Obituary: Warren Ray Donoho

Warren Ray Donoho, 69, of Carson City, passed on January 21, 2011. He was born on March 29, 1941, in Fort Bragg, Calif. Ray was an exceptional man of many talents and countless experiences. Everyone who met him was instantly entranced by his lighthearted approach to life and the effortless way he made conversation. Much like the gold that he used to make jewelry, he was precious in every way. Like his coffee, he was strong. Like his dogs, he was all about love and protection. Like the homes he helped build, he provided family stability. Like his music, he was special...

At age 10 he learned to play the guitar. This was just a precursor to his lifelong passion of music. Ray Donoho was the first entertainer to perform nightly on board Lake Tahoe's famous cruise ship, the M.S. Dixie. From that maiden voyage in 1972 Ray became a permanent fixture on board the M.S. Dixie entertaining more than a million people during his 10 years on board. Notably, Ray has performed throughout many States, including the State of Nevada, and was the showroom headliner in several main-room casinos. He shared the billboard (marquee) with several notables, like "The Sons of the Pioneers," Jimmy Rogers, and Jerry VanDyke,

Ray met his wife Katherine, while attending Shasta Union High School in Redding, Calif., in 1958, and it was love at first sight. They were married on July 27, 1961, and have never spent a day away from each other since. Their fairy-tale journey together is one that every couple desires and could only hope to have for themselves.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Katherine Donoho; daughters Zina Donoho-King (Brad) of Carson City, Lisa Donoho-Young (Ray) of Minden, and Tara Donoho-Dacy (Kent) of Cottonwood, Calif.; grandchildren Aubree Burkholder (Adam) of Reno, Rayna Donoho-King of Carson City, Mariah Young, Lincoln Young, Kasper Young, Izabella Young, and Sydnee Dacy; two great-grandchildren, Aislin and Ariana Burkholder, and numerous other family members that loved him.

"If only we could be as giving and generous and as understanding as Grandpa was, then the world would be a far better place."

Services will be 3 p.m. Feb. 12, 2011, at Redding Christian Fellowship, 2157 Victor Ave., Redding, Calif. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the MS Society.