Raymond Coburn Obituary

Raymond was a devoted Catholic and longtime member of his church community. Known for his steadfast nature and honesty, he was a man who said what he meant and meant what he said. He always had a prayer for everyone and faithfully included loved ones in his daily devotions. He found joy in singing and often called family and friends on their birthdays to share a song and a smile. He loved spending time with his family and was especially proud to be known as "Papa" to his great-grandchildren, Luca and Sophia. He enjoyed traveling all over the world, and has visited the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Sweden and Europe.
Raymond was called home on October 25, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born January 19, 1935 to Ella Marie Sandberg Coburn & Elbert Lee Coburn in Sioux City, Iowa. From a young age, he was passionate about serving his country and enlisted in the Army National Guard at just fourteen years old and served between 1949-1951. Due to being underage, he was honorably discharged. He went on to serve his country between 1953-1956 as an Engineer Equipment Operator during the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Sergeant. As a proud veteran, he was rarely seen without his red Marine Corps jacket and hat.
His military service was simply the beginning of his life devoted to protecting others. After moving from Iowa to California, he worked for the Pacific Bell Company for three years while attending Fullerton College. During that time, he took the entrance exam for the LA City Fire Department and passed with flying colors. He carried that spirit of service into his civilian career, serving in the Los Angeles City Fire Department, as a firefighter and search & rescue scuba diver from 1963-1985. He later became a fire inspector for the city and, after retirement, continued that role on movie sets from 1985-1995.
After a full retirement from being a fire inspector, he relocated to Haynes Way in North Bend, Oregon in 1990. In 1994, he settled down in Green Acres in Coos Bay where he lived until his passing.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Grace Cruz Coburn of 35 years; children, Debbie, Larry and wife, Rocio, Tim and wife, Myrna; grandchildren, Cindy, Chris, Kelly, MJ, Raymond, Arcel, Brittany, Todd, Michael, Rachelle, Melissa, Brendan, Ashley and Matt, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com
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