Have met hundreds of people here in Calaveras County through my profession as a land surveyor, and property corner finder. Have forgotten, after working with/for them, the vast majority of folks. Robert was one that I met, saw on a regular occasional, basis, and never failed to have a good, friendly conversation with. One of the handful I had a lasting experience with. And then I was lucky enough to become an "acquaintance" of Adams the last few years. Will miss them both. They are together. My thoughts to the entire Ray family.
4
We sure miss Robert at Rock Steady boxing. It's just not the same without his smiling face. He was so appreciative of the opportunity to be surrounded by "his people." He showed us how Real Dudes boxed ! Boy, he hit that bag hard! Sometimes I still see him peering out from behind the punching bags with that big grin on his face. We love you Robert!
Venetia
5
Whenever Uncle Robert was in your presence it was kinda like meeting a living legend. He just exuded a cool and interesting vibe. Always had something fascinating to discuss, something unique he was up to, and always made you feel special. I was recently talking to one of his old high school peers and she said even back in his high school days he was cooler than cool and had all the girls swooning. I’m sure he is sorely missed by his awesome wife and family. No doubt he is doing something epic in the next realm and rejoicing in joyful reunions with his son, parents, siblings, and other heavenly loved ones. Sending love and comfort to all those he leaves behind here in this life. 💕
6
Robert's huge sphere of family and friends is now sharing a vast void. He was unique, and that's an understatement. From Mountain Ranch to ABF (after Butte Fire) to Santa Barbara, times spent with Robert were stimulating (and that's an understatement).
Our love to all, especially to Laura,
Penny West and Dennis Dickman
2
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, CA, USA
5
Our boys Robbie and John were friends. Rob and I met shortly after I divorced in 1975. I lived with my boys down the hill from Rob and Robbie. Rob was two people -- a carefree hippie driving an old VW bus, and a second officer flying for Western Airlines -- transitioning from one lifestyle to the other with ease.
Rob had a way of knowing just what to say and do when it was needed. My first Mother's Day alone he happened to come by. I was feeling sorry for myself because I was forgotten by my three sons on this special day. He gave me some wise advice which I've never forgotten. As a Parent we should love and nurture our children, with no expectations for return, and after all the years of work and sacrifice the most we can hope for is that they will grow up to be Happy People.
An example of Rob's (and Laura's) continued friendship is when they joined us for a beach party in San Diego to celebrate John's 40th birthday. That was 21 years ago.
When you became Rob's friend you were a friend for Life!
Geri (Greenhaw) Gardella
5
Overall growing up in a big family is a really wonderful thing. But parents only have so many hands and hours in a day so in big families older siblings can become more paramount figures in the youngest members lives. Such it was for me lucky number 9 of 11. My brother was 17 when I was born and thus I was the baby when he left home . I think that’s why I held a special spot in his heart. And the fact he was a hero in my eyes only further assured that place . Who still refers to their brother as BIG once you’re an adult. But he was BIG in my life
What other little girl has a golden gloves boxing champion for a big brother, who also just happens to fly air planes, owned a amusement park , a restaurant a hippie commune in the 70’s and practically invented the word cool.
Besides all of that he was a star athlete President of his class, played the piano, guitar and had a beautiful voice. He was articulate and gifted in expressing himself . He had a caustic sarcastic sense of humor until it no longer served him well and he traded up for one that was more insightful compassionate and empathetic. He loved to talk about things that mattered and spent most of his time on this earth developing meaningful relationships. He aways saw the glass 3/4 full and even when he got humbled by Parkinsons he managed to see its perks. He told me it had introduced him to a whole new set of friends with the same mind set he had of not going down without a fight. He loved the challenge. He was the first person I wanted to share my best moments with and the person I’d go to in my lowest places. I knew I’d always get good advice from him but more importantly an outpouring of love. In essence I felt protected, my world was just safer and better because he was a part of it. I knew he’d always have my back. The paradox of life is that the sting of death is more painful in direct proportions to how meaningful the relationship you had with that person you are now relegated to just miss. When we sat at our sister Janelles bed side in her final days we made a pact to be there for each other in this same capacity. I was so hopping I was going to beat him to this spot. When I got word they were moving him into hospice I was frantic to get to his bedside, but on the plane I had this calm come over me, I knew he’d wait. He was true to form. He knew I would need those next few hours to say goodbye. There’s a hurt that I suspect just won’t ever mend, that’s ok because it just means he’s still a big part of my life, just as he’s always been.
Love you big brother.
8
Robert was my special friend I loved knowing since our days at Mesa High school. I’ll miss his insight in solving intellectual problems. Lol. Sending blessings to his wife and family ❤️
5
It was an honor and privilege to have Robert as a friend these many years. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Robert and I were watching NFL playoff game one afternoon in which Robert gave me some observations of the finer points of the game, and I thought he would have been a great coach! As some or all of you witnessed, Robert had compassion and wisdom. His easy going demeanor and determination definitely served him well judging by his successes in life and his wonderful family. Robert went 83 rounds in life, and life did throw him some great challenges and heartbreaks, but when I saw him he had a smile on his face and showed all the world all the love in his heart. We look forward to meeting up again in spirit in paradise. Aloha Rock Steady Robert Sting Ray, Your Ol' Friend, Gary O'Brien
8
I always felt lucky that I had lots of visits with your dad. One of my favorites and most memorable was when he stayed with me in Salt Lake around my 30th birthday. My mom was also in town. He took us to dinner to celebrate and later my mom said your dad asked her if I was gay because you know being Mormon and 30 and not married…he just wanted to make sure that I felt loved and supported. I thought that was so sweet of him to watch out for me—even though I’m not gay. I always felt like he was one of my biggest cheerleaders. I still can’t believe he and Adam are gone and I can’t imagine your grief but I hope all your memories continue to bring comfort.
8
2020, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Surviving Covid with the Rays
5
2023, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Sting Ray with his champion belts
8
Pebble Beach, Del Monte Forest, CA, USA
9
2
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