Raymond Lawrence Potter, 47, was peacefully called home on Sunday, May 3, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

He loved the Seahawks, NASCAR, hunting, the Eagles, and his many friends, but most importantly he loved his sweet wife, Darcy, and the family they shared.

Ray was born on Dec. 19, 1967, in Enterprise, Ore., to Rodney and Margaret Potter of Aumsville, Ore. As a youth, he enjoyed playing T-ball, baseball, football and wrestling where he went to the State Championship his senior year of high school. He was also a member of the Rifle Marksman Club and earned the title of Distinguished Expert Marksman. In 1986 he graduated from Cascade High School in Turner, Ore.

For a brief time he served as an Airlift Electrical and Environmental System Specialist in the United States Air Force at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.

After his military service Ray began racing cars at the Spanaway Speedway in Tacoma, Wash. The speedway hosted virtually every kind of car racing - from NASCAR to demolition derbies. Racy Ray loved the speed.

Ray worked in commercial sales for Les Schwab Tire Center in various locations throughout Washington and Idaho for more than 15 years. In 2002, he was diagnosed with Astrocytoma (a rare form of brain cancer). He then began the long journey of treatment that included surgery, radiation and multiple chemotherapy regimens. Ray endured these treatments with positivity and hope, always making the most of his interactions with friends, family and medical personnel.

On July 25, 2009, he married the love of his life and soulmate, Darcy Lent Ackerman. In joining their families, together they became the parents of Kelsi, Austin, Aaron, Arik and Bryce.

Ray was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Hayden Lake Eagles Aerie No. 4080 Lodge. There he served in many capacities including Worthy President (2012-2013), Jr. Past Worthy President (2014-2015), President of the Eagle Riders (2013-2015) and as a Trustee (2014-2015).

For the past seven years, Ray has hosted an annual cancer survivor fundraising dinner, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the cancer patient support fund in conjunction with the Kootenai Health Foundation.

Ray is survived by his wife, Darcy; children Kelsi Marie Potter, Austin John Ackerman (Natalie), Aaron Douglas Ackerman, Arik Todd Ackerman and Bryce Austin Potter; grandchildren Austin, Kendrick, Tucker, Karter, Keilan, Ace, Weston and Aspen; parents Rodney and Margaret Potter; sister Christina Hampton (Ken); seven nieces and six nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Ilene Potter, and Raymond and Martha Davidson.

There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2015, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. The memorial funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the same location.

Because of his illness, he was unable to have life insurance. In lieu of flowers, we have set up a fund to help with funeral and medical expenses. Any amount would be helpful: gofund.me/trxufc. Thanks for your help.

For more info go to www.englishfuneralchapel.com.