Raymond Lewis Fields

August 28, 1943 – April 3, 2025

Raymond (Ray) Lewis Fields, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and athletic coach, passed away peacefully at his home in Redmond, Oregon on Thursday, April 3, 2025, while surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.

Ray was born in 1943 in Portland, Oregon to Eugene C. Fields and Helen (Capps) Fields. When he was one-year old, his family moved to Coquille, Oregon. A proud graduate and National Honor Society Member of Coquille High School’s class of 1961, he excelled at sports, namely basketball and baseball, and carried his love of athletics throughout his life. He went on to attend Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education, and later, a Master of Arts in General Studies.

After graduating from OSU, Ray moved to Pasadena, California where he began dedicating his professional life to teaching and coaching. He began his career at El Monte High School teaching English and coaching men’s basketball. He then transitioned to Mountain View High School in Mountain View, California, where he taught language arts and coached basketball for 11 years until returning to Oregon; this time moving his family to a small town called Canby. He continued teaching language arts and coached both men’s and women’s basketball at Canby Union High School, inspiring many of students and athletes with his wisdom, patience, and unwavering support.

In 1969 he married Anita Gonzales, originally from Chicago, Illinois. Together, they built a life that started with a love of music, specifically Blues. They were frequent attendees of Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival and spent many nights enjoying Portland’s music scene together and with many much-loved friends.

Ray is survived by his wife, Anita; his three children, Tim (with his wife Robyn and step-grandson Alex), Jennifer, and Rachel; two grandchildren, Kelsey Bath (with her husband Jesse, and great-grandchildren John and Eleanor) and Dallas Fields (with his wife Ashlyne).

Ray will be remembered for his gentle spirit and as a great mentor and friend to many, his deep dedication to his students, players, and the field of education, and his love of music and his family.

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