Feature4

District Deputy Raymond Crosthwaite

As a tradition, the Knights of Columbus members have always been active participants in their church and community. Ray Crosthwaite is definitely an active example of this trait. Anyone who has been around the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the last 6 years has seen him actively wearing many hats. His latest endeavor has been accepting the role of District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus.

To give you an idea how he would take on the duties that would make most men think twice, you need to take a look at some of Ray's history. Ray was born the youngest of 8 children to Fred and Ruth Crosthwaite in July 1969. He grew up in Fremont, California and his family was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Mission San Jose California. Ray attended the Catholic school there and was an active altar server for 6 years. The Crosthwaite family was a family active in Scouting with Troops 447 and 153. Ray learned how to be a leader and a good citizen in Scouting and earned Scouting highest rank of Eagle at the age of 18. While in High School, Ray lettered in Varsity Wrestling for 3 years and Varsity Football for 1 year as well as being a member of many school plays.

Ray relocated to Oroville with his parents in 1989. While attending Butte College where he earned his AA Degree, Ray still actively worked fulltime. You may have seen him cooking at one of the many restaurants such as Papacitos or Ken's Place. While working at Ken's Place, Ray met and fell in love with Gina, his future wife. They were married in St. Thomas the Apostle Church on October 7th,1995.

Wanting to be a responsible family man, Ray went seeking employment that would provide benefits for his family. Ray found employment with Roplast Industries in 1995 and worked his way up from the manufacturing floor to the sales and service office. One would wonder how Ray found time to be active in the local theater with the Bird Cage performing in such productions as Oklahoma, Fiddler on the Roof, and Paint Your Wagon but he did.

Ray and Gina have been blessed with a daughter Raeanne who is a student at St. Thomas the Apostle School. Ray always had a dream of teaching and working with children. Ray pursued his dream and was offered a full time position as Coordinator of Religious Education and Youth Minister here at St. Thomas. Together with Gina, Ray provides adult leadership for the High School Youth Ministry program.

If that was not enough, to keep an active guy busy, Ray joined the Knights of Columbus Council #2603 in 2003. Ray has used his talents with the youth to help with many service projects for both the parish and the Knights.

Last May, Ray was approached by Pastor Father Benedict DeLeon and Worthy State Secretary Thom Randle to take on the responsibility of the office of District Deputy for district #2 for the next two years. So when you see this active gentleman, thank him for all that he does. Also don't forget to thank Gina for all she does with Ray.

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