Friday, April 8, 2011
Aileen and I offer you our most sincere condolence. We are saddened that we are unable to join you to celebrate and remember Uncle Ray's long and successful life and the great positive influence he had upon others.
Uncle Ray invited me to join the family business after I received my undergraduate degree and I often wished I had opted to stay. A family enterprise provides many thngs that serve us well and my father and Uncle Ray had a bond made stronger by their partnership in it.
I remember when Ray and Sylvia were married, I remember when they took the bold step of moving to Winona and I remember with great affection the depth of their love.
Ray stayed with us when he made his cross country journey, in less than perfect health, as tribute to Aunt Sylvia who had always wanted to do it with him. I enjoyed his visit and the dinner conversations more than I can ever express.
Uncle Ray taught me how to tie my shoes when I was probably 4 or 5 years old. It is a very unique method and I am careful to guard the secret from others--thus avoiding puzzled looks and unanswerable questions.
I will remember him fondly to the end of my days and indeed every morning when I bend over to tie my shoes.
Rest well Uncle Ray, yours was a well lived life and an example to us all.
Bruce
