Raymond L. Bussing, a lifelong Skagit County resident, died Sept. 12, 2008, at Country Care adult family home in Sedro-Woolley following a brief illness. He was 93. Ray was born to Cal and Hanna Bussing on July 8, 1915, at the family home in Day Creek. He worked as a logger in Skagit County until the early 1950s.. He later retired as the motor pool supervisor at Northern State Hospital in Sedro-Woolley when it closed in the early 1970s. Ray served briefly in the U.S. Army during World War II but was honorably discharged because of a medical condition. He married Louisa (Plant) Evitt on Aug. 24, 1951. The union lasted 53 years until her death in 2005. Ray and Louisa were avid cribbage players, playing each other daily during lunchtime battles, each kiddingly accusing the other of cheating at cards. Ray lived most of his life in Day Creek, working his land until moving to Sedro-Woolley in 2006. Ray was fortunate to have dedicated caregivers in his final years, including the late Maria Bocanegra, as well as LaVonne Cornett, Roslyn Hughes and Jan Koch. The family also extends its thanks to Butch, Diane and Becky of Country Care for their outstanding care. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Geneva Bussing; a sister-in-law, Betty Bussing; and his wife, Louisa. Ray is survived by a brother, Frank Bussing of Marysville; stepchildren Glenn and wife Paula Evitt of Sedro-Woolley, Gary and wife Phyllis Evitt of Vader, and Janet Rich of Marion, Ind.; along with many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren. A celebration of Ray's life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. A reception will follow in the Hawthorne Reception Room. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to a hospice organization.