Tuesday, January 22, 2019
To the membes of Ray's family: I was so very sorry to hear about Ray's passing. I got a lump in my throat when I received the news. Ray and I first met as IBM System Engineers in Poughkeepsie, jointly servicing customer accounts throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley geography. He was a joy to work with: Smart, technical, hard working, good natured, and funny... and always with a smile on his face and a joke or two to tell. We worked through many significant and challenging customer situations and projects from New York City to Albany together. Ray was later assigned to assist with the Joint IBM- Marist College Study project, where our paths crossed again. After we both left the field and wound up working in different locations at the IBM Poughkeepsie Lab, we would frequently see each other at the Customer Executive Briefing Center, where we would chat about the good old days and other things we had in common (Ray did tours as a fellow Navy man and was a Vietnam Vet). Yes Ray was an excellent computer technician and millitary officer, but he was an even better person and friend. He will be missed. I must add that I owe you my sincere apology as I was in Long Island at a family affair and not able to attend his service on the 19th. I do so wish I was there to pay my respects. I'll leave you with one last thought: You now have your own personal angel, who will be watching over you from above. You all are in my prayers, and I hope your pain will subside over time.
