George Raymond Evarts, known as “Papa Ray” to his family and friends, died Sept. 24, 2013, in Medford, Ore., where he lived the past two years. His family said he passed away peacefully.

Evarts was born Jan. 19, 1929, in Salmon, Idaho. He moved to Oregon, found and married his life-long mate  of 64 years, Patricia Lorraine Randolph. 

In 1961, Ray packed up his family and drove to Alaska on vacation, bought a grocery store and stayed the next 50 years. In 1976 Ray moved the family to Homer where he bought and built another grocery store, Kachemak Food Cache, which continues today as Kachemak Wholesale. He loved his customers, especially his Russian friends. 

He was a man of many talents: grocer, truck driver, country western musician, baker and meat cutter. He will be forever known for his “Papa Ray’” cookies and sing-along song. 

Ray is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Linda (Michael) Osif, Monte (Marcia) Evarts, Lorie (Bruce) Henderson, Marty (Fran) Evarts and Myles (Connie) Evarts; 18 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

“Wow — what a legacy he left,” his family said. “So many will miss him as he has touched so many lives.”

Ray took “one last road trip” with family and friends to Salmon, Idaho, where he was laid to rest next to his parents, C.K. and Mildred Evarts.

There will be a memorial celebration of Ray’s life sometime in the spring and will be announced in Homer. The family appreciates your many thoughts and prayers.