The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
-Deuteronomy 33:27

A full, rewarding life ended when God called home this treasure of a man. He was an active, skilled child with much potential that was encouraged by all who knew him and aided in his desire to have a college education. Because of this, he was determined to live a life of service to others and he did it fully. Following an education at U.C. Davis, he began an interesting and busy life of coaching at high school and college, teaching at these institutions, and administrator at community colleges. He was a familiar face at baseball and football fields at Ventura College, and a vice president at Ventura, Oxnard, Moorpark and American River Colleges. Later in life, he also served his community on many committees and as a city councilman and mayor of Ventura. Through all this time he was an active member of Community Presbyterian Church serving as an elder there. Ray collected good friends through all these associations, and was a positive influence for many.

In 1964, Ray married his college sweet heart, Jean, and together they nurtured and watched with pride as their family grew: Michelle, Kathy and Ryan had the blessing of growing up in Ventura and loved by many. Ray took part in their extracurricular activities as a coach and cheering them on in all their activities. He was always a source of wisdom as they grew, and was a touch stone for them in good and/or discouraging times alike. They became marvelous adults, married and provided Ray with eight delightful grandchildren.

Ray loved the out of doors, and tried to get into the Sierras every summer for backpacking trips. He included his family on many of these trips, and passed on his love of nature to them. He also enjoyed a game of golf and was a lifelong practitioner of the game.

His passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but memories to last our lifetime. He was a hard worker, dedicated to his family and friends, and determined to make this world a better place. He rests with our God now, and we know he was welcomed with the phrase, “well done my good and worthy servant.”