Raymond Lee Sauceda

We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Raymond Lee Sauceda on March 30, 2023, at age 75.

Raymond was born on June 13, 1947, to the late Frank Sauceda and Jacquelyn Coulter-Sauceda-Doster in San Bernardino, California. Raymond spent his childhood in San Bernardino with his three sisters and two brothers, Joyce Sauceda, Debbie Sauceda, and Jerilyn Sauceda, Kenny Sauceda, and Mark Saeceda. Raymond was very active in sports throughout junior high and high school. He played baseball, basketball, and football and ran track. He was also on the student council in high school.

Raymond joined the Navy in 1966, serving for three years. He was fully discharged in 1972.

After returning home from the Navy, Raymond was offered a job with the U.S. Forest Service in 1973. A short time later, he met his wife, Manon Marvin Sauceda. They met through mutual friends and were married on June 1, 1974. They resided in Lytle Creek and San Bernardino, California. On January 15, 1975, they had their only child, Mindy M. Sauceda. From San Bernardino, the three moved to Sky Forest, California, until 1980, when Raymond took a job in Sitka, Alaska. For four years, they did a lot of fishing and boating and went on many adventures together. Raymond also enjoyed hunting and riding his Harley as well. In 1984, the three moved back to Idyllwild, California, where Raymond worked as a supervisor at the Keenwild Ranger Station as head of the Helitack crew, fighting wildfires from the air. During this time, he also assisted in rescue efforts for Hurricane Iniki and the earthquake in Mexico City. Four years later, another move to Hemet, California, where Raymond worked out of Hemet Ryan Airbase, attacking wildfires from the air. Finally, ending up at Norton Air Base, where his career ended after 30-plus years of service.

After retiring, Raymond moved to Bullhead City with his daughter and two grandchildren. He resided between Bullhead City and Kingman, Arizona, for seventeen years. Raymond and his daughter ended up back in Hemet, where Raymond spent the last year at Putters Lane assisted-living facility before making his journey home.

Raymond will be missed by so many friends and family.