William Ray Glass

William Ray Glass, 87, of Corvallis died Wednesday, March 22, at Central Scottsdale Assisted Living in Scottsdale, Arizona, after a brief illness. Born on June 21, 1929, in Central Point he was the son of William Randolph and Edith Claire Glass. Ray attended both Oregon State and the University of Oregon. While Ray was attending the University of Oregon he met Roberta “Bobbie” Childers on a blind date. After a brief courtship, the two were married Sept. 7, 1952, at Bobbie’s parents’ home in Hood River. Ray and Bobbie have four children, Donna, Robert, Jon and Dee. Ray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Oregon in 1956, and became a professor of architecture at Oregon State University upon graduation. He retired in 1995 and after completing a one year teaching appointment, received a Professor Emeritus title from Oregon State University in 1996. He was also a local architect who designed many homes and businesses in and around the area. His many interests included woodworking, golf, history of architecture, and model building. Described by a former student as a “Titan of a Man,” he loved working with his students at OSU and would often stay late because a student needed him. Ray was initiated into the Masonic Lodge in February of 1977 and by May was raised to Master Mason and has held many offices including the 33rd degree, master of his lodge, President of Benton County Shrine, President of Polk County Shrine, President of Mary’s Peak Trek, Director of Salem Patrol, among many offices he held over his time in the Masonry. He also pursued his interests in Masonic Orders through many paths including: Scottish Rite, York rite, Shrine, Eastern Star, Commandry, HRAKTP, Knights Templar, Salem Patrol, Divan and Council of Cryptic Masons. He was always working to better himself and those he came into contact with, he had a true love of helping, mentoring and giving. Ray worked years on the restoration of the Masonic Lodge in Corvallis. Get breaking news sent instantly to your inbox Ray and Bobbie also enjoyed traveling. On one especially memorable trip during a sabbatical from Ray’s professorship at Oregon State, they traveled through Western Europe and Scandinavia and also to Egypt and the Middle East, where they each had a chance to hold one of the Dead Sea Scrolls in their hands. After his retirement, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada continuing his love for historical places and things. Ray is survived by his brother, Gerald and wife Ruth Glass; four children and their spouses, Donna and Dean Sulzer of Phoenix, Arizona, Robert “Bob” and Ronnie Glass of Roseville, California, Jon and Barb Glass of Two Harbors, Minnesota, and Dee and Keith Aldrich of Independence; grandchildren Dean Jr., Darci, Deanna, Danielle, Derek, Daryn, Diamond, Cameron, Katrina, Ryley, Christopher, Brandon and Nathan; and great-grandchildren Ethan, Nolan, Hana, Tristan, Katelyn, Landyn, Ryker, Emalynn, Mackenzy, Maddisyn, Peyton, Owen, Shealynn, Addison, Desmond, Mila, James, Hayden, Teddy and Jenevive. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Corvallis. The Rev. Simon Justice will officiate. A Masonic committal service will take place at Oak Lawn Memorial Park following the service at the church. Memorial donations in Ray’s name can be directed to the Shriners Hospital in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

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William Ray Glass

June 21, 1929 - March 22, 2017