Saturday, February 27, 2016
I lived next door to Ray for 8 yrs. He was a loner, as I have been since I got sick several yrs ago. Yet I always said hi to him and when we had short chats I realized he was a very nice person, always soft spoken, but he had a kindness about him. When a stray cat found shelter under his mobile, he never complained when I fed it, or dug a trail through the snow. I used to pray for Ray and worried something might happen to him and no one would know. There were a few times over the yrs that I would see his car door left open or his groceries on the front porch and I would have to go knock on his door to make sure he was OK. I hope he didn't mind. When I moved 2 yrs ago I would still go over to feed a stray cat across the street from Ray, he lived under an empty trailer. Some of the neighbor's didn't like me being there but Ray used to cut through the property to catch the bus to work. He was always friendly. I felt like I had someone on my side. Just before I heard he was gone I said to my daughter, I have a feeling Ray is in trouble. Days later I said, "I think Ray has died." Then I found out it was true. I have cried many tears for Ray, for wishing I knew him better, for his family, for a world that never got to know this special guy. I want you, his family, to know that his life mattered, he mattered!. I prayed for him up till the end. He was as much a part of this town as the mountains, he was just always there and I miss seeing him out or his car in his driveway! The street feels empty. I hope God will comfort you in your pain. If you ever want to share I would love to learn more about Ray. I know it helps our grief to talk about our loved ones. I am at e mail---kathybussey53@yahoo.ca. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
