Excerpts from obituary published in San Diego Union-Tribune on 10/20/2013:

Ray Weldon Widener met Wilma as a picker in an orange grove in 1940.  They fell madly in love, married, conceived four children, and remained devoted to each other for 73 years.  Ray was born March 8, 1919, in Spokane, Washington.  He left the earth peacefully to be with his two girls in Heaven on October 14, 2013.  He was 94 years old.  A World War II Navy veteran and creator of Rayco Building Specialties, Ray took pride in serving his country and providing jobs for his community, although his proudest accomplishment would be his family.  Surrounded by a household of five generations, Ray's death happened just the way he wanted.  He is survived by his wife, two children, 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.  Services with full military honors will be held at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)