What a beautiful job was done on this website. It brought back so many wonderful memories of days gone by. The most fun times we ever had were spent with the Bertoluccis and the Erwins, as we grew up together. Ray was a fine person and a very kind one. It was difficult to say good-bye.

Hugs to all of your family, and I hope it gets (even) a little easier with time...

Karin Benning

Ana, your deep & abiding love for your dad & his for you is a blessing beyond measure. Though I never met your dad - and I deeply regret I didn't - I always felt blessed and appreciative for how he - and your mom of course - raised you to become such a beautiful & well-adjusted woman. And from what I'm reading about him here, I see where you get your sense of humor. You are truly a testament to his character and an incredibly important part of his legacy for which we are all blessed. My most heartfelt condolences to you, your mom, Jackson & Gord. May your dad rest in peace...Love Uncle Johnny

Some of my most vivid childhood memories are of our summer camping trips with the Bertolucci family. I remember Uncle Ray playing cards with my dad and laughing his contagious laugh- always adding life to the party. When I was in high school we started a friendly rivalry- Napa High versus Vintage High. We'd bet a quarter on the annual "Big Game" football game. I think I owe Uncle Ray MANY quarters by now but he never made me pay up. Uncle Ray always made me feel special and loved. The day I brought my new baby daughter, Natalie, home from the hospital (17+ years ago!), there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Uncle Ray. The card said, "Congratulations. I love you, Honey." I love you too, Uncle Ray and will always miss you. Love, Lauren

Dearest Jan and family,

We are both so saddened at the sudden death of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. We pray you are comforted by family and friends and by His comfort each and every day. Our hearts grieve with yours at this quick release from this life but I understand you all had time to say your goodbyes which I hope brought some comfort to you all.  Our prayers are with you, All our love Jackie and Rich Hazeltine

Janice, Ana, Gord, and Jackson, sincerest condolences on your sudden and profound loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May your loving, fun, and joyful memories be a comfort and blessing to you all right now.

Greg and I have our best memories of his humor, laughter and his way to light up any room he was in. We will miss him dearly.  Greg and Adele

Wow. It feels like someone has taken the wind out of my sails. I was so lucky to be with Ray the day before he passed. His humor never faltered even during that tough time. That day he gave me a birthday present of plastic big mouth bass flip flops and I memorialized him by wearing them on Easter. That was the Ray I loved.
As a fisherman Ray could brag with the best and normally he was pretty accurate. His card playing was respectable too. Unfortunately I beat him in pinochle that final game. I am sure I have not seen or heard from him for the last time. I expect dreams of him sitting next to a cribbage board reciting "Fifteen-two, fifteen four, and a pair for six." See ya.

I am whom I am because of my big brother. Happy times, sad times, picked on times, I am (most thankfully, and grateful) because of my brother. No matter what, when either one of us needed the other we were there without hesitation. I know he loved me and I loved him. I can not list all the things Ray taught me, just that the taught me how to live and how to be a great family man and true friend. Thank you Ray. Someday I know I'll see you again, until then I can't get the picture out of my mind of you and grandpa McMackin fishing and the sign grandpa had in the basement. "All fishermen are liers except you and me, but sometimes I'm not so sure about you"! I'm just imagining both your thinking that, and smiling at each other!...lol

What a great guy Ray was. I always enjoyed my time with him sharing our unique sense of humor with each other (Bob too). Our trip to Alaska is one of my favorite memories with him, especially on the fishing trip. Will miss him much.

One might think that loving so deeply isn't worth all the sadness and pain when things like this happen but somehow it is, because wow, what love!!

Three days before he died, mom told me to go into their bedroom and wake my dad up. I gently touched his leg and he opened his eyes, gave me a big smile, and whispered, "I adore you." I leaned over to kiss him and said "I adore you too." And boy did I adore him. I had a loving father for 54 years. How lucky and amazing was that?!