Aug. 3, 1955 – Nov. 26, 2014
Raymond Launder of Sweet Home, an expert and fearless tree trimmer for over 40 years, was trimming a tree at his home on Nov. 26, 2014 when he and a tree battled.
The tree won. Falling 54 feet, Ray died instantly, going the way he would have wanted to go.
Ray and twin brother Ronald were born Aug. 3, 1955 in Auburn, Calif. to Glenn H. Launder and Anita M. (nee Streppel) Launder. The Launder family moved en masse to Sweet Home in the mid-1970s. Along with his father and brother, Ray worked for Bill Mortimore of Rain Tree Road Construction learning to set chokers, running rock drill, skinning cat and then moved on to building and rocking road at the Middle Fork of the Santiam River, gypoing for Weyerhaeuser Company.
In the mid-1980’s he started Ray Launder Excavating with a single, rubber-tire backhoe. Working long hours and many holidays, Ray incorporated the business, changing the name to R & L Excavating Inc., making it a family business when nephew Robert Leininger started with the company. Ray and Robert continued to grow R & L Excavating Inc. into a successful business that provides employment for 30 Sweet Home logging families.
Taking over the helm and continuing the family legacy will be his nephews Robert and Cody Leininger, with help from up and coming generations of Launders and Leiningers as well as the R & L crew.
Ray built many solid and longtime friendships during his life. He will be forever remembered for his advice (i.e. lectures) and him being up and ready to conquer the day in the early morning hours.
Ray enjoyed restoring old cars, riding four-wheelers with family in Glamis, Calif., and his cows; but nothing rivaled his love of hunting.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger Launder; daughters Glenda Launder Jefferson, Mimi Launder and Amanda Launder; sons Devan Devlin and Daylan Devlin; grandchildren Frankie, Kai, Kassidy, Jaxon, Amelia, Lexi, Paityn, Danner, Christian, Julian, Daisy and Violet; his mother, Anita Launder; brothers Ivan Launder and twin brother Ronald Launder; and sister, Mimi Cleland.
He will be deeply missed by family members, close friends and the R & L crew.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn H. Launder; brother, Robert (Bob) Launder; and nephew Lloyd David Leinin-ger.
A celebration of his life will be held at The Shop, on Crescent Hill Road, at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.