Lawyer Raymond Ogden, Helped Bring Hydroplane Races To Seattle

Raymond D. Ogden Jr. spent hundreds of volunteer hours working on the Metro plan that during the 1960s began cleaning up some of the worst pollution in King County.

He represented Seattle in Detroit in negotiations to bring the hydroplanes and the Gold Cup race to Seattle for the first time.

And he was the first official timer for the races, running the starting clock by hand to ensure a start in the event of power failure.

Continuity and community meant a great deal to Ray Ogden.

The Seattle lawyer and civic activist, who died of heart failure Wednesday at 85, dedicated his days - and many evenings - to picking up where his lawyer-father left off, brightening the community for generations to come. At the same time, he found time for his two favorite pastimes, yachting and reading.

"The hydroplane owners were entertained every year at his lakefront estate on Mercer Island directly across from the racecourse," said his daughter, Sandra Kachlein of Ellensburg.

"He loved his family, his work and his community. He cared about making this area the best. We will all miss his wise counsel and subtle sense of humor."

Mr. Ogden's father founded the law firm that became Ogden, Murphy & Wallace after he moved here in 1901. The family history is told in the book "Mercer Island, the First 100 Years."

Mr. Ogden, a graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington Law School, became one of the first 10

attorneys invited into the American College of Trial Lawyers representing Washington state.

He later served on the board of Providence Hospital, helped found Overlake Hospital Medical Center, and led other civic groups.

"Proceeds from the sale of land (he donated) was used to purchase the present site of the Mercer Island Library," said his daughter.

Other survivors include his grandchildren Michael Davis, La Quinta, Calif.; William Davis, Bellevue; Dyan Davis, Australia; Mark Kachlein, Ellensburg, and Kristi Sweeney, Seattle; his sister, Mary Ann Anderson, San Marcos, Calif.; plus several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Vivien Ogden, and his second wife, Helen Ogden.

Services are at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island.

Remembrances may be made to Overlake Hospital Medical Center, 1035 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue 98004; to Mercer Island Friends of the Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island 98040, or to any other charity.