R Ray Trowbridge of Overland Park , Kansas passed away in his home on May 15, 2020, after a long and well-lived life of love and service. Ray was welcomed into this world on December 5, 1937, by his loving parents Russell and Wilma Trowbridge and he enjoyed a happy childhood in both Rosedale and Mission, Kansas, where he played many years of 3&2 baseball. At the urging of his mother, Ray picked up the game of tennis when he was sophomore at Shawnee Mission High School , and with little formal training, he quickly mastered the game and rose to the number one spot before graduating in 1955 with three varsity letters.
Ray took his racket skills on to Baker University, where he excelled in both singles and doubles and again earned the number one spot on the Wildcat team. At Baker, Ray joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and made lifelong friends through his years of service to this organization. As an undergraduate, he served as Beta Tau Chapter President, and later in life, he served as both the Beta Tau House Corporation President and the District Grand Master on the national level.
It was under the Baker arbor that Ray found the love of his life, and after some pursuit, he won the heart of the Tri-Delta campus cutie, Suzanne Milton. Ray and Suzy were married in 1959, and they settled in Kansas City, Missouri before crossing over to suburbs on the Jayhawk-side of the state line. They raised their three children in Overland Park and through those years Ray coached and attended many games and events, including the initiation of his sons Scott and Cary into Kappa Sigma, and his daughter Melissa into Tri-Delta.
More games and events followed with the birth of the five grandchildren, RJ, Riley, Zack, Dylan, and Colby. Ray was a kind and supportive papa, and made each grandchild feel loved and cherished in their own right.
As a young man, Ray served in the US Air Force reserves at Whitman Air Force Base, and professionally, he had a successful career in finance, retiring after thirty-one years from H D Lee Company as the Assistant Treasurer. In retirement, Ray was a good driver of the golf ball, but he always said it’s not how you start, its how you finish. Ray finished this life bravely, holding on to hope and faith and love as he battled pancreatic carcinoma.
A quiet loving anchor to his family and a loyal friend to all, Ray loved his country, fraternity, food, sports, and travel. He enjoyed surprising Suzy with precious gifts and vacations, playing golf, collecting various things, and dining out with friends. At Christmas, he often delighted his family with practical gifts as seen on TV and new dishes he found on his favorite cooking shows. His strength, compassion, and kind smile will be greatly missed by all.
The family wishes to thank the Oncology and Cardiology staff at St. Luke’s hospital, the caregivers of Kansas City Hospice and Carestaf, and the pastoral staff of the Church of the Resurrection for the loving care and concern they provided for Ray this past year.
A private graveside service will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery where Ray will be laid to rest on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Baker University in Ray’s honor. (www.bakeru.edu/foreverorange)
Ray is survived by his wife, Suzanne Trowbridge, son Scott Trowbridge (w. Denise), son Cary Trowbridge (w. Crystal), daughter Melissa Trowbridge Pal (h. Alok), grandsons RJ Trowbridge, Zack Trowbridge, granddaughter Riley Trowbridge, and grandsons Dylan Pal and Colby Pal.
My sincere sympathy to the entire Trowbridge family. Ray was a great man who always had a big smile. I will miss seeing him at church always sitting in the same seat with other Baker alums. I’m praying for grace and peace for the family. May God’s loving arms wrap around you.
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. So sorry for your loss. Lynn Hoins
So sad to hear of Mr. Trowbridge’s passing. I’m very sorry for your loss. Lynn Hoins
We are so sorry for the entire family as we heard about Ray’s passing today in Allen Texas. We enjoyed knowing Ray when we lived in Olathe, Kansas.
We’re very sorry for your family’s loss, and are praying for you all.
It’s tough saying goodbye to one of my oldest and dearest friends & buddies. Ray and I were friends for nearly 50 years, some of the best of those years were when we and the Trowbidges were neighbors in Oak Park. Thru the years there were many rounds of golf and camaraderie. I was playing with him the day he had one of his best rounds of golf ever–he shot a 78 at Tomahawk Golf Course–it was such fun to watch. And of course, he was very humble and gracious as always but neither of us ever forgot that day! I loved Ray as a dear friend & brother and will miss him greatly. We had many good times with him and Susie. I thank God for the blessing of such a fine man and friend. Chuck Bloom
My sincere sympathy to your family
I enjoyed knowing Ray He was wise and a good friend He will be missed
Suzy, Scott, Cary and Melissa, We are send caring and sympathy in your loss of Ray. We fondly remember those early days at Camanche Elementary where Ray and Larry and the boys spent time together in Scouting. Fun times and good friendship. We lost Larry to colon cancer in 2011. We are familiar with the struggle you’ve had. Our thoughts are with you today and in the coming days. Peace be with you. Marvel, Erik and Danisha Hansen.
It was my honor to know Ray through the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Baker University. Never have I met a more classy, kind and truly good human being. I had so much respect for him as he was a guiding force for the fraternity he loved.
He and Susie were a role model couple for all of us. Though I did not see him often, I always felt joyful anytime I had contact him. What a loss for all of us. We send loving sympahty to his beautiful family.
We are so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. As a neighbor for the last 15 years, I often got to catch up with Ray as he was out walking the dog. I always enjoyed our talks which touched on many subjects but always included our shared love of college basketball! He was just such a good person and a true gentleman.
Suzy,
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May he rest in peace.