Raul Ancira

Raul Elizondo Ancira went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2020 peacefully surrounded by his devoted family, who cared for and loved him so very much. And while he knew he was leaving many loved ones behind; he was joyful that he would be reunited with his parents. Raul, affectionately known to many of his Laredo high school friends as “Rule” (Rulay) was a wonderful son, a great husband, a devoted father and a good friend. He was born and raised in Laredo, Texas where he graduated from Martin High School in 1953. He played football for the Martin High School Tigers for four years and received many athletic awards. At the tender age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 23, 1953. He was a Radio Operator with the Air Section of the Fourth Marine Regiment in Japan. His second tour was in Honolulu where he was recruited into the US Marine Corps’ Professional Football Organization known as the Hawaii Marines receiving many honors and awards. He finished his military career with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E8). He continued his education and graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a BA in Mathematics. He started his career as a math teacher in the Peninsula School District in Tacoma, Washington where he was loved & admired by many. He loved his students and believed that everyone should have the opportunity to receive an education. One of his most revered accomplishments was becoming Football Coach the first year of his tenure and then Wrestling Coach through the end of his career. He was always dedicated to the task at hand no matter what it was. Raul was always happy to give of his time in many professional and social organizations throughout his life. He was an active and faithful member of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, Washington, where he considered it a privilege to serve God and the church. He was an exceedingly kind and loving person who loved life. He loved cooking spaghetti sauce and feeding family and friends. He loved pizza, dolmas, and loved listening to Frank Sinatra. Playing a game of hand ball at the VFW was another one of his favorite pastimes. Raul is preceded in death by his loving parents, Mr. Rosendo G. Ancira and Mrs. Concepcion Elizondo Carr Ancira and his beloved brother, Rosendo E. Ancira. He is survived by his children, Danielle (Loren) Angiono, Dimitri (Mariana) Ancira, Brad (Marta) Cady; grandchildren, Seren Ancira, Gabriel Ancira, Aubrey Cady, Kelia Cady, Dallan Cady, and Ewan Cady. He is also survived by his sister Conchita (William) Lawson and numerous loving family members and many friends. In lieu of flowers friends and family may honor and memorialize his life with contributions to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Project2020 1523 S. Yakima Ave Tacoma, WA 98405 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Beck’s Tribute Center, 405 Ave South, Edmonds, WA 98020. (425) 771-1234 Announcement was provided by Hillside Funeral Home, 310 E Hillside Rd.