My condolences to Adam's family. I first met Adam at the Mountain Ranch, Ca post office where I am the Postmaster  I have had the pleasure of knowing Adam for many years and can I please just say how amazing this guy was  and we would often have long conversations just about life in general.  He was my friend and he always made me smile but who would not smile when he would smile. His smile was infectious. I hated that the last few years the Ray’s spent more time in Santa Barbara than in Mountain Ranch. I missed not seeing Adam 3-5 times a week when he would pick up his mail and fill me in on the happenings of himself and his family. He knew if he ever needed anything all he had to do was say the word and I had his back. I just want Megan to know that when she hurt her knee surfing and Adam became Mr Mom he told me that he then had a new found respect for Megan he could not figure out how she did this mom thing for this long and kept her sanity. He said he was about to pull out the little hair he had left. He said being a mommy is exhausting.  Kids are so needy he said. Adam loved his kids and gloated about them often and when he talked about Megan his cheeks would turn red and his eyes would sparkle it was the cutest thing ever! I cannot imagine what the Ray family must be going through losing Adam because me just being his friend feel sort of empty inside knowing about his passing. I will always remember him and his positive attitude about everything. Thank you for letting me know Adam for the time I did. He really had an impact on the way i looked at life. Nothing ever seemed to get him down. I will miss Adam! If Megan should ever need help with any mail situation from Mountain Ranch  please do not hesitate to call me.  209 332 7421.

"Blessings on thee, little man, barefoot boy with cheek of tan”!

That poem by John Greenleaf Whittier reminds me so much of Adam as a little guy. Though many of the stories shared on this memorial page describe the capable, loving husband and father he grew up to be, I thought I’d share a memory I have of Adam that is still as vivid as it was about 37 years ago. This story is for his children.

When Adam was about 3 he was distinguished by an unusual husky voice and large flashing brown eyes. He had a healthy bronze complexion, rosy cheeks and a big smile. Having no concept of time at that age he began all stories with “Last night…” The most exciting story of all was the day the house caught on fire in El Granada, up the street from the original Ray house. Adam was thrilled, nay, obsessed with that fire and the fire engines that came roaring up the road to put it out. Well, he told me that story every time I saw him for the next year, always beginning with “Last Night” and then detailing the event in that great voice, wide eyed and full of awe. Each time, I pretended I’d never heard it before because it was so much fun watching him tell it! I loved that story and that little guy Adam. He was so sweet.

Yes, your dad was once as little as you are now kids, and so, “from my heart I wish you joy, for he was once a barefoot boy!” Bless you both as you grow to be as wonderful as Adam. 

Although there would be long stretches of time in between their visits there was a sweet connection when ever the Ray counsins get together. You see the bonds of family are imbedded in our DNA . In our religious beliefs we believe in an absolute connection with those who came before us those who will come after us. We don’t believe this life is the end but merely a brief moment in the span of our existence. That our interaction and relationships have eternal consequences A few years back at a family reunion I think these Ray brothers shook their heads at their strange cousins lifestyles which included babies, lots of babies. But in time all of them followed suit got married and had children. I mean it’s just in our Ray DNA.

It’s been so fun to watch them in session as each one of the boys discover the greatest secret life offers- that of being a devoted husband and Daddy. It seemed to me that Adam excelled at them both. I just don’t believe that there is ever an end to these bonds we make here in this life . I think our perspective must be like that of a little child counting the days to their next birthday or Christmas . Our eternal father, the father of our spirit knowing the master plan must be a bit amused at all the fuss we make at the comings and goings of this life. But I would present to you the idea that without these separations the ending would not be as sweet and magnificent. For I have full trust the best is yet to come. I know your Father and Mother were never more proud of their children than these past couple of weeks and how you’ve loved and supported each other . I love you and am blessed to share this journey with you.

A tribute to the life of Adam Ray 

Music by Aaron Ray