Ray Sheldon leading his last climb for the the Mazamas in 2018 of Plummer Peak.
Raised in Portland, Ray attempted his first climb, Mt. Jefferson, in 1954. He joined the Mazamas in 1960 and has been active and involved ever since. He started leading climbs in 1964 and has taken the Mazamas to the summits of the Cascades, Tetons and Switzerland.
These days, Ray, 90, still spends time outdoors, mostly hiking and trail tending. Married nearly 70 years to his wife, Betty, they have 3 children, 7 grandkids and by his last count, 8 or more great-grandchildren.
Name: Ray Sheldon
Pronouns: He/Him
Year Joined Mazamas: 1960
Present-day outdoor activities: Trail tending, hiking, walking
What’s your earliest outdoor memory: I remember living on the Willamette River in a houseboat and fishing for catfish, bass and other warm-water fish at night. There were so many happy times outdoors when I was a kid.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I started work with the Oregon Fish Commission in 1953 and within a month was transferred to the fish hatchery at Marion Forks. Mt. Jefferson was right next door, and I had the urge to climb that mountain. The Mazamas seemed like the organization to help me accomplish that.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Definitely get involved with the Mazamas.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Old-time climb leaders who were my mentors definitely were the reason that I led like I did, climbed like I did. Oliver Fursman was one. And later in life, there was a neighbor and Mazama climb leader back in the 50s and 60s, Rony Inderbinen. He was my age, but he was a 4th generation Matterhorn/Swiss Mountain guide. We just hit it off really good, and I used him as a source for other climbs when we’d take Mazama outings to the Alps.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I dare you to read it. The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W.E. Bowman. It’s down in the Mazama Library,
What’s on your adventure bucket list? There are things I sometimes dream about, but they aren’t important to me anymore. I think everything I really thought I’d like to do I’ve had a chance to do
Hi Ray
It was great seeing your picture and reading about you. I would like to see you sometime.