Ray Ditchfield, 85, died Jan. 10, 2011. He was born March 13, 1925 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. Ray was educated at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Blackburn. Following this he served in the Royal Air Force, Bomber Command, during World War II.

After the war he continued his career as an electrician, eventually joining Chloride Industrial Batteries Ltd, where he spent most of his working life, eventually becoming CEO of a United States branch.

He spent time working in Scotland, Canada and United States eventually retiring in 1990 on Whidbey Island which he called his Shangri-la, and where he made dear friends.

Ray is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elsie, son Peter (Jean), granddaughters Alison and Andrea and brother John.

The family would like to thank the staff in the Critical Care Unit of Whidbey General Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion.

There will be no service, but a gathering of friends will occur later.