William Norman Bray

Bill was born September 13, 1959 in Auburn, Washington to Franklin and Janet Bray.   He attended Auburn public schools his entire life and graduated from Auburn High School in 1978.

At age 21 he set off with his friend Betty for a life of adventure seeking by moving to Sun Valley, Idaho, where he worked in the car rental industry.  In 1984 he relocated to the Salt Lake City, Utah area and started a new career in the automotive service industry.  While living in Utah, he and Betty explored the many national parks and other geographical areas in Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado and Montana.

In the summer of 1987, Bill and Betty returned to Washington and settled in Olympia.  He then started his advanced educational life acquiring an Associate Degree from South Puget Sound Community College, followed by a Bachelor Degree from Evergreen State College in 1994.  He next completed a Master's Degree In Organizational Leadership at Chapman University in 2000.

Then came September 11, 2001, Bill felt called to serve his country and went twice to Iraq as a civilian contractor.  Unfortunately, he returned with PTSD.  At that time he embraced his love of photography and started his landscape photography business Earth Systems Photography, which earned him several awards and permanent displays of his work.

It is impossible to document everything Bill did, contributed, and learned in his lifetime. He had a story to tell for every subject.  It would take volumes to tell his entire life happenings.

On April 5, 2026, he passed away quietly in his sleep at St. Peter Hospital following a massive stroke 10 days earlier.

Bill is survived by Betty his wife and partner of 46 years, his parents Franklin and Janet Bray and his brother Frank Bray.   Bill always considered Betty's two children, 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren his own family.

At his request there are no services. Bill's wish is that his ashes to be placed in the Teton Mountain range of  Wyoming where he could become part of the life cycle of the world.

The staff at St. Peter Hospital are to be commended for their kindness, compassion and excellent care of Bill during his final days.