This area will serve as a place to remember our members who have passed on. If you have a memory or story you'd like to share, please contact me.
The following piece was sent to me by Ralph Gray's daughter. In a communication to Bob Follmer, she found out about this website and the "Gone, but not forgotten" page. She asked me to include this information as her Dad was a member of Ring 4.
He was quite a character (so I understand!) - and a remarkable person. When he and my mother got engaged, they were advised not to have children because Dad was born with a heart defect and they told him he wouldn't live longer than 10 years from that point (which was 1948). The Doctors said that it wouldn't be "fair" to kids to be around for a few years and then die. When I think back, it must have been an overwhelming decision for my parents to make - to defy the odds and give whatever time they could to any children they had. I remember in 1958 (I was 5) when "D" day for dad (Death day) occurred - the date that was 10 years from that original recommendation. He knew that from that day on he was on borrowed time. You know the saying "live each day as if it's your last" - well I had the gift of living with a man who actually DID that, and I've tried so hard to incorporate it into my life. So for as long as I remember, he tried anything that he wanted to do. He wrote an orchestral symphony that was performed, was in a radio show, learned how to fly planes, edited home movies and of course many types of magic. He was even able to give me away at my wedding on June 12, 1976...he died the next week. His Memorial service was held on June 21, 1976 at 7pm - EXACTLY, to the minute, 28 years from the moment they were married - 18 years longer than any doctor had predicted. Now THAT'S living! He passed away on June 19, 1976.
Elaine Dumler