NORTHPORT - Ray D.

Kellogg, 86, of Northport passed away at The Northport Highlands surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born on February 16, 1940 in Northport, Michigan, the son of Orval and Pearl (Miser) Kellogg.

He attended the “old school” in Northport and graduated in 1958. During his school years he was active in many activities, playing basketball and baseball, running track and performing in the school band. In the winter he spent many hours at the Mill Pond skating and helping clear the ice, while summers were spent out on the water or mowing lawns to earn money for college.

Ray attended college at Sault St. Marie and later studied at Michigan Tech. On August 22, 1964, he married his wife, Thea M. Mork. They first met two years earlier on the steps of the Willowbrook Mill in Northport. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work and shared adventures. Ray was known for his ability to repair nearly anything mechanical, but his true gift was woodworking. A skilled contractor, he built homes for others as well as for his own family. He built the family home in Rockford and later another in Suttons Bay where they lived for 25 years. In 1996 he lovingly remodeled his parents’ home in Northport where he and Thea have lived ever since.

Ray enjoyed hunting and fishing and was active in many organizations throughout the years. He was deeply involved with the Boy Scouts of America where he shared countless outdoor adventures with his three sons including trips to Camp Greilick, hiking, camping and winter snowstorm camps. All three of his sons went on to earn the rank of Eagle Scoutsomething Ray was especially proud of.

He was also a member of the Spruce Lake Fishing Camp, the Northport Sportsmen’s Club, Northwest Michigan Woodworking, Northwest Michigan Carving Club and the Northport Community Band.

In retirement Ray spent many hours in his workshop turning beautiful bowls on his lathe using both local and exotic woods. He carved everything to Santas to ducks with his final carving being a full sized Barred Owl. He also repaired many gun stocks and built a muzzle loader from walnut with brass engravings.

Ray and Thea shared a love of travel and visited many places together including Florida, Arizona, Alaska, Nova Scotia, England, Scotland and Norway.

Some of Ray’s most treasured moments were spent with his grandchildren. He loved taking them on snowmobile rides, sharing stories from the past, hunting, fishing, building things together and flying drones with his grandson, Hunter.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Thea, his sons Curtis (Amy Bona) Kellogg, Jon (Sue Mello) Kellogg and Mark (Penny Spencer) Kellogg. Ray had one brother, Timothy (Priscilla Alfred) Kellogg. Ray’s grandchildren Megan Henderson, Hunter (Jillian McCardel) Kellogg, Ava Rose Kellogg, Tenley Kellogg, Jayden Erin and Adrian Spencer; Ray’s great grandchildren Lylah Henderson and Oliver Rees as well as many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Ray’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Northport Highlands and Hospice of Michigan for their compassionate care.

Memorials in Ray’s memory may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay, Hospice of Michigan and the Northport Sportsman’s Club.

Ray’s parting words would be “Keep your powder dry” Services will be posted at a later date.

Please share condolences and memories with Ray’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremations Services of Leelanau.