Raymond Keturi Obituary

Raymond Carl Keturi, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Beaverton, Oregon, at the age of 89.

Ray was born on December 1, 1936, in Waverly, New York. As an infant, he moved with his family to Alaska, a place that would shape much of his life. He grew up in Fairbanks and spent significant time at his parents' gold mining operations, including Moore Creek, Alaska-experiences that fostered his independence, strong work ethic, and lifelong appreciation for adventure.

Ray graduated from Fairbanks High School in 1955, where he excelled and was a valued member of the Malemute's basketball team. He then attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks where he earned his math degree while playing basketball for the Nanooks. He claimed to have invented basketball's "jump-hook" shot, out of necessity as he was undersized for a college basketball center. He also attended the University of Washington. Ray later joined the Air National Guard, where he again combined service with athletics by playing on the Guard's basketball team.

In 1962, Ray married Judith Uden. The very first time he met her, he immediately told his buddy that he was going to marry Judy-a testament to how special she was to him from that first moment. They began their life together with a honeymoon in Europe, setting the tone for a long marriage filled with family, business ventures, travel, and many other shared experiences.

Ray had a vibrant personality and many passions beyond work and sport. He and Judy shared a love of dancing, where Ray's smooth moves were a joy to watch. He was also an enthusiastic fan of both football and basketball, always delighted to cheer on his favorite teams with family and friends.

In the 1960s, Ray pursued the electrical trade, earning his journeyman electrician's license and working for Acme Electric before achieving his electrical contractor's license. With Judy's support, he went on to found Ray's Electric, Inc. in Fairbanks, building a successful and well-respected business.

Over the years, Ray & Judy accumulated several Fairbanks apartment buildings, which he still owned until the end, including the property he purchased right out of high school.

Ray's career created opportunities for memorable family adventures. In 1971, his company secured a job in Maui, Hawaii, prompting a six-month family stay there. The following year, the family spent six months living in a beachfront condominium in Carlsbad, California. After returning to Fairbanks, Ray became involved in the startup of Life Systems, Inc., eventually serving as its Vice President and later President.

In 1977, Ray hired a business manager to oversee Ray's Electric so he could take his family on a year-long RV journey across much of the United States, followed by a six-week automobile trip through Western Europe. In 1978, the family moved to Wasilla, Alaska, where Ray opened another office for his business. They returned to Fairbanks in 1982, where he continued to enjoy professional success.

Ray mostly retired in 1985 and purchased a home in Encinitas, California, where he and Judy spent winters, while they continued to spend summers in Fairbanks. This seasonal lifestyle continued until 2001 and included extensive travel throughout the United States and abroad, with destinations such as Finland, New Zealand, Fiji, and Costa Rica.

After about 40 years together, Ray's beloved wife Judy passed away in 2001.

In 2005, Ray married Erika Duffy, and together they made their home in Snoqualmie, Washington, sharing many years of joy, travel, and dance. They separated in 2024.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Judy; his parents, Elmer and Hildur Keturi; and his son Troy Keturi.

He is survived by his son Tom (Karen) Keturi; sister Lynn (Ken) Erickson; grandsons Tyler Keturi, Spencer Keturi, Ben (Addy) Keturi; along with several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Ray and his son Troy will be held in late spring in the Seattle area.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Ray to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at fredhutch.org.