Landracing Forum
Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: Freud on February 28, 2014, 12:34:46 AM
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I am very sorry to report that we lost Ray the Rat (Ray Buck) today.
His heart had been carrying a heavy load for a long time and an infection
that he picked up in Death Valley was the cause of his death.
A severe infection and an ailing heart were too much for him.
He was coming to my house and he made it to within 5 blocks.
RIP in peace my friend.
FREUD
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Ray was an inspiration, his photos bring things to life. He will always be remembered and missed. It was a joy to spend time with him. RIP my friend.
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Gone too soon, God speed.
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I'm sorry I never got to meet you in person Ray.
God Bless you man. Rest in Peace.
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Damn! damn! damn!
I thought he looked bad Friday eve, but damn!
Sleep well, brother. I'll always treasure our conversations in my truck to and from the PT boat tour.
Damn!
Mike
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I'm so sorry to hear this. Rest in peace Ray. You'll be sorely missed by many. You were definitely one of the best.
Pete
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RIP, Ray.
glad to have known you the bit that I did.
Bill Franey
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What a lost.
Ray, my wonderful friend, rest in peace........I will never forget you
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Made a special point to meet Ray at the 2009 Salt Talks.
Godspeed, Ray Buck.
Gregg Adams
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Ray always acted real good around me. Our paths crossed quite a few times at Bonneville and the Rat Fink Reunion. We're all going to miss him. He's been a big part of this place. Wayno
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Rest in peace Ray. D@MN! :-(
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Oh Ray, we hardly knew ye.
Let's all take some solace in knowing the we all, here on this Forum and this website, helped Ray gain some of his fame. A good handful of years ago Nancy and I ran across him at the salt an, in our own way, helped him start taking more and more photos from Bonneville. He was already an accomplished photographer of car stuff -- and he became one of the top shelf photographers at the salt. He was brilliant, he was cranky, and most of all -- he was great to know.
His legacy will live on as long as this site is up and running, for we've got untold hundreds of his photos in the Gallery and other places here. He was wise enough to have placed his watermark on his work - so you'll be able to tell which shots are his. I hope that that alone will cut down on the number of times his work is taken and used without giving him the credit he is due for the photos.
An iconic shot of his" How about the picture he took when Tom Burkland came into the pits "hot" at the Shootout five years ago? Ray caught the car with four (out of all four) wheels in the air. You don't see that in land speed racing very often. Thanks to Ray -- we can see it again and again.
Rest in peace, my friend. Say hi to Bill and Dr. Bob while you're at it, okay?
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Geez - I met Ray in 2010. He was shooting pics, and really getting serious about getting the Monte ready to roll.
Ray brought Bonneville home to us who couldn't attend every meet. For that, I'll be always grateful.
Godspeed, Ray.
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The Tom Burkland shot is hanging in his Living Room, along with a hundred more everywhere in the house, chronicling his journey through life and his love for automobiles. Visiting his site you see all types of auto action shots and beauty shots, he loved the camera from the backside.
When we talked at the NW Reunion he said he was wearing out, coughing and having some breathing issues... but not to worry, he was getting over it.
Ray my friend, you will be missed on this earth, and especially on this forum. Your gift was a gift to all of us.
GodSpeed Ray
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RIP Ray. He was a great ambassador for LSR and his shots were memorable. We will miss him.
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Although we never met in person, I had a few phone conversations with Ray. His helpful nature, his enthusiasm, and his love of autos and racing, came though loud and clear.
Ray I hardly knew you . . . . . and I am much the poorer for it . . . . .
God speed Ray, and Rest in Peace.
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I never met Ray in person. Just missed him on the flats and the GNRS. But through his photos I felt I knew him well! We'll miss your good eye for the shot, Ray!
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Ray would often come to the USFRA monthly meetings. It was always nice to see him. A true artisan behind a camera.
His work with the Target 550 car gave us all the opportunity to enjoy his skill. May he rest in peace.
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Holly $hit, that's a shocker! He was a real character who had a passion for showing us our world through his eyes & was so good at it. I'm so glad he got to run the salt before he moved on. I shed a tear for you my friend. :cry:
Sid.
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Ray was a good friend. I will miss him and our conversations on the salt, the phone calls we often had. I have few of his pictures that I will always think of him when I look at his work. He loved what he did and the quality of his work is awesome. the photo history of Marlo's project 550 has kept our interest over the years. Rest in Peace and God speed my friend. :-(
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I'm shocked by the sad news but in retrospect probably shouldn't be. I always had the gut feeling when he should have been running at 80% for his own good he was going 120% to keep the scattered LSR family all in the loop. I had wanted to personally thank him for all he was doing on my last trip to the salt in '08 but couldn't ever quite catch up with him to do so. Did meet him driving "the 'Burb" in traffic down the ramp in the parking area of the Nugget as I was walking up, gave him a thumb's up and he returned a wave.
May you have a peaceful rest Ray, you have earned it many times over.
Ed
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My wife and I met Ray the first time we went to the Salt in '07, every year after that we camped together or near each other above the Bend in the Road. He was an inspiration to me as I was fighting an alcohol abuse problem. From the day I met Ray, until now, he has been my guide to getting sober. I will love, and miss you dearly my friend. I will carry on my battle with you as my mentor still ! rest in Peace Brother Rat !
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This is terrible news. Joanie and I spent last Saturday (just a week ago?) afternoon with Ray, Freud and a couple of others at the Shilo Inn. I have known Ray for several years and admired his work and passion for LSR. We were aware of his health issues but he assured us that he was recovering. He and I had spoken of the demons in his life that he had to fight.
Joanie and I send our prayers to his family and friends,
God Speed Sir
DW
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I'm very sorry to hear this, my condolences to his family. RIP Ray Therat.
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/529576_10200771389822788_1440235023_n.jpg)
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/s720x720/556909_4757857500061_84539192_n.jpg)
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Sad news indeed. Just one of those reminders for me that at times I need to quit being so shy and reserved. I saw Ray last year at the Salt Talks as he was talking to Sparky but I didnt have the nerve to introduce myself. Thought there would be another time. Godspeed Ray
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God speed Ray and thank you!
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:-( :-( :-( :-(
So sad to hear this news.
Rest in Peace Ray!
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this for you, my friend
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:cry: Ray Buck -- We Thank YOU for your PASSION!!!!!!
It led the way, for RAY the RAT---
I met Ray the morning after his "I think" first night, before he actually set foot on the Salt---Andy and I were camped out way down the canal from the bend in the road. I do not remember who was there first---we were just way down from anyone else. We introduced ourselves--and spent several nights as camping neighbors. Learned about each others sins and passions---when we breaking camp, we laughingly said----"Well here's to us being able to say as we knew each other as nobody's sleeping by the canal" WE left laughing!!!
He and I often kidded each other about sleeping in dirt as "WANTaBEs" as we stayed in touch over the years!
:cheers: Ray, here's to your wonderful inspiration and legacy!
Few have done more with their 2nd chance at life than you did!!!
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Wow...sorry to hear it...never got to meet him, but I'm happy I got to at least e-mail with him a couple of times...RIP...
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Rest in peace Ray, you will be missed.
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First met the man at GNRS a few short weeks ago, introduced by the Good Doctor himself.
It was good to make the connection and talk with him.
His photographic record of all things automotive is timeless.
Sincere condolences to the family.
Rest In Peace.
DS
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I feel like I have just been kicked in the heart...........
I just spoke to Ray at the NW Reunion and thanked him for all his great work in and for the LSR community. As we shook hands he commented how He felt appreciated in our midst and how much He felt blessed for every day because of his health problems.
We both agreed that living "one day at a time to the best, because you never know what day might be your last" was a goal we were living because of age and health.
Ray also mentioned that He was a "Living Miracle" having "flat lined" several times with heart issues.
Before leaving, I shook his hand one more time and He was smiling as more and more people stopped to visit with him.
I think Ray new his time on this Earth was drawing to a end, and He was spending it just as he wished... surrounded by a grateful crowd of like minded LSR fans.... His friends and family.
Ray, may God grant you a special place in Heaven, We barely new Ye.............
Bob Drury
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I have many things to attend to right now but in the near future I will walk you thru Ray's last hours.
Thank all of you for your sincere condolences.
I will make certain that his family has access to them.
If you have friends that knew Ray and do not use Landracing.com, please tell them for us.
I do not have passwords to Ray's online accounts and websites so many people will be uninformed.
FREUD
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Godspeed Ray. We will all miss you.
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RIP Ray.
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AMEN! to all of the above,and a hundred times over.
He always said; "If you are going to have a drink, have one for me, since I don't care to."
Jim
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Oh Ray, we hardly knew ye.
Let's all take some solace in knowing the we all, here on this Forum and this website, helped Ray gain some of his fame. A good handful of years ago Nancy and I ran across him at the salt an, in our own way, helped him start taking more and more photos from Bonneville. He was already an accomplished photographer of car stuff -- and he became one of the top shelf photographers at the salt. He was brilliant, he was cranky, and most of all -- he was great to know.
His legacy will live on as long as this site is up and running, for we've got untold hundreds of his photos in the Gallery and other places here. He was wise enough to have placed his watermark on his work - so you'll be able to tell which shots are his. I hope that that alone will cut down on the number of times his work is taken and used without giving him the credit he is due for the photos.
An iconic shot of his" How about the picture he took when Tom Burkland came into the pits "hot" at the Shootout five years ago? Ray caught the car with four (out of all four) wheels in the air. You don't see that in land speed racing very often. Thanks to Ray -- we can see it again and again.
Rest in peace, my friend. Say hi to Bill and Dr. Bob while you're at it, okay?
I just talked to Ray at the GNRS, I am a bit surprised by the news. I met Ray when we had the lakester at WOS back in '09, he took photos of the car for us right before we loaded it on the trailer and headed for home. As a matter of fact, I think I have a picture of Ray taking a picture of the lakester.
I have not seen this photo of Tom's car Slim and Stainless speak of. It might be a good gesture to start a RTR thread and pick out some of his "Best shots" and share them with the community. If you have a story to share about it, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to help those of us who didn't know him as well as others get a better understanding of the man.
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bbarn, THANKS.
Maybe the fotos could just be posted on this thread. That way people that didn't know him
would be able to follow thru, meet him and see his work all at the same place.
I'll contact SSS and get his advice.
THANKS AGAIN,
FREUD
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WOW, Rest in Peace Ray
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Before I start looking into the computers for shots that Ray took that aren't here -- well, here's a link to 842 of his pictures. In case you didn't know it - we've got a photo gallery here on landracing.com and there are thousands of photographs there. A bunch of them are unattributed, but many are from photographers who have given permission to use them. This link takes you to the index page of the shots we have from Ray Buck. http://www.landracing.com/gallery/index.php?cat=94
Enjoy them, everyone.
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God Speed, Ray, You will be missed.
Ron
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Before I start looking into the computers for shots that Ray took that aren't here -- well, here's a link to 842 of his pictures. In case you didn't know it - we've got a photo gallery here on landracing.com and there are thousands of photographs there. A bunch of them are unattributed, but many are from photographers who have given permission to use them. This link takes you to the index page of the shots we have from Ray Buck. http://www.landracing.com/gallery/index.php?cat=94
Enjoy them, everyone.
I'm trying to bring up his main website;
chevyasylum.com (http://chevyasylum.com) .
Now I remember when we chatted Tuesday that he was all in a trash about his servers had gone Tango Uniform, and he couldn't do much about the problem so many miles away.
Here's one that still works a little...http://www.myelcamino.net/ec_list.htm
Here are a few more; shows flats, etc.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=chevyasylum&qpvt=chevyasylum&FORM=IGRE
Jim
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I am very sad to hear the news. Ray helped me on my first trip to the salt and gave me a lot of inside advice that helped a lot. He took some really great photos of my team and the car, and yes I happily paid him for each shot. It is amazing how Ray caught so many cool moments that will forever document my fulfillment of a 40 year old dream. There is no way I would have the quality photos shot through a master's eye with out Ray. He liked to update me on his projects via email both the ones he was working on the ones the Monte Carlo, like all of us, the projects in his head that he wanted to do some day. He will truly be missed.
I will take some time this weekend to review his photos on this site and the Chevy asylum site to get a fresh perspective on his skillful photography.
God Speed Ray the Rat and may you rest in peace.
Bill
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I had to read Freud's first post twice to believe it!! Rest in peace Ray, you will be missed.
Rex
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I'm so sad to hear about Ray. His photographs and the stories about "Ray the Rat" will live on, though. Godspeed.
Neil Tucson, AZ
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Oh, that's not what I wanted to hear at all today.
I met Ray years ago when I found a Corvette for sale near his town. Even though we had only talked on an e-mail list, he went out of his way to check out the car for me, offered me a room to stay in overnight, and wouldn't even let me buy him dinner. He was just a real stand up guy, and I attribute my interest in LSR to him. You'll be missed, Ray.
Thanks for letting us know, Freud
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Ray will be missed.
Ray and I had many conversations over the years all about the salt and photography. He shot many great shots of the Team Amo motorcycles and the Amo-Steele Streamliner.
Ray had a hot rodder mentality to him, however his expertise was not welding, shaping aluminum or building engines; his art in hot rodding was behind the camera. This is a unique talent that will never be forgotten as his work is captured in the digital age...
He will be missed by all of our family; sisters and brothers in the land speed world...
Thank you Ray for all the dedication and passion you put into our lives.
Jon Amo
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Very sad to hear the news of a great guy with a camera. I use to look forward to running in to Ray at Bonneville during my 8 years as a team member. He always had that Ray grin, especially when he called me Santy Clause. Saw him at the last GNRS and i am so glad i did. A very special person and he will be missed. Mark.
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I'll miss Ray's tag "Shot from Canons" on his photos.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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So sorry to hear this. I have enjoyed and looked forward to his photographs in this forum and on Target 550 a lot. I will miss them. Condoleanses to his family and friends.
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I'll miss Ray's tag "Shot from Canons" on his photos.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
Kate worked in a high end camera shop for years - she'd heard 'em all before, but that one still makes her smile.
I will always think of Ray when I hear that one.
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Rayman always went out of his way to bring us all the photos and runs during bville events, even trying to find that certain racer info. we asked about. First met Ray at USFRA mtg. yrs. ago , then we enjoyed seeing each other at Utahs new road race track when it opened.
He worked tirelessly attending many Utah Car Cruises as evidenced on his chevyasylum.com site.
God Speed Rayman and thank you for your friendship.
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RIP Ray, you will be missed.
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We have him to THANK for all of the posts on Target550.com
He was my salvation. I relied on him totally. He won't be
replaced. I'll just need to find someone that can carry on.
We still have a lot to accomplish and he won't have to stand in the
sun to watch us.
The same passion will be within the man behind the camera that
takes his spot. He too "Shoots from Canons."..........It will be Pork Pie.
Our family stays together. I know Ray would approve.
FREUD
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Very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I have enjoyed his photographs and running commentaries from events.
God speed on the big white dyno in the sky.
Jim
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I just saw this.
I saw Ray Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Northwest Reunion. He didn't look good. He always gave more than he should have.
I think Bob Drury hit the nail on the head.
I'm so grateful for the help Ray'd given me over the years in shooting covers for the SpeedWeek program cover.
I'll certainly miss him. To me, he was just one hell of a sweet guy.
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I just saw the news on face book.
I will really miss Ray out on the salt!
Not much more to say right now -- stunned.
Larry
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I am so sorry to hear this. I had only just met him through you, Freud, at the GNRS, but I could immediately tell he was so much more than a friend. Thank you for introducing me. I could see he had a great time working his magic with his camera in hand. Thank you, RtR, though we just met, I won't forget. All my condolences to his family and many, many friends...
(http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu248/gyronaut/RtR_zpsdd307e4a.jpg)
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RIP Ray, I met him briefly in 2011
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Ruth and I had know Ray for some years and I'm glad we got to see him this past summer after missing a year. Just wish now we would of spent more time with him.
The salt will be a lonelier place now without him. I can't imagine going in the future and not thinking about him. He gave a tremendous amount to this community,
Sumner and Ruth
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He gave a tremendous amount to this community,
Sumner and Ruth :cheers:
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A few quick shots of Ray at Bonneville.
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Very sad, I met Ray last year at the salt, a real enthusiast and a great photographer.
A real loss to the Landracing community......
Our thoughts are with you from across the world...
RIP Ray......
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Ray was a great guy and a real asset to the landracing community. I am so glad that I got to see him at the NW Reunion. He was working hard to cover it with his camera. God Speed my friend.
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The cause of his death was pneumonia and congestive heart failure
His lungs and heart have been severely taxed for a long time but after
his experience in Death Valley a month ago he has been marginal.
When I explained that to his nurse she looked surprised and said
Death Valley fever. They couldn't relate that diagnosis to him until
I mentioned that trip. It took him 16 hours of struggling after his
tires blew out before he made it to the highway.
He did not suffer. He just couldn't get his breath. He gave me the
diagnosis when we were on our way to the ER. He didn't mention
pneumonia but he did tell me CHF.
He just peacefully went to sleep.
30
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Freud, thank you for the information. But most of all, thank you for taking good care of him in his last hours. You are a true friend indeed.
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Glenn, once again you have shown the rest of us what a person should strive to be, a compassionate thoughtful and caring friend.
I resisted the urge to call you yesterday and will not call you today either because I know what it is like to be besieged with phone calls after a personal tragedy.
I just want you to know how much we all appreciate how you have handled this matter (as well as our recent NW Reunion) with dignity, respect and just the plain, basic facts which is really all we need to know.
Here's one for you Glenn.
Take your wife our for a nice dinner and share a nice bottle of wine with her. You both deserve it.
Bob :cheers:
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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some views of Ray
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With all of the things that have happened here I have failed to acknowledge one person who supported Ray
to the very end. Marlo Treit was the last person to have close contact with Ray. Marlo offered to take Ray to
the Veterans Hospital in either Portland or Seattle before Ray left to come to Everett. Ray was determined
to carry out his original plan and so he just left Marlo's shop to come to see me. He drove about 140 miles
and stopped near Olympia, WA and stayed overnight in a motel. He called me Wednesday morning to say
that he felt better and would be coming up. He just about made it.
In all of the turbulence of the past few days I overlooked mentioning Marlo's dedication to Ray. Ray had assumed
the care and cleaning of Marlo's computers. Had we ever heard of a situation like that from Ray? Oh Ya !!
Just like myself, Ray never got his hands dirty on Target550 but he was a major contributor. He was always
welcome at Marlo's place and he always had work to do the minute that he arrived. That was his nature.
Without Rays support Target500 website would probably not run as smoothly as it did. Marlo appreciated that.
With all of Rays friends Marlo loved, trusted and respected Ray.
I apologize for not posting this message sooner. Both of them deserved it.
FREUD
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one more view of Ray
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Thanks Pork Pie.
That's a lovely view of a man at work.
He did a good job.
FREUD
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The file is large enough to download and print.
FREUD
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Aw, goodness me, this is a sad bit of news.
Many years ago I was typing a note to Ray, must have been 2005 or so, when my FFF [1] typed Rat instead of Ray. I was so embarrassed and ashamed when Ray pointed out to me the mistake. He thought it funny and went with it.
Ray was a kind person. and no one worked harder at that craft. I imagine he worked like that at everything he attempted, I'm sure we all know he did. and a good friend, too. Always a kind word and smile, it was always a joy to see him.
Saw Ray in Moab one year but we only chatted a few minutes because he was working. I suggested he slow up a bit . . .
So, Godspeed Ray . . .I wish you sweet light and good salt.
your friend,
[1] fat fingers
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The cause of his death was pneumonia and congestive heart failure
His lungs and heart have been severely taxed for a long time but after
his experience in Death Valley a month ago he has been marginal.
When I explained that to his nurse she looked surprised and said
Death Valley fever. They couldn't relate that diagnosis to him until
I mentioned that trip. It took him 16 hours of struggling after his
tires blew out before he made it to the highway.
He did not suffer. He just couldn't get his breath. He gave me the
diagnosis when we were on our way to the ER. He didn't mention
pneumonia but he did tell me CHF.
He just peacefully went to sleep.
30
Thank you so much for these details. It helps bring closure to myself while at the same time a tear to my eye. ray donated a ton to the Save the Salt Fundraiser we did at the BBQ last year. He was a big part of the 900+ dollars we raised. Funny story, the LARGE hi-res prints he donated were passed off as the deluge hit us in 2012 that cancelled that years BBQ. We were tucked into the door of his suburban picking out shots and cars when I said that is fine after 6 or so and told him to get in out of the rain. We dove to our respective cars and bid farewell as the monsoons hit. Ray would have stood in the shadow of his truck picking out shots through the whole thing, that is just how he was. Dedicated to the end. Thanks Ray. Rest in Peace!
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It's been a privilege to have known Ray - What Passion and Dedication he brought to the field of LSR and photography! RIP and God Speed.
The picture is from World of Speed 2011 / 130mph club; he is in line with his car and finds time to take photos of our High School car!
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Like Trent, I would like to share this story about Ray.
Last year, I was trying to help Jon and Chris have a webcast at WoS and Shootout.
On the way out to Bonneville, I went up to Milwaukee to get all the equipment needed from Chris. While there, we found out that the tower desktop computer had crapped out. I was going to try and use my laptop but decided that it simply was not up to the task. Several post were made here in the forums and I suggested that we might find one in SLC. On very short notice, Ray stepped up and said he would find one and that I would pick it up as I was passing through SLC. That never came to fruition though as rain canceled WoS and the Shootout.
What impressed me most was that Ray was willing to go out of his way for this cause on very short notice!
Ray was just being himself.....Willing to do anything for this sport!
Gregg
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Doc Freud,
I would like to say a heart felt THANK YOU for your updates.....You SIR, were a genuine friend!
The world would be a much better place with more people like you!
Gregg
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Thanks Pork Pie.
That's a lovely view of a man at work.
He did a good job.
FREUD
I would like to also say Thank You PorkPie.....Great pics of a man who loved his work!
Gregg
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I'd like to explain part of Rays recent history.
Several years ago Bret Kepner, 20+ year ESPN Motorsports correspondent and recently of Fox Motorsports,
was the speaker at the Bonneville NW Reunion. He was marvelous and being a hard core perfectionist
and a student of the English language, he reported it as it was written.....unless it needed to be corrected.
I was doing a video recording of his presentation and had things to be aware of other than just his story.
After all I could always listen to the video. Somewhere in the talk he had a reference to something that
Ray had done and when he read it he referred to Ray as Ray Therat. There was no punctuation and nothing that
would cause him to use Ray the Rat.
At that time Ray achieved a new identity. Only the people at the banquet heard it as it originated. Ray loved it.
So as time passed he frequently identified himself as Ray Therat. (pronounced Thereat) That's how it happened. With total respect it
will be the ashes of Ray Therat that will be scattered from the parachute of the Target550 streamliner.
He had no idea this would happen but he won't complain about it either.
Thanks Brett Kepner for applying the touch of a perfectionist to our dear friend. He was pleased.
If you have a story to relate about Ray just post it here. His family will be pleased to hear it.
FREUD
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The story I tell about Ray is that a year (or two?) ago, I was shooting my snapshots over on 2. Ray was behind me a ways with one of his Howitzers.
He says, "Stan, I'm going back to the car and get out of the sun for a while."
"You can't go now, Ray."
"Why not?"
"Look on the line, who's next."
"Whadaja mean?"
"It's One-Run Bob. You might not want to miss this."
"Oh. Okay."
And, on cue, Bob takes a longish push-off, nails it in first gear, and chases his push truck to near disaster. It started out, behind me, as click . . . click . . . click and then click,click,click,click,click. A great sequence that I think One-Run might have be able to post here. I thought it was great the way Ray caught the drama. He was always ready for the unexpected.
I'm already missing him.
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I'm already missing him.
[/quote]
I am also.
FREUD
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I'm already missing him.
I am also.
FREUD
[/quote]
My neighbor and my daughter asked "How am I holding up?"
I told her this morning that we are doing fairly well; got the weeping controlled to about only 6 or 8 sessions a day. :wink:
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The thing I remember most is that Ray was always the sort of photographer you loved working around.
He was always aware of the other photographers around him and made a sincere effort to get his shot without getting in your shot. During the Mike Cook Shootout 2012, several of us were set up near the timing stand during the "fly blitz" I was farthest south about 200' and Ray and Pork Pie were between me and the timing stand and the video tower. We were waiting for Speed Demon to make it's down run toward the highway, and got the call that the salt was locked down and he would be underway shortly. We all moved to get setup for the car. Speed Demon is so quick at 400+ mph you get only a couple seconds to get your shot. It is really important to have an unimpeded view of the car's approach speed so you can mentally dial in your pan rate so you can freeze the action at the ideal point/angle. How big the salt plume is behind the car is one of your first visual clues to where the car is and how fast he is running since you are looking 2 miles down course and he is coming almost directly at you from that angle.
Pork Pie stepped out enough to get his view, and Ray had to walk out another 50 or so feet to get a good angle past the USAC rep who was standing in front of the timing stand. When he got clear he "as always" looked back over his right shoulder to see if he was in my shot. I gave him a thumbs up and he returned it and we all settled down for the show as we could hear Speed demon coming by then.
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During the Shoot Out in 2010 late in the afternoon Spirit of Rett stream liner was getting set up for some beauty shots by the video crew. Even though the sun was setting fast, they sort of pissed away all the good light getting setup and constantly had their crane rig right next to the car so it was impossible for the still photographers to get clean unobstructed shots of the car. As a result the still photographers were constantly moving around trying to find an angle to shoot over someones shoulder or between two people to get that blasted video rig out of the image and get a descent shot in the rapidly failing light. Ray was back in a crowd trying to compose a head on shot of the car by shooting between a couple people as the video crew ran in circles.
I tried to get a candid shot of him as he composed the shot.
Below you see the image -- at the last moment as I was squeezing the shutter his "all seeing photographers eye" picked up he was in my shot and looked over to see what I was taking a picture of, just as the shutter tripped. It was this sort of awareness of his surroundings that allowed him to see shots before they even existed and get in position to get a shot anticipating what was about to happen.
I like everyone else will miss his warm smiles and a friendly pat on the back when he first met you each new year as we checked in at the trailers or gathered at lands end waiting for things to open up.
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Doug/Buickguy sent this photo of Ray getting in some regeneration time.
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Ray needed a lot of sleep because he ran so close to the redline all the time.
He had heart surgery in the '90's and frequently he had to sleep to restore some more go power.
He slept poorly and when he would awaken he would work. When he was tired he had to sleep.
The clock time did not matter.
He would sleep whenever he could.
FREUD
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I've been in a bit of a funk since hearing about Rays passing.
It seems Bonneville is not just about fast vehicles, speed records and salt but it is more so about the camaraderie of the people who frequent it, past and present.
Unlike any other motorsport, we help each other out and cheer each other on.
Friendship runs deep.
I know what I'm feeling and can't imagine what Rays partners, Freud and Marlo are feeling.
Ray was able to pursue his passion to the end and for that we should be thankful.
God Speed.
Don
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Surprised and very sorry to hear the news. I met Ray a few times while taking photos at Bonneville and was very helpful to me with info for shooting at Miller MotorSports Park. You'll be missed by many myself included.
Jim
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I'd like to explain part of Rays recent history.
Several years ago Bret Kepner, 20+ year ESPN Motorsports correspondent and recently of Fox Motorsports,
was the speaker at the Bonneville NW Reunion. He was marvelous and being a hard core perfectionist
and a student of the English language, he reported it as it was written.....unless it needed to be corrected.
I was doing a video recording of his presentation and had things to be aware of other than just his story.
After all I could always listen to the video. Somewhere in the talk he had a reference to something that
Ray had done and when he read it he referred to Ray as Ray Therat. There was no punctuation and nothing that
would cause him to use Ray the Rat.
At that time Ray achieved a new identity. Only the people at the banquet heard it as it originated. Ray loved it.
So as time passed he frequently identified himself as Ray Therat. (pronounced Thereat) That's how it happened. With total respect it
will be the ashes of Ray Therat that will be scattered from the parachute of the Target550 streamliner.
He had no idea this would happen but he won't complain about it either.
Thanks Brett Kepner for applying the touch of a perfectionist to our dear friend. He was pleased.
If you have a story to relate about Ray just post it here. His family will be pleased to hear it.
FREUD
Thanks Freud for all you did for Ray. It sounds like he will get one final ride. God Speed Ray.
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Friday Michelle and I were going through our receipts so we could go do our taxes on Saturday morning and as I looked through my check copies I see a check for 100 bucks made payable to Ray Buck..I thought for a minute then remembered what and who it was for..really sad to know he is gone...RIP Mr. Buck.
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ZZ.........I hope you are there with us.
FREUD
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Godspeed Ray. I'm going to miss our conversations.
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Ray lived life at full throttle for the short time I knew him. He probably went out the way he wanted to go. Doing what he liked and wanted up to the end. He was a great guy.
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This is such sad news. Ray was a good guy and I did not know one person who did not like him. Over the years Ray sent me some of his great photo's, glad I have them. Godspeed and RIP Ray, you will be missed. My condolences to Ray's Family and the Target 550 Team.
Tom G.
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Had the pleasure of meeting Ray in 2009 while sitting in Impound..
We had a great time shooting the bull, then Ray shot a photo or two and peeled out.
Thank You Ray The Rat for the memories...........R I P .......
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Well here we are however many days later and my heart still feels like lead ballast.
Most all of us have lost family members and friends over the years and it is never easy. What makes the loss of Ray so pronounced is that most of us only knew Ray enough to recognize him when we saw him, yet He was such a well known part of our sport and did so much to further it's promotion that He had become in a very short time bigger than life in the LSR community.
Not wanting to start or jump on a bandwagon during this period of mourning, I still cannot stop from thinking how We might honor Ray and also preserve his LSR history of work.
One thought might be to contact His family at a more appropriate time about their making his entire catalog available to the Public through this site or even the Save the Salt organization with a portion of the sales going to the LSR community.
I don't have a clue how it could be done, but I would bet that if given a chance, Ray would be, as usual, all over it (and perhaps He already is)!
With much respect, Bob.
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Although I only ever talked with Ray a few minutes at a time at various Bonneville SpeedWeek's -- usually it was me telling him "thanks for the pictures!" and passing greenbacks his way for gasoline money given all the events he attended. I found it remarkable in that he was able to share his passion for all things Bonneville with unknown tens of thousands of people across the planet (via his pictures); pre/post salt condition and weather status updates; as well as being involved with efforts ala Target550, this forum and his numerous friends throughout the land speed racing community.
I always think it is better to live life doing what you love -- and Ray was one of those type of folks given his demonstrated actions and passion for the salt flats. RIP Ray.
Freud -- glad to hear about the Target550 streamliner scattering of his ashes plan -- that sounds rather fitting given Ray's love of the place and is a truly fitting memorial.
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As I was out at the drag races this weekend I saw many cars with In Memory of X Racer decals and folks with t-shirts In Memory of. Maybe someone with the resources could do up an In Memory of Ray the Rat decal or shirt for Speedweek, WoS and WFs. Sales of said decals and shirts could go to the Save the Salt fund. Thoughts?
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We've done things for racers that have gone to the great race track in the sky, so to speak, on Salt Talks shirts and other landracing.com items - such as the badges for Willie Buchta soon after he died. I haven't spoken up yet about doing something like that on this year's ST shirt - because I want to let the shock mitigate before jumping into production - only to find that there might be more, or better, that can be done. Suffice it to say that landracing.com will remain aware of the thoughts of racers about Ray Buck. He did the art on the shirts for us, he's done many photos for us, he's done much. He won't be forgotten by this website or this Forum. :cry:
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I think it's a great idea, SCTA club members have honored their lost ones with decals for many year. This is something to think about, lets get a few more ideas.
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bump
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What ever idea that takes place to honor Rays memory, I am sure a whole lot of people will step up. I know i will. We owe it to Ray for all he did. After all, if i was not for him and Pork pie, we would not have all these photo's to look back on over the years.
And yes Freud,,,,,,,,,i am hoping to be there for his final ride. Mark.
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Thank You, Santa.
FREUD for RtR
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Wow what a shock. I have been out of touch for a little over a week. What sad news!! Ray was a great guy, and really good photographer. I will miss him. RIP Ray.
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That is sad news.
I loved his pics, and sense of humor...
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Ray's legacy of wonderful images should be sought out for prominent display in the new museum. It would be a fitting and lasting tribute for him, and a way for all to see how magnificent his photographer's eye really was....
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Ray the Rat wall of speed I love it. :cheers:
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This came from his son, Colin, today.
FREUD
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Thanks Glenn. The obituary said it well. :cry:
Pete
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Thanks for posting the obituary Freud.
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For those of you that don't know much about recovering alcoholics -- well, now that Ray's obit has made it public that he was one of the group, it's okay to mention some of his comments. One thing he often told me was not how long it had been since he'd taken his last drink (I had no idea and never asked -- that really was unimportant to him and to most recovering alkies). He'd say that when he woke up this morning he gave thanks that he was alive and sober, and that he hoped to get to bed tonight without taking a drink. It didn't matter how many times he had done that already -- he wanted to do it today. One day at a time.
I miss you, Ray, and so do many of us.
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X2 from here...............
Bob
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His family has announced an Open House at his place in Taylorsville, UT.
The hours are 1PM to 3 PM. March 23, 2014
I'll get an address and post it.
FREUD
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I know we've got his house address at our house, and if I don't see it posted here when I get home (about two hours from now) I'll put it up. I'll run out to the truck right now and see if it's still in the GPS, too.
Nope -- must have been erased. Sorry -- will post it from home.
Hey -- Jim/Texican: What was Ray's house address?
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Ray's address
1343 Morning Sun Drive
Taylorsville 84123
this is a South West part of Salt lake
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Thank you Pork Pie, looking forward to seeing you at speedweek. :cheers:
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Ray's address
1343 Morning Sun Drive
Taylorsville 84123
this is a South West part of Salt lake
Thanks,
Thomas:
I was at The VA most of the day; helping some of our American Heroes.
Got back late, really tired, and missed the post.
Regards to all.
Jim
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Pork Pie........one of Ray's friends doing his part from Germany.
It just goes to show how far Ray's influence has spread.
FREUD
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If you live in Utah I expect to see you in Taylorsville on Sunday.
FREUD
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My map and directions are already printed. :wink: Wayno
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We will see you there.
FREUD
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I am so very sad, Ray was one of the first persons my wife and I met at Bonneville in 2008. We had set up some shade at about the 3 mile and Ray pulled up to shoot pictures. He was very kind and answered every rookie question we asked! In 2009 we saw him again taking pictures, and the first picture he posted that year was a shot of our dog Jodie. Didn't even know he had taken the picture. We will miss him dearly.
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If you live in Utah I expect to see you in Taylorsville on Sunday.
FREUD
Freud,
unfortunately I'm not living in Utah, or close to...
otherwise I would be there...... :cry:
give Ray a great bye bye....
and to Colin & Anthony and their family all my wishes and my deepest condolences
Ps: Colin wrote me a wonderful email a while ago (I'm not sure if he got my reply)
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PorkPie, I am going to represent our race team. Ray meant a lot to all of us.
John
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Freud, pay last respects to Ray for me when you are there. I cannot get there. He loved us, that is for sure.
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i think we did a decent job of sending Ray off today. An awful lot of good humans showed up. Ray woulda been proud. Porkpie, you were well represented by friends. :wink: Wayno
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Those few hours were well worth the trip. It tied the family together for us and
it felt comfortable. Good Landracing group also: Wes Potter, Tom Burkland and daughter,
Elmo, Treit and I, Jim Halladay, John Gowetski...........maybe one of the fellows will
complete the list.
But someone had driven his Camaro and put it away wet. He would have been WAY upset.
Pork Pie and Bo......you were part of us. Barrett, where were you?
Gonna be hard to forget that man.
FREUD
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We stopped at Lands End. Nothing spectacular but the pucker brush
is all gone from the Bend in the Road to Lands End. Totally dry at
Lands End.
No knock out sunset that I could do for Ray.
FREUD
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Home Away From Home.
All parking spots were available.
FREUD
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Good on you guys.
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FREUD, It was nice to be able to spend time with his sisters, sons and their mother.
I will always remember the stories that they told. They knew Ray was happy and in control of his demons. He was at peace with the world. RIP my friend.
John
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I failed to list Ellen Wilkinson and her husband Old What's His Name. Someone help me.
If it's related to the Salt Flats they are always there to help.
FREUD
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Glenn, if it's the husband I'm thinking of it's probably Gary. :wink: Wayno
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Right on..........WaynO
FREUD
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not that long ago we got ahold of Ray and purchased an image we liked...
we got it up on the wall a couple months ago..so grateful...and cherished even more now...
http://imageshack.com/a/img833/23/2pd5.jpg
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Those few hours were well worth the trip. It tied the family together for us and
it felt comfortable. Good Landracing group also: Wes Potter, Tom Burkland and daughter,
Elmo, Treit and I, Jim Halladay, John Gowetski...........maybe one of the fellows will
complete the list.
But someone had driven his Camaro and put it away wet. He would have been WAY upset.
Pork Pie and Bo......you were part of us. Barrett, where were you?
Gonna be hard to forget that man.
FREUD
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Those few hours were well worth the trip. It tied the family together for us and
it felt comfortable. Good Landracing group also: Wes Potter, Tom Burkland and daughter,
Elmo, Treit and I, Jim Halladay, John Gowetski...........maybe one of the fellows will
complete the list.
But someone had driven his Camaro and put it away wet. He would have been WAY upset.
Pork Pie and Bo......you were part of us. Barrett, where were you?
Gonna be hard to forget that man.
FREUD
Freud I was in California that week end, prior commitment. He was in my heart RIP Ray,I will miss you. :-(
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maybe one of the last picture Ray "shoot with Canon"
Ray send me this one in his last email he wrote....and I like to share it with the landracing community
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That picture was done for the 200 MPH Club. They contribute to the banquet each year
and I make certain that we send them a foto of the members that were there.
Dan Warner delivered the check and is in the middle of the front row.
THANKS to the 200 MPH Club. They feel that the Bonneville NW Reunion is
one place where the 2 Clubs members get together. Pork Pie, you could do the
foto next year but it will have to be a delayed release shot so you can be in it.
That way it would still be a Canon Shot.
FREUD
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Oh, how my heart aches! I've been without internet since the middle of February so had no idea we had lost Ray!! Ray was such a sweet, soft spoken, awesome photographer/racer/friend/crazy and irreplaceable person in my life! I will miss him for the rest of my life. God Speed my friend, I'll see you every sunrise and sunset on the salt!
landsendlynda
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He meant a lot to me also, Lynda.
It has been a tough time realizing that he is gone.
Thank You for your sincere message.
FREUD
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Linda:
You have a way with words. I suspect Ray will be there everyday.
BR
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Ray's son was thinking we might have to have the Camaro towed to a repair shop.
After charging the battery, big click, but no fire.
We managed to over come the anti-theft module in the computer in Ray's Camaro by sticking the key in and leaving it "on" for about 10 minutes.
The anti-theft chip reset itself so the starter would crank.
This was the result of allowing the battery to go flat; they self drain.
The good advice came from a service adviser at the local bow-tie store.
His son relearned how to use a clutch.
Not quite like Mr. Toad's ride, but close.
Ask Pork-pie if the unit will jump.
Regards...
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Jim,
the Camaro got a blind passenger, using lots of electric power....Ray never found out....maybe one of all this electronic gadgets he built in got a permanent power use....he always had the car on the charger when he had the car for some days not on the road.....after the power lost the anti-theft chip needs again a learning lesson that he knows that everything is alright....
...the clutch in combination with the Hurst shifter is maybe difficult for the most Americans automatic user :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D the tire smokes...or the clutch smokes...better the tire..... :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
there is this small hexagon tool by the Hurst shifter....the reason for...the Hurst shifter likes to go sometimes into parts...and goes than loose....the tool is there to tides the screw again.....all this you can read in the manual...."how to use a Camaro after you turned him into a custom car"..... :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
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Pork Pie, I wish you knew as much about the website as you do about the Camaro.
Ray had done some custom work on the site also.
FREUD
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s.w. 2011
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sad news to come home to. ray was the first person i met on the salt. s.w. 2010 . i pulled onto the salt , drove north past the pits and just happened to park next to a red suburban with a large white sticker on the side window. we introduced ourselves , i didnt question him on the a.k.a. name he also gave me , he introduced me to jim h , and my bonneville education began. i was lucky enough to run into him each year since as he was going back and forth , or he would just hung out and took a few pics with us ,or at salt talks, and last years nw reunion. he always took a minute to talk with me, so , rest easy mr therat, and thank you. mitchell h.
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mitchell.......THANKS,
FREUD
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mitchell.......THANKS,
FREUD
In all this disappointment; there is a small ray of hope.
Thanks to lots of friends and people of good will that are willing to "Pay it forward" *
Ray's website"The Chevy Asylum" is being resuscitated from extinction out there in cyberspace.
Many thanks to Colin and Anthony Buck; Doc Freud, Pork
Pie, Chris Linde of Atlanta area, and the real life saver; John Christensen.
If I left anyone out who has made an effort to help; I'm sorry.
Subaru happens.
John is a long time friend of the Rat's and obviously a real whiz kid with cyber stuff.
It is still a work in progress, but coming along. Enjoy!! May the Rat's legacy go on for a long time.
http://www.myelcamino.net/
* Ray would be proud; that was a big part of his lifestyle: "Seems like the right thing to do."
Best Regards,
Jim
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Thanks Jim for posting this. I am sure Ray was looking down on Lake Bonneville and saying to himself, "Wow, what a picture that would make." Mark.
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:cheers:
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I think he is camping up on the hill waiting for the next event.
FREUD
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ZZ, As Mike Kelley and I were approaching the freeway exit near the Rainbow, Mike said "look out at the salt flats".
It was both a beautiful yet sad sight, white salt with a beautiful aqua blue lake from what appeared to be Land's End and running to the North.
It was the kind of picture that Ray would have taken to add to his marvelous gallery.
Thanx to all who helped recover his work. It will keep Ray alive in our hearts and memories.
Bob
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Bob, thanks for posting that. You will probably remember that for a long time. I agree that Ray would have made the most of the lake in a photo and it would have been a perfect match for his pictures of the sun coming up early in the morning. Those sunrises are something that everyone should see when they go to Bonneville. We will always remember Ray. Mark.
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Today would have been Ray's 67th Birthday, and adds another sad footnote to this years weathered out racing on the Salt.
Maybe Mother Nature was also saddened by Ray's passing and decided to take this year to heal Her Salt and Her Heart.
God bless You Ray, you will not soon be forgotten.
Bob Drury
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The bond between Ray and I started with a cell fone call. He was shooting on the salt and
a problem was apparent to me as I viewed the images. I called him on his cell fone and
we discussed it. The next posted image was corrected. AS we talked a few days later I
told him of the problem that I had with the Target 550 website.He told me to send all of
the information that I had about the site and two days later, it probably also included
two nights, he told me to access the site. Just like that he had made it work. Since I
am a slow learner he drove the 900 miles to our house, added files to the computer and
started my education. Too much for me to grasp. Sorry Ray. Then he cleverly divided
the tasks. Things that I could do....I was assigned. He did everything else. That started
the full blown presentation of info about the car. Since that time we have done 247
posts with thousands of images. In 2013 we had 3.3 million hits from 26 countries.
Not only being my mentor he also was awarded the responsibility of Marlo Treits computers,
the fotos at the Bonneville NW Reunion, the Friday night slide show presentations, the
trip to see the restored PT boat in Portland, the 12 hour shifts when the portraits of the car
were done by an outside professional group from Portland, they were paid and he was not,
the Grand National Roadster Show where the car was included in the 100 years of Speed section
and Rufus. Since I did not attend the foto shoot he used his images and did that post. He also
arrived at Pomona earlier than I and so he also did that shoot and the post. He was a poor
sleeper so many mornings there would be something done that I had no idea would be finished
until much later in the day. The man was a machine that missed very few beats.
Soon after he started doing the web elf job for us he asked if he could be a crew member. Since
I am so smart and had the authority I immediately granted his status as a full crew member.
He will be the first passenger on Target 550. That will be on the next run that the car makes.
PROMISED.
One other contribution that was so prominent was his 20+ years of dedication to AA. He would
willingly stop whatever he was doing if one of his friends needed him. I never experienced that
service but on the way from the ER to the ICU at Stevens Hospital he offered help and guidance
to one of the medical staff. Ray never quit even on the last few hours of his life.
For the first time I have now donated to AA.
He will be a passenger on the Target550 streamliners next run.
Ray, watch for me if I ever get to that huge light box in the Clouds.
My best wishes to his sisters, Becky, Marty and his two sons Anthony and Colin.
Oh Ya.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FREUD
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Lovely tribute Freud!
Yes Ray will be missed by all of us who knew him and enjoyed his company.
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Ray on the AA gun on the restored PT boat.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee171/4-BarrelMike/Miscellaneous%20stuff/RayTherat01.jpg)
Happy birthday, Ray.
Mike
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Thanks Mike. I stayed at the hotel in case someone needed an assist.
FREUD
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For me, I guess, I can't wish him a Happy Birthday (no offense, I hope, my friend Mike). Unfortunately for him (and us), he's not celebrating another year with us. And, you know, I think of him often and regret I'm not going to see him any more. I'm just selfish I guess.
I'm glad Glenn gave us a better picture of all that Ray did for him -- more for him than for the team, I'd imagine. The patience he must have shown trying to teach that old . . .
Well -- let's just be glad we all crossed paths.
Stan
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He taught me with his eyes closed: The blind leading the blind.
My hearing was slipping so his shouting wasn't even adequate.
Besides he lived 900 miles from home.
FREUD
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The middle photo in the group of three (above): Was it taken at the Gas Up? If so -- I had forgotten that he was in that Hall of Fame. Another important bit of kudos for him.
Speaking of which, Bob and I are investigating how to register him (and other deceased folks) as dead on the Forum. That status doesn't exist yet. We're still working on it.
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Ray was a guest at Gas Up.
He was just visiting.
FREUD
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There was a lady taking photographs at Delvene's meet with an old large format film camera. We talked a bit about old cameras and she said she wants to be a photographer. Mention was made that all photographers have an individual style, and the late Ray the Rat had a knack for being in the right pace at the right time. I told her about Chevy Asylum and the photos there. Ray set a good example. He knew his way around and had passion and ability. A good combination. I sure miss him.
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this year starts tough...and we lost some friends
a year ago we lost a very special friend.....Ray....gone far too early, he loves our sport and he shares his eye view through his camera lens with us, especially here on landracing.com
a small tribute to my old friend Ray...a picture I done at the Millers Race Track (close to Salt Lake City)...having a break between the races......
thanks for all you gave us....
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The passage of those we know, always prompts reflections about the passage of other friends and loved ones who have gone before . . . . . .
Wherever you are Ray . . .
Ave, atque, vale, frater. Atque in perpetuum.
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It's hard to find words when we lose a close friend. I always furnished him with the entry list with Veh. nos and entry data so he could post it with his great photographs. We spent a lot of time on the phone between events as he wanted the data to be correct. He sent me a few photos over the years and I treasure them all. I wish he was here so I could shake his hand and wish him a happy birthday again. RIP my friend. we miss you.
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Mark, I didn't know that you spoke (and wrote) German. Very Good, very good. :-)
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Mark, I didn't know that you spoke (and wrote) German. Very Good, very good. :-)
It is the Roman final Salute for a fallen Centurion. A Roman Centurion was an extraordinary man/soldier.
At several times during my life, I have found it to be appropriate and helpful . . . . . . I hope others find it so.
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”Climb the ladder of your lifes experiences and look back and try to remember all the things that you saw. It's impossible to remember every single detail. So it is with my recall of how I first came to know Ray Therat. I know how his name evolved. Perfectionist and realist Bret Kepner was the feature speaker at the Bonneville NW Reunion. As he was speaking he said, “Ray Therat.” The document did not have Ray the Rat, the writing ran together and Kepner read what was written. At that moment Ray's name evolved from the image of a rodent to that of a tongue rolling impression of a highly educated scholar. No doubt “the Rat' came from Ray's respect for Big Daddy Ed Roth and his counterculture Rat Fink who would bully Mickey Mouse, steal his lunch money, snatch his homework and hold his head under water in a rancid mud puddle.
Yielding to his own mistake and acknowledging the interpretation of an accomplished master of ceremony he willingly accepted his new identity of Ray Therat. (pronounced “there at.) He changed and used his new moniker in unusual places but it was of his own choosing.
I still don't recall how we met but I do remember some things that drew us close together. The cover of the Speed Week program with the blurry roadster picture was one of Ray's contributions. It had to be sold to the person that was responsible for the appearance of the program. It seemed to me that the mountains were the subject of the cover. They had been there longer than the roadster, they were in focus and colorful, not colorful as was the roadster, but as in life with a presence more related to eternity. That's the story and we were prepared to defend the cover but the program was already printed. During a following event Ray was posting pictures on Landracing.com as the event was happening. Repeat performance: background in focus and the car not in focus. Can't let this go on. An easy instant fix is available but it must be brought to Ray's attention. I called him on his cell phone. Had him study the posted image. Yep, he saw it. The mountain was in focus and not the car. These cameras have selective areas of focus on the viewing screen. His selected area was above the top of the car. Drop the focusing area down to the car level and everything was fixed. That was the event that bonded Ray and I.
From then on Ray and I talked frequently. When I told him of my inability to post pictures on the Target550 website he offered to “have a look at it.” Not only did he look at it, He fixed my problem. He altered the site to use only the portions that we needed and junked the rest. Then when needed he was available to do the photography wherever an event was happening. Ray the Rat, prior to his rebirth, put Target550 in the internet with authority, His last posts were as Ray Therat.
He worked tirelessly not only on the website but also on other individual personal computers. He set up a small net work in Marlo Treit's hanger. He educated all of us relative to our computer needs and he did it on very limited sleep. The man was an underpowered giant. His physical system was junk. His heart was handicapped by bad vessels and his lungs were like a wheeze box. That handicap caused him to work when he had enough energy to do it and when he started to sputter he went to bed. When he awaken he was right back at it. That's part of what took his life. He floated the valves and redlined too many times. He just didn't know quit.
Of my friends he was one of a uniquely talented group that achieved beyond our usual standards. Along with that drive he also loved with the same intensity. I feel that love and loss every day. It's difficult to explain but if you are fortunate enough to have experienced the same fellowship and had it yanked from under you you have a chance of knowing how much I miss Ray Therat.
His sabbatical started February 27, 2014.
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Bye Ray. Wayno
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bump
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Freud, those of us of a certain age who have been regular readers of motorcycle magazines are more than familiar with your abilities with a camera. Your ability with the written word matches that skill.
Thank-you very much for putting that skill to work to offer more remembrances of Ray. I think all of us on this website miss Ray greatly. His contributions were generous and amazing.
Pete
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oh yeah....Ray asked me a hole in my stomach about photography at the salt....photography at the salt is tough...the light is extreme...and the most professional camera's are getting in trouble to calculate the right numbers for a proper picture....the other issue at the salt...with the big "empty" at the salt....just white surface and mountain contours in the far back with a small object...means racer...to frame them not only but also creating a message and artistic picture you need some experience...that isn't that easy....
Doc Freud was long enough on the salt....I'm too, so Ray found the right persons to ask....and he learned very quick without loosing his own style....
Ray and I had a lot of fun, after the meets, back home at his place, when we went through the picture we done during the race days....Wow, Yeah, Great, How you done that.....
D..amn, How I miss him.....there is a big hole where he had his place....R.I.P. Ray
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Fordboy I couldn't figure out how to reply to your message. I appreciate
your message. You do understand.
THANX
FREUD
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Pork Pie's last post has so much in it. People can buy the same equipment
that the professional shooters use but the cameras need special adjustment
to get quality images. The instruction books have the information that defines
these needed adjustments but most people do not know when those changes
are needed. The pro can also adjust a poorly exposed image but in the interest
of time savings he can not afford to adjust every image. That's where the
knowledge gained by experience comes into use. Ray was blessed to have
Pork Pie as an "on the spot" consultant. When PP stayed with Ray they could
critique their images together and Ray gained so much information from
PP. PP was so willing to share with Ray. The points that PP made regarding
shooting on the salt were so relevant. Many people were aided by Ray
and PP and I were indeed fortunate to be close to Ray. We helped him
establish a level of photography from which the public benefited. His
images were even used on two covers of the Speed Week program.
That confirmed his level of excellence. It goes without saying, WE MISS HIM.
Pork Pie, thanks for your comments and guidance.
FREUD
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I still like the mountains as sharp as they were.
The roadster was just passing thru -- like Ray.
I consider it was part of his artistry. No complaints here.
Stan
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Thanks Stan Back. It was your resolve that allowed that cover to be used.
It could have been your b u t t that would have been chewed on. You
too needed the experience gained from years of dedication to Bonneville
to have the feel that made that cover work. When we are alone on the salt
we still do images of the mountains. Many photos of the cars that isolate
the car on a white surface could be duplicated in a studio. Put the mountains
in the background and instantly the picture takes on a new meaning.
Good call, Stan Back.
FREUD
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Regarding Dr. Freud's last post: I once heard a quote from a very good landscape photographer who once stood next to the Great Ansell Adams in Yosemite.
He did every thing the exact same; yet his pix had about half the quality and depth.
Some guys have the "magic touch" and the other 98% of us are just a klutz.
Might as well use a brownie box type.
Just my opinion.
Regards,
Jim
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Your ability with the written word matches that skill.----wow what an understatement!
:
Doc you and PP are such great bookends to all of our combined losses ---your words recalling "the journey" and PP's heart felt--- "reliving the joys" :cheers:
I couldn't bring myself to read this thread until today---you two friends made me so happy to have done so
To all three of you :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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I am so sad to hear this...I had the privilege to meet Ray and shake his hand....God speed Ray.....And thank you for everything you did.
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I remember him EVERY DAY.
FREUD
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Wore my Salt Talks T with "Salt Happens" on the front and Ray on the back yesterday to pick up my truck at LIBERTY GMC in Peoria yesterday. The lady in the cashier office where I paid, asked me about SS1's liner on the front and about the "Salt Flats" .
I said "This T depicts two of my friends, the one on the front survived a violent wreck and the one on the back didn't survive a hike in Death Valley because he caught "Valley Fever"
Both, depict their passionate pursuits, in Ray's case he loved both the camera and the racer!
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I'm glad that you folks like the picture (and way as they are done) which I prepared for Jon for this Salt Talk Shirt
Especially Ray's memorial picture need me a while to get the right picture and the right arrangement to bring the message of the tribute in the right way...Ray deserved it
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Pork Pie contributed so much with his pictures and design for the Salt Talks shirt
that recognized Ray.
Between Pork Pie and I we will keep him in memory.
My tears would go a long way to eliminating the drought in California.
Believe me.
FREUD
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With the whining I read, on this and other posts, about suffering because there have been
no events on the Salt this year I figure it's about time to stuff a rag in the mouth of those
who are so deprived. For the ones that have not as yet even been there and are feeling sorry
for them selves just read the posts about Ray Therat. For the ones that have been there and
knew Ray just compare your status to Ray's. You are all above the ground and that is a more
desirable situation than Ray's. But even in his absence he has provided this marvelous sunset
for all of us to enjoy. Just stifle and enjoy what he contributes without even being with us.
FREUD
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Thanks Freud for putting things in perspective. Ray gave his all for lsr. The rest of us are so lucky!
Pete
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That's why you're the Dr.
:cheers:
Fordboy
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+++++++ :cheers:
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We all miss Ray... the Doc's comments help us all find perspective... Just so Y'all know... FeRd has been scheduled to race during the last 3 cancellations... he ain't getting to race, but he still has the handle on what things are and aren't the most important in his life.
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Stainless, That's what every Land Speed Racer aspires to do... become one with the Salt Flats. And YES, Ray was a Racer, Ace Photographer, Friend to all He met, Lover of Life, Proud Recovering Alcoholic (That's because their are NO ex Alcoholics, only active or recovering) who walked the walk, knew His time on this Earth was short and made the most of what He was given. I was proud to give Him a big hug the week before He passed and the words of encouragement He offered helped Me to stay on focus with my own Recovery.
God Bless You Ray, I am going to tip a glass of water in Your Honor! I hope You took your "Shot from Cannon's" camera with you.........
Bob Drury
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Sept 22nd is Therat's birthday.
FREUD
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He has been on my mind lately,,,,,, miss the man alot !
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Well today is the calendar day for the Rat's birthday.
He's been gone more than a year but that doesn't even
dim the memories I have of him. I hope he hasn't slipped
from the memories of this group. He was one of us and paid
his dues in short order after his first trip to the Salt. In fact
his physical presence was more with his Bonneville family
than was it with his blood relatives. That came from his
dedication to the racing group.
Even if it's just a HBD post.......Show him respect.
Happy Birthday, Ray Therat.
FREUD
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Ray, the salt may heal but it won't be the same without you.
Bill
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Bill, You sure hit the nail squarely on the head.
THANKS,
FREUD
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Happy Birthday Ray.
Thanks Freud.
God Bless you.
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Ray was an inspiration, he will live on with his great photos :cheers:
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I don't do birthdays -- even for my friend Freud.
But a once-a-year remembrance of Ray tugs my emotions. And I do think of him more often than that. I looked forward to seeing him at least twice a year. I still miss his kindness and graciousness. And his more than generous help with my chores.
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Hey, Ray? Day-before-yesterday I wore a shirt with a photo of a big smiley-faced Ray on the back. Lotsa folks got to see you. Most of 'em don't have a clue about who the guy on the shirt was - but some of us did, and smiled back atcha. Rest in peace, Ray.
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He has had enough time to bond with many souls.
No doubt he has.
FREUD
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Ray's birthday is very close to that of my younger brother, Sept 25th.
We lost Steve to Cancer when he was only 33, in 1996. It was a painful loss that destroyed our family.
His birthday is still difficult for me. And the loss is still very painful.
I think the pain of loss doesn't really diminish.
I think that time does not heal these types of wounds, time just gives you the gift of allowing you not to think about the loss(es) all the time . . . . . . . .
RIP Ray, Steve, Hank . . . . . I hope you all have met, wherever you are . . . . . . . . .
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Doc, did Ray's photo library ever get posted where we can see and/or buy some prints?
BR
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I have NO IDEA how to post that info.
It would take a webmaster just to follow those fotos.
The download to a remote drive took 30+ hours.
Don't know what to say.
FREUD
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His web page is still live, but I have no idea if the email info on the page is good or anyone checks that mail address for any queries.
http://www.chevyasylum.com/
http://www.chevyasylum.com/lsr/Welcome.html
There is also the photo gallery here on this forum for his images, but I do not know how SSS handles any questions about those images.
http://www.landracing.com/gallery/index.php?cat=94
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Hot Rod:
Thank you, I had forgotten the ChevyAsylum.com location. I wanted to look through them start to finish.
BR
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Ray,
just that you know that you are not forgotten....it's now two years ago you found your way home...
....something for you....hope you found the right race track at your new place
your old buddy
Pork Pie
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Thanks for putting a date to it, Thomas. I think about our departed buddy -- pretty danged frequently. I wear one of the R.I.P. Ray shirts every couple of weeks -- and just like so many other folks we've met in land speed racing -- we miss him, too.
Nancy and Slim
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: Here's to you RAY!!!! you are a very pleasant recall
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If I was still drinking I would hoist "one for Ray" but I am afraid it would end up being "way too many for Ray". I can still say that like everyone else, I miss Him and cherish the memory of a chat We had at the Reunion dinner a few days earlier. I thanked Him for His work and He congratulated Me on My Recovery.
Ray was a gift to all of us.
p.s. Slim, Why don't You Make up some Ray decals for our Race Vehicles. I would pay $100. for two...........
Bob Drury
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Pork Pie..................
Thank You. a nine hour head start is only appropriate.
You were very well bonded with Ray.
Thank You.
FREUD
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Here's a rerun of a tribute I posted 2 years ago about two of my favorite SpeedWeek characters . . .
The story I tell about Ray is that a year (or two?) ago, I was shooting my snapshots over on 2. Ray was behind me a ways with one of his Howitzers.
He says, "Stan, I'm going back to the car and get out of the sun for a while."
"You can't go now, Ray."
"Why not?"
"Look on the line, who's next."
"Whadaja mean?"
"It's One-Run Bob. You might not want to miss this."
"Oh. Okay."
And, on cue, Bob takes a longish push-off, nails it in first gear, and chases his push truck to near disaster. It started out, behind me, as click . . . click . . . click and then click,click,click,click,click. A great sequence that I think One-Run might have be able to post here. I thought it was great the way Ray caught the drama. He was always ready for the unexpected.
I'm already missing him.
Still.
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Stan, that was at the W.F.'s and I didn't have any of my normal crew so We didn't have the in-car camera. Pork Pie may have something but I can't remember who shot the spin photo's. By the way, not only was Ray missed at the banquet but so were You! If the fog clears You might remember being crowned on stage............ :roll: :wink: :cheers: Ol' whuzizname, out.............................
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Ray shot them. It was hotter than he-ll. Somewhere here, Ray later posted the sequence. Mike, who can find anything, might find it.
Pretty sure it was SpeedWeek, as I wasn't the "official" photographer ever at WF. Except once when two roadster drivers almost drowned in their attempts before the meet was called.
(Still got my crown, sorry I couldn't make it this year.)
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Well, now Stan. Looks like the site's advanced search function is hardly working.
The first posted pic (I think) is here: http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,11880.msg205253.html#msg205253 (http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,11880.msg205253.html#msg205253) Note the word "drury" by user "RayTheRat". Advanced search did not find this. :-(
"I got 43 shots of the launch and spin in 28 seconds. I'll post more in a bit." Don't see them on chevyasylum.com.
There's two more on the next page.
On page 21, he tells Bob, "Here's a lo-res image of the side view of the car as you left the line. There's also a time-lapse video (combined stills) of the spin on my FaceBook page, search for Ray Therat." I'm not on FB and search results are nil for facebook+raytherat, facebook+"ray therat" and facebook+"ray the rat" which should find the fb page.
Then: "Yep. I had the 7D on "High-Speed Continuous" drive mode and yeah, I pretty much held the shutter button down for about 15 seconds. I ended up with about 40 separate, usable images."
Mike
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Ray misses being with us, too.
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Bo, thank you for bringing your family. I appreciate your support.
Ray told me to say Hello.
FREUD
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Never met the man,but have seen his work. Condolences to all that knew and loved him. A loss of a great chronicler.
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Can't See PP or the Good Dr. Freud with their cameras without Thinking of RtR They were all such great FRIENDS and I am very happy to count all three of them as my friends
RIP Ray---
you other two ---just keep snap, snapping your way through life and sharing with us!!
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Thanks Sparker..............
I'll just keep doin' somethin' 'till people tell me to back off.
FREUD
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I don't know if many of you saw this but here is a link to some pics Freud had me take at SpeedWeek:
Saw Freud this afternoon and he wanted me take pics of this canvas portrait and post these of Ray the Rat.
Google Photos link:
https://goo.gl/photos/QaeuVDPD7RfesaeaA
If you are having trouble with the above link, here is my Google+ link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/115248360774022016668/albums/6318892581718889025
Gregg
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Thanks for sharing
by the way Doc some how at this stage I just don't see you backing off much even if it was by "request" :-D
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Gregg, I wish you had corrected the spelling of sabbatical on the foto.
Guess I'll have to re-do it myself. Thanks for the post.
FREUD
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I posted this a day too early. Probably just a well. I couldn't
keep up with him anyhow. It didn't change my feeling about
him in the least bit. He knows we miss him.
It was during this hour 3 years ago that Ray Therat passed on.
I had been with him 10 minutes earlier, held his hand and told
him i loved him and would be back in an hour. I was back in 2
hour but he had departed. The nurse called me within several
minutes of his passing and the day turned cold. He contributed
so much to my life and the presentation of the website for the
Target550 car and team. I miss him daily and I am certain that
his family and sons do also.
Ray, you don't have to call if You find a way to come back. I love
you, fellow.
FREUD
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I've said it before and will every time: Ray, we hardly knew ye. But it was good. Rest in peace, my friend.
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Well said Doc.
RIP RTR
BR
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RIP, Ray.
I wish we all had friends like Freud!!!.
You got lucky bro. :wink: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Maybe there should be some sort of a photographic award in his name.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Maybe there should be some sort of a photographic award in his name.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
Excellent suggestion!!
I first met Ray after my first ever pass down the salt, after I had pushed my bike with a locked up engine off the course to the return road. He took time away from shooting pics to bring me a cold bottle of water and let me set in the shade in his truck for a few minutes to recover while I waited for my team to pick me up. He was one of the best folks I've ever met, and should never be forgotten.
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Whizzer as long as I can generate a cognizant thought and can bang
the keys with my fingers I will never let Ray slip away from us.
In fact I have an idea that will allow everyone that frequents
Landracing.com to participate in the plan.
If anyone wants a file to print the mural of Ray, send me your
e-mail address. drfreud99@aol.com
I can't post a very big file on this site. It will be formatted as 8 x 10.
FREUD
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In 9 months no-one ask for a file to print that foto of RAY.
Out's sight, Out'a mind but not for me.
FREUD
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Freud, Ray may be gone, but he definitely is not forgotten. :cheers:
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Freud,
you got me the file - so I have not to ask....
but in some point you be absolute right.
but in the heart of his real friends Ray had, he will be never forgotten.
Pork Pie
In 9 months no-one ask for a file to print that foto of RAY.
Out's sight, Out'a mind but not for me.
FREUD
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I was just surprised that there were no requests.
Pork Pie, both of us know Ray will never be forgotten.
FREUD
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Ray was the first guy I came to after my first run down the track at Bonneville. I had seized my engine up and had to push the bike from the edge of the track right at the finish line to the return road. He was set up there taking pics of the bikes in the traps. He left his camera long enough to bring me a bottle of water and let me set in the Suburban long enough to catch my breath and cool off a bit. Little act of human kindness but it wasn't necessary and he did it, because that's the kind of guy he was. Somewhere I've got the picture he took of me pushing the bike toward him before he abandoned his post to help, along with a picture of the two of us after my team got there to retrieve the bike.
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Glenn, what became of Ray's Monte Carlo?
I remember being really excited to read Ray's chat about his car.
Last I remember of it, he'd chucked the driveshaft in a 130 club event and was talking about repairs.
It'd be a fine tribute to Ray if someone were to put it back on the salt - that is, if it isn't already there.
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,10166.0.html
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,11613.0.html
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The Monte Carlo SS is in the backyard from Texican and waits to run again...
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The Monte Carlo SS is in the backyard from Texican and waits to run again...
It's still in the family!
:lol:
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I wear Ray's picture at least twice a month.... on my Salt Talks shirt.
Don't worry Doc, he is with us always...
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Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one that thinks about the picture on the back when I wear that shirt, Stainless. When I don it I usually think "I betcha I'm the only one in the UP wearing a picture of Ray today."
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Kiddos, I'm thinking that it's time to offer a holiday special landracing.com t-shirt (read: The site could use some $$). I'll put the picture of Ray on it - and WILL NOT put little cranberry wreaths and roly-poly reindeer no matter how many grandmas ask me for 'em. Maybe just the LR.com logo and the date on the front and Ray on the back. Forgive me - I don't want to be trying to cash in on Ray's honor, but rather acknowledge how much a part of landracing he was and offer this if you didn't get one of the originals. I've still got the art from the shirt of a few years ago - will use it again unless you come up with something better.
I'll need to order blank shirts - and yes, you'll get them in plenty of time for the holidays. Lemme know if you're interested and I'll see if I can get it all together. $25/each and I'll see if I can find reasonable shipping prices for ya.
Lemme know if you're interested. I'll see if I can find a pic to post to refresh your memories of Ray.
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I'll take one, Jon.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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In over 30 Speedweeks I never met Ray. My loss. But I'll take a teeshirt.
Terry
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I'm for one.
I'm only getting one because
I want it to "wear" and show age.
If I had more than one they would
look new all the time.
Ray gets to age normally, as in life.
I LOVED that man.
FREUD
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Aw, jeez . . . .stumbled on this thread after a long time away. Left the salt for one mile pavement fun, but think of it often.
I remember Seldom, his bride and Chinese buffet in Price. and Sparky helping me get dumb one night in Durango. Mostly though, Ray comes to mind. We were having an email conversation one morning when I typed "Dear Rat," because the t is close to the y. His email came back "Hey, I like that!" and I apologized profusely. "No, can I use it?" and he became Ray the Rat. But let me tell you, out of all the photographers I ever met (myself being a photographer since Viet Nam) Ray was the kindest of all. We miss him because he was a wonderful person, a great photog, and a hard working son of a gun. Godspeed Ray, may the light always be right!
David in Durango
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:-D lol here's to dumb and dumber that place had some pretty good local brews if I remember right :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Today would have been Ray's 74th birthday. I do miss him.
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I second that emotion.
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quite a guy with quite a life story!!! that made you think after meeting him the first time---I need to go out of my way if necessary to keep the interaction going over time!!! her's to you RAY!!!
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Remembering our photographer friend Ray, he would have been 75 today, gone too soon.
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Dad had A LOT of close friends and Ray was certainly on that list. RIP Ray!
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I'm sitting at the keyboard right now wearing my "Ray the Rat" Tee shirt. :-)
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:cheers: to both of you!
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Ray the Rat. What a kind and generous person he was. I got to know him when I had photographer herding duties on #1. No problems with the pros, with Ray being the pro's pro. Boy, I'd love to see once more the his shots of ORB chasing his truck!
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Where're those shots!
Damn, that was fun!
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Bob has a nice ride, just needs more than one run at a time. But we all know that. :evil: