Raymond Eugene Pirkl

Raymond Eugene Pirkl passed away on August 23, 2023 after 87 years of impacting others. Born to Joseph and Eleanor Pirkl, in Dickinson, North Dakota, Ray grew up in Woodburn, Oregon where he enjoyed a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who were always ready for a gathering. Ray eventually moved to Tigard and was a consummate Oregonian, loving camping. diverse flora, golf, his boat, and the Trailblazers (although some loves were more rewarding than others). Ray was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, having served as a Cryptologic Technician, Third Class. He returned from his service in Washington D.C. with vivid, oft-told (and potentially embellished) stories of his service. In 1958, a serendipitous outing to a bowling alley introduced him to Rose Marie Frye (soon to be Pirkl) and having found the love of his life, married Marie three months later. Daughters Rita, Becky, and Renee followed for Ray, who was the perfect "girl dad" - being his daughters' biggest cheerleader and always finding time to play with them when they were growing up. It's only fitting he helped raise a houseful of strong, intelligent daughters given Ray's dedication to women's education and equality. Long before the world had heard of quarantines and zoom, Ray imagined and championed Portland Community College's distance-learning program, delivered through the ground-breaking magic of cable TV. The program reflected his passion to provide access and motivation to students, especially women, juggling jobs, family, and education. His interest in technology never waned, as Siri, his assistant, would sometimes remind us. Beyond technology, Ray's life-long dedication to learning included participating in Toastmasters and annually reviewing grants for the U.S. Dept of Education. With hard work and determintation, Ray left a legacy of building things from scratch: a strong and successful family, the addition to his house, his specialized wood working, and his autobiography. After building a successful career, he retired at the age of 59 and spent more time on the things he loved including nature, learning, travel, family, and enjoying chocolate cake in a bowl of milk. All of which he passed onto his daughters. Even that love of milk-sodden cake. Ray is survived by Marie, his wife of 65 years, daughters Rita ( Maeve), Becky, and Renee (Dave). He will forever be Papa to grandchildren Olivia, Logan (Ellie), and Sawyer (Kelsey), and will live on in memory to great-granddaughter Rose. He is survived by siblings Gary (Marlene) and Mary Lynn (Conan - deceased). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an educational organization of your choice. In celebration of Ray's life, may we suggest you take th time to offer an encouraging word to another - just as Ray liked to do.

Raymond Eugene Pirkl

May 14, 1936 - August 23, 2023