The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Raymond M. Toste was born on March 29, 1944, in Scotia, CA. As a child, he attended Grant Union grammar school in Ferndale, CA. When he was young, his family moved to Cathlamet, WA, on the Columbia River. He attended Wahkiakum Junior and Senior High School. He lived and worked on his family's dairy farm on nearby Puget Island throughout those years. Ray was active in school government and sports and held the school's home run record for many years after he graduated. After graduating from Lower Columbia Community College in Longview, WA, Ray returned to his roots in northern California. There he tended bar, worked odd jobs, and went commercial tuna fishing for the first time. From then on, fishing was forever in his blood. Ray returned to Washington in his early twenties where he pursued commercial salmon on the Columbia River and later in Alaska in 1966 where he excelled and made a name for himself. In the early 80's, he moved his family to Westport, WA, where he pursued ocean fishing.

His love of fishing took him up and down the west coast where he owned many vessels and participated in many fisheries from California to Cook Inlet, Alaska. Later in life, Ray became invested in the political side of fishing. He promoted and managed fair, equitable and sustainable fishing practices through many organizations, of one of which he was president for many years. In his life he owned many commercial fishing vessels of various types and sizes and helped pass many bills into legislation through Washington State Fishery's management.

Raymond married Linda Holland, of Cathlamet, WA, on Oct. 25, 1969. He passed away on January 5 of this year with Linda and his immediate family by his side. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his wife Linda, and sons Paul, Brian and Joseph Toste; his grandson Dennis; and two nieces, Maria and Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Mary Toste, and his sister, Marie Louis Toste.

There will be a celebration of life on September 24 at 1pm at the Log Pavilion in Aberdeen, WA, including food and beverages. All family and friends are invited.

- Paid Obituary -