Sad News

[Mhayes]

Hi Everyone,

I received word today that Ray Norman, long time OPR volunteer, (aka turckersau) passed away on Friday. Ray was only 59, but had some serious health problems that he didn't let him slow him down until the very end. I will miss Ray and his wonderful sense of humor and all that he gave to OPR. I will always remember his devotion to helping his family through their tough times. It seems like only yesterday, but in fact it was a year ago today that we received this message from Ray:

Hi everyone,

First I must thank everyone for your cards and words of encouragement. I then must apologize for not staying in touch.

I am still having chemo & radiation treatment, I have not fully recovered from my stroke that I had earlier this year. I seem to sleep a lot these days.

Please remember that I do think of you all.
I don't like spreading bad stuff around, so I tend to keep this stuff to myself, I know you are all doing such a great job, I don't like to bring anyone down. When I can I know I will return to OPR.

Thank you again.

:loveit:

Ray...

We will miss you Ray!

Margie

[Hannie]

Very sad news Margie,
I always loved Ray's posts on the forum and will miss him a lot, he was such a friendly guy, always willing to help and such a good sport when he asked for help as well.


I hope Ray's family will find the strength to cope with this terrible loss,

Hannie

[Candice]

Here is a walk down memory lane for Ray aka truckersau:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23409694@N00/sets/72157603563056453/

[Tess (Tassie D)]

It's so sad to hear of Ray's passing.  :'(  His humour will be sorely missed.

[cmpentecost]

My heart breaks to hear of Ray's passing.  He was such a great restoration artist and volunteer, and a terrific part of the OPR forum.  May he rest in peace.   

Christine   :'(

[Candice]

This is the way that we'll always see Ray!! 

[Atlantis]

That is very sad news. I can remember us sending cards more than a year ago and it doesn't feel that long ago at all.
My condolances for all his loved ones, family and friends.

I just saw his work as a slideshow. It's impressive and inspirational in quality and quantity. He and his work deseve a prominent permanent hommage on this site.

[Mhayes]

Candice, thanks for posting the pictures of Ray. I went back through some of Ray's post and you can't help but smile when you read them. I didn't mean to go over board, but thought you might like to see them again:

Sept 20, 2007 was the first post from Ray http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,931.msg8905.html#msg8905

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,939.msg9033.html#msg9033

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,975.msg9469.html#msg9469

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,988.msg9630.html#msg9630

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1099.msg10938.html#msg10938

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1063.msg10769.html#msg10769

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1113.msg11099.html#msg11099

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1146.msg11454.html#msg11454

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1112.msg11308.html#msg11308

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1113.msg11135.html#msg11135

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1185.msg11913.html#msg11913

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1194.msg12095.html#msg12095

Margie

[G3User]

Thanks Margie,

Ray was slowing down when I joined, it was great to see some of his input to OPR. 150 images in 5 1/2 months is more than impressive.

Glenna, Kitty Litter cake just blows my mind. Any future comments from you will be viewed in a very different light :crazy:

Athol

[Tori803]

Sorry to hear about Ray. May his family find some comfort in the good wishes from friends and memories of better times.

Tori

[Candice]

Candice, thanks for posting the pictures of Ray. I went back through some of Ray's post and you can't help but smile when you read them. I didn't mean to go over board, but thought you might like to see them again:

Sept 20, 2007 was the first post from Ray http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,931.msg8905.html#msg8905

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,939.msg9033.html#msg9033

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,975.msg9469.html#msg9469

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,988.msg9630.html#msg9630

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1099.msg10938.html#msg10938

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1063.msg10769.html#msg10769

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1113.msg11099.html#msg11099

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1146.msg11454.html#msg11454

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1112.msg11308.html#msg11308

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1113.msg11135.html#msg11135

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1185.msg11913.html#msg11913

http://www.operationphotorescue.org/forum/index.php/topic,1194.msg12095.html#msg12095

Margie

He was filled with life.  It was grand reading back through his posts.  You know that he continued restoration whenever he could and with each new post he got better.  I know that he enjoyed his time here very much. 

Thank you for bringing back memories Margie. 

[Hannie]

Reading Ray's posts brings tears to my eyes.

Hannie

[Ratz]

So very sorry to hear of Ray's passing,he will be missed. :'(

[Lena48]

May God rest his soul.

[Ausimax]

It brings great sorrow to hear of Ray's passing, regardless of his own condition at any time he was always of good humor, and a great wit.

He will be missed.


Max