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A.M.E. Scholarship Review Committee Member Ray Snively dies at 80.

Apr 03, 2009

Ray C. Snively died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital on Thursday, March 5, 2009.  Simply named R.C. Snively after his Father and Grandfather before him, he was born February 25, 1929 in LaCrosse, Washington, pop. 471.  On the eve of his first day of high school, R.C. decided to take his Mother’s maiden name as his first and proclaimed that he would be known as Ray C. Snively. 

 

After growing up in Yacolt, Washington and graduating from Battleground High School, Ray received a bachelor’s degree from the Bellingham Teacher’s College (now known as the Western Washington University) and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon.  Ray spent 35 years as a Portland Public School Teacher and Counselor serving at both Woodland Elementary and Hosford Middle School.   Mr. Snively retired from his distinguished career in public education in 1985. 

 

 

 

In addition to his professional life, Ray donated his time and talents to Portland’s charitable gay community.   In the early 70’s he served as treasurer and president of the Knights of Malta, Black Rose Chapter.

 

In 1974, Ray was appointed to the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court’s Advisory Council of Emperors.  This council was charged with formulating a plan to elect Portland's first Emperor.  In 1981, Ray was bestowed the lifetime title of Treasurer of the ISRC.  As treasurer, Ray earned the reputation of "keeper of the Iron Purse".  His razor sharp accounting and unwillingness to spend money foolishly helped establish the ISRC as one of the most financially sound and respected courts in the country during his tenure.

 

In 1986, Ray was elected to the position of the Silver Arrow, Rose Emperor XIII.  He and his “Landmark” Rose Empress XXIX, Lady Elaine Peacock, served the community as the Legend of the Rose.  During their reign as Emperor and Empress the first Peacock in the Park was held and the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund was born in tribute to Lady Elaine Peacock’s Mother.  While Lady Elaine Peacock died in 1993, Ray continued to pay tribute to his beloved Empress by serving on the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Review Committee to the end of his life.

 

Mr. Snively received numerous awards and honors including the Mama Bernice Humanitarian Award for community service and the "Green Bean Award" for his dedication to Esther's Pantry.  In 1997 the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court honored Ray with the creation of the "Board of Director’s Ray Snively Award" of which he was the first recipient. 

 

As a community leader, Ray also created his own award whereby he annually honored a member of the gay community for their leadership and charitable contributions.  In 2001, Rose Emperor XIII Ray Snively was one of only 7 members of the International Court System chosen amongst thousands of members across the United States, Canada and Mexico to receive the Annual Jose Honors Award for outstanding contributions to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-gender community.

 

A little known fact about Ray is that he was an accomplished saxophonist and choir director for many years.  He is credited as Choir Director on several albums released by the Portland Lutheran Choral Association over a 7-year period during the mid 1960’s.

 

Ray was also a member of the Sons of The American Legion Post I of Portland, Oregon, The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2151 Gresham, Oregon and a 26 year member of the Elks Ocean Lake Lodge # 1886 Lincoln City, Oregon.

 

Ray is survived by his partner of 45 years Jim Ploeg, Son Roger Snively, and Daughter Kim Snively

 

A celebration of life will be held from 2-5p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2009 at Starkey’s, 2913 SE Stark St., Portland, Oregon.

The family suggests that remembrances be sent to:

 

Author: Kimberlee Van Patten