave Brown, Becky Whytal, Valdean Lindsay, Roger Sanders, Richard Hogate, Jim Pribble, Gwen Panter. How many more were missing? And found myself in a well of memories. Everyone in that photo was now in their early 80’s.
In search of Ray, I had opened not only the past, but the future. It’s unavoidable. Though members of our class scattered into the world after high school into college, jobs, military service or wherever interests took them, Ray and I remained in touch now and then.
He and Anita had left Canby and moved to Central Oregon. I had just retired. I’d worked a bit in Madras on the newspaper there decades earlier. He was pitching the wonder of Juniper, mountains, warmer temps, less rain. A good salesman. It reminded me of a discussion we had not far from where the old class photo was taken. He pulled me aside after basketball practice and excitedly ask, “Have you heard Jailhouse Rock? Elvis. It’s fantastic. You’ve got to get it.”
At the time, I had no knowledge that Ray and family were musically oriented. I could play the radio, but nothing else. Only after we’d moved to the high desert did I learn of his family musical legacy, his passion for the blues, music, and unswerving, intense dedication to the Oregon and Black of Oregon State basketball and baseball.
While attending two high school reunions together, Ray’s keen memory of games, people and friends he’d made was striking. As he and I wandered among classmates sharing the emblems of age, especially white hair and/or no hair as in my case, it was apparent he was delighted by the number of people who immediately recognized him. It wasn’t just former teammates, but everyone. Ray’s engaging personality had not aged at all. What had changed, hidden from immediate view, was the pain, discomfort and challenge of dealing with long-term effects associated with a spider bite.
It was tough to watch him wince in pain while walking. But he didn’t go on and on about it. But it was difficult to see his pace slowed, the athletic grace, perfectly preserved in my memory, diminished as the years went by. When he suffered a stroke, he focused on recovery with the brilliant support of Anita and his family. It worked. But the struggle and pain was never really very far away.
Ray was a welcoming soul. A true friend to all who knew him, wonderful dad, husband, a talented athlete, coach, superb poker player, passionate musical patron, a credit to OSU, a Red Devil from Coquille who made us all smile, laugh and enjoy his company along this incredible journey called life. Well done, Ray. From me (the dork in the glasses in a bow tie) and the whole class. Read less Photo: Ray Fields (center with bow tie and pronounced... Read more hair part).
Remembering Ray Fields by Jon Head
While sifting through an old box stuffed with piles of ancient Kodachrome fails and other objects lovingly, albeit inexplicably precious to my mother who maintained the family treasure chest of children drawings, report cards, meritorious citations, etc., I found a photo taken in May of 1957. A splendid photo. The 8th Grade Graduating Class of Coquille Junior High.
We were all standing on the steps, neatly attired. Many of us had started on the playground at Washington Elementary School as six-year-olds, children of parents whos live had been disrupted by WWII. Many joined us as jobs rebounded, normality started to return. Now we were going from Wild Cats to Red Devils. It was a big, big deal.
This encounter with a photo taken in the spring of 1957 was not accidental. Ray, classmate, teammate and buddy had died days earlier. I was looking for another photo of him.
There he was: Hair neatly combed in a spiffy sport coat standing next to Mike Pearl, Ernie Anderson, Carlos Capps, Dean Jackson, Mary Dee Richardson and Dick Marcum. But now he was gone. Then I realized, scanning the faces, so was Mike. So was Farol Peterson, Dave Brown, Becky Whytal, Valdean Lindsay, Roger Sanders, Richard Hogate, Jim Pribble, Gwen Panter. How many more were missing? And found myself in a well of memories. Everyone in that photo was now in their early 80’s.
In search of Ray, I had opened not only the past, but the future. It’s unavoidable. Though members of our class scattered into the world after high school into college, jobs, military service or wherever interests took them, Ray and I remained in touch now and then.
He and Anita had left Canby and moved to Central Oregon. I had just retired. I’d worked a bit in Madras on the newspaper there decades earlier. He was pitching the wonder of Juniper, mountains, warmer temps, less rain. A good salesman. It reminded me of a discussion we had not far from where the old class photo was taken. He pulled me aside after basketball practice and excitedly ask, “Have you heard Jailhouse Rock? Elvis. It’s fantastic. You’ve got to get it.”
At the time, I had no knowledge that Ray and family were musically oriented. I could play the radio, but nothing else. Only after we’d moved to the high desert did I learn of his family musical legacy, his passion for the blues, music, and unswerving, intense dedication to the Oregon and Black of Oregon State basketball and baseball.
While attending two high school reunions together, Ray’s keen memory of games, people and friends he’d made was striking. As he and I wandered among classmates sharing the emblems of age, especially white hair and/or no hair as in my case, it was apparent he was delighted by the number of people who immediately recognized him. It wasn’t just former teammates, but everyone. Ray’s engaging personality had not aged at all. What had changed, hidden from immediate view, was the pain, discomfort and challenge of dealing with long-term effects associated with a spider bite.
It was tough to watch him wince in pain while walking. But he didn’t go on and on about it. But it was difficult to see his pace slowed, the athletic grace, perfectly preserved in my memory, diminished as the years went by. When he suffered a stroke, he focused on recovery with the brilliant support of Anita and his family. It worked. But the struggle and pain was never really very far away.
Ray was a welcoming soul. A true friend to all who knew him, wonderful dad, husband, a talented athlete, coach, superb poker player, passionate musical patron, a credit to OSU, a Red Devil from Coquille who made us all smile, laugh and enjoy his company along this incredible journey called life. Well done, Ray. From me (the dork in the glasses in a bow tie) and the whole class. Read less

Anita Fields

Jon.. I can't thank you enough for this beautiful tribute to your life long friend Ray Fields.. Love this... Read more Jon.. I can't thank you enough for this beautiful tribute to your life long friend Ray Fields.. Love this and love you for writing... Read more Jon.. I can't thank you enough for this beautiful... Read more

Robyn Fields

2013, Eagle Crest Resort, Cline Falls Road, Redmond, OR, USA

Christmas 2013 — with Ray at Tim’s house 2013. First Christmas in Eagle Crest

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Anita Fields

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Dusty Guild-Hanson

I was fortunate enough to meet Ray and his family in the early 80s when Jen & I were elementary classmates. He was always so kind and soft spoken.

Chad & I enjoyed seeing Ray & Anita in Canby throughout the years and getting to know them in a different capacity as we became adults. Ray was still kind and soft spoken and calm, but also so darn funny! We were sad when they moved away but thankful for the dollhouse they passed on to our daughters from my childhood with Jen (which I still have for future grandchildren!).

I feel blessed to have known Ray.

Thinking of Anita, Tim, Jen, Rachel and families and sending love,

Dusty & Chad 🤍

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Jennifer Fields

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Dusty, thank you so much… Love hearing your memories of Ray. He was a pretty special guy for sure. I am so... Read more Dusty, thank you so much… Love hearing your memories of Ray. He was a pretty special guy for sure. I am so happy to hear about... Read more Dusty, thank you so much… Love hearing your memories... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Mike Pearl Ray Fields Mike Pearl Ray Fields Mike Pearl Ray Fields

Anita Fields

Mike and Ray went to coquille Grade school and high school together. They had a lifelong friendship of 65... Read more Mike and Ray went to coquille Grade school and high school together. They had a lifelong friendship of 65 years stayed in touch... Read more Mike and Ray went to coquille Grade school and high... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray & Jon Head Coquille Oregon boys Ray & Jon Head Coquille Oregon boys Ray & Jon Head Coquille Oregon boys

Anita Fields

Jon and Ray, like Mike and Ray have been friends for 65 years. They also went to Coquille grade school and... Read more Jon and Ray, like Mike and Ray have been friends for 65 years. They also went to Coquille grade school and high school together.... Read more Jon and Ray, like Mike and Ray have been friends for... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Tim Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray David Maldonado Ray David Maldonado Ray David Maldonado

Dave Maldonado

I met Mr Fields in 1975 . I was played two years for him . We developed a friendship that I don’t believe... Read more I met Mr Fields in 1975 . I was played two years for him . We developed a friendship that I don’t believe any former players had... Read more I met Mr Fields in 1975 . I was played two years for... Read more

Anita Fields

David, you have always been extended family to us, like a son. Ray and my self have loved you as long as ... Read more David, you have always been extended family to us, like a son. Ray and my self have loved you as long as we’ve known you. Thank... Read more David, you have always been extended family to us, ... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray and David Ray and David Ray and David

Anita Fields

David and Corrine are extended family. Ray and myself have loved them, like family. Lots of good memories... Read more David and Corrine are extended family. Ray and myself have loved them, like family. Lots of good memories with these two. David and Corrine are extended family. Ray and myself... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Corrine, Ray and David Corrine, Ray and David Corrine, Ray and David

Anita Fields

Extended family🩵 Extended family🩵 Extended family🩵

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Mike Pearl Ray Fields Mike Pearl Ray Fields Mike Pearl Ray Fields

Anita Fields

Buddies for 65 years🩵 Buddies for 65 years🩵 Buddies for 65 years🩵

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Dallas, Kelsey, grandma and grandpa Fields Dallas, Kelsey, grandma and grandpa Fields Dallas, Kelsey, grandma and grandpa Fields

Anita Fields

Our two treasures. Our grandson, Dallas granddaughter Kelsey. Along with grandma Anita and grandpa Ray.💝 Our two treasures. Our grandson, Dallas granddaughter Kelsey. Along with grandma Anita and grandpa Ray.💝 Our two treasures. Our grandson, Dallas granddaughter... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray with grandson Alex daughter-in-law Robyn son Tim. Is Lane a Fields Ray with grandson Alex daughter-in-law Robyn son Tim. Is Lane a Fields Ray with grandson Alex daughter-in-law Robyn son Tim.... Read more

Anita Fields

Family💝 daughter-in-law, Robyn, grandson, Alex. Our son Tim. Anita and Ray. Family💝 daughter-in-law, Robyn, grandson, Alex. Our son Tim. Anita and Ray. Family💝 daughter-in-law, Robyn, grandson, Alex. Our... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray Ray Ray

Anita Fields

The love of my life, much loved Ray Fields.. also known as sweet baby Ray, and Louie to so many.. forever... Read more The love of my life, much loved Ray Fields.. also known as sweet baby Ray, and Louie to so many.. forever in my heart, my love..... Read more The love of my life, much loved Ray Fields.. also known... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Mr. Oregon State Mr. Oregon State Mr. Oregon State

Anita Fields

Mr. Ray Fields Mr. Ray Fields Mr. Ray Fields

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Jennifer Fields

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Anita Fields

Dallas & Gramps wearing a watch Gramps gave him. Ray’s watch for many years Dallas & Gramps wearing a watch Gramps gave him. Ray’s watch for many years Dallas & Gramps wearing a watch Gramps gave him. Ray’s... Read more

Anita Fields

Dallas Fields and grandpa Ray… Dallas showing grandpa he’s wearing a watch that was gifted to him from grandpa... Read more Dallas Fields and grandpa Ray… Dallas showing grandpa he’s wearing a watch that was gifted to him from grandpa that he had for... Read more Dallas Fields and grandpa Ray… Dallas showing grandpa... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray Jeremy Terry Ray Jeremy Terry Ray Jeremy Terry

Anita Fields

Three amigos… Ray, Jeremy, Terry Lovis🩵 Three amigos… Ray, Jeremy, Terry Lovis🩵 Three amigos… Ray, Jeremy, Terry Lovis🩵

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Ray Anita Linda & Terry ( Our Besties) Ray Anita Linda & Terry ( Our Besties) Ray Anita Linda & Terry ( Our Besties)

Anita Fields

We consider these two friends of mine and Ray’s, as two of our dearest and closest friends... Ray, Anita ... Read more We consider these two friends of mine and Ray’s, as two of our dearest and closest friends... Ray, Anita Fields… Linda and Terry... Read more We consider these two friends of mine and Ray’s, as... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

DK & Ray DK & Ray DK & Ray

Anita Fields

We’ve had lots of friends visit us here in Central Oregon. Some musician friends from the Portland area. ... Read more We’ve had lots of friends visit us here in Central Oregon. Some musician friends from the Portland area. We were honored to have... Read more We’ve had lots of friends visit us here in Central ... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Two of the best🩵🩵 Two of the best🩵🩵 Two of the best🩵🩵

Anita Fields

It doesn’t get any better than these two friends… Ray Fields, and Terry Lovis, nearly lifelong friends. It doesn’t get any better than these two friends… Ray Fields, and Terry Lovis, nearly lifelong friends. It doesn’t get any better than these two friends… Ray... Read more

Anita Fields

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Anita Fields

Canby high school teachers and coaches, and Terry, getting together at the Wild Hare in Canby. This was after... Read more Canby high school teachers and coaches, and Terry, getting together at the Wild Hare in Canby. This was after a memorial gathering... Read more Canby high school teachers and coaches, and Terry, ... Read more

Cathy Little

Enjoyed our friendship over the years.

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Jennifer Fields

Anita Fields

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Sheila Saltmarsh

I will always remember Ray as being so even-keeled and kind. Even as a teacher of high schoolers he was calm. Matt loved going to your house to play poker. I know he loved his family well and you were all so blessed to have him in your lives. 💛

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Jennifer Fields

Anita Fields

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Jennifer Fields

Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. 🤗 Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. 🤗 Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. 🤗

Anita Fields

Thank you for sharing Sheila, it means the world💝 Thank you for sharing Sheila, it means the world💝 Thank you for sharing Sheila, it means the world💝

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