Raymond (Skip) F. Mayther, Jr. passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on May 7, 2024.
Born on April 23, 1939 in his grandparents home on north Cook street in Spokane to his parents, Alice Lydia and Raymond Frank Mayther. He spent the majority of his childhood surrounded by his grandparents, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins in and around north central Spokane. He attended Stevens Elementary and North Central High School graduating in 1957.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he spent two years on the USS Northwind traveling to both the North Pole and Antarctica as well as New Zealand. After he completed active duty, he joined the USCG reserves and retired in 1980.
He married his one true love, Nina Lorraine Strahl, in February 1960. Together, they raised four children and were foster parents to many others.
Skip was always a hard worker and was always ready to lend a hand. After joining the reserves, he got a job with his father-in-law that started his career path as a diesel mechanic.
He completed a 4 year apprenticeship and night school at Spokane Community College, and in 1977, he was hired as an instructor in that same program. Before becoming an instructor, Skip worked for Spokane Kenworth traveling around the region in field service. At SCC, he became an advisor for VICA, the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. He met and mentored many people through his work with VICA. Skip was recognized in 1986 by the local section of the Society of Automotive Engineers as Engineer of the Year. He retired in 2000, but was always ready to share his knowledge as well as taking on work in the shop at home.
In addition to teaching and VICA, he was at Nina’s side as a member of the Inland Empire Kennel Association. He wore many hats for IEKA, but he will be forever remembered as the go-to guy for parking exhibitor’s RVs. Skip and Nina’s home was always filled with kids and dogs.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Ray Sr., his stepmom, Helen, bonus sibling Lorilou, his oldest son, Todd, his nephew Michael, and niece Michelle.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nina, his brother Richard (Linda) Mayther, his bonus siblings Sandra (Mark) Weigand, Charles (Pam) Neill, and Bruce (Bobbi) Neill. He is survived by his children Scott (Quin) Mayther, Kim (Rod) Rusho, Dena (Ivan) Dunken, Christy Mayther, and Loretta (Mark) Lengyel. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 12th at 10am at Fairmount Memorial Park Sunset Chapel located at 5200 W Wellesley Spokane, WA 99202.
Please come and share your memories of Skip. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Skip’s honor to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Spokane. The family extends our thanks to Dr. Mark Gaulke, Cancer Care Northwest, and Hospice of Spokane.
Oh Nina , we all loved Skip!!