Alexander, Raymond E. 'Ray' 97 02/10/1912 01/12/2010 Longtime Portland resident Raymond E. Alexander, 97, died Tuesday. A career salesman, he knew every back road across the West, but his heart was at home. Born to Berchie Clyde and Edith (McKinzie) in Fairfield, Mo., Ray grew up in Denver before serving in World War II in Europe, where he earned the Purple Heart. He settled in Portland to raise a family before retiring to Las Vegas. Most recently, he lived in Vancouver, dying at home with family beside him. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughter, Barbara Hamilton of Vancouver; and sons, Ronald of Portland and Bruce of Bend. The memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, in Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Published in The Oregonian on January 15, 2010