D.F. Ray Obituary

dear family and friends of Bud.... I worked with Bud at Toyota here in peoria all those years ago.... and we caravaned out to Colorado with Bob and Bud. I'm so sorry for everyone's loss, he was a great person.. Hey Bud... never missed a day thinking of you and the guys at Gene Osborn Toyota.... take care Love ya

Bud was, and is, my big brother. His presence in my life has not waned, since his deliverance from this earthly plane. The joy and laughter we shared, has carried me thru some of the toughest of times. The science, conservation,and biology discussions we shared over the years, still ring in my ears - and, have much to do with my pursuits in retirement. He inspired me in many ways.
When we were younger, we were, at times, inseparable. Our adult years led us to very different areas, so I am left with some regret over missed opportunities.
I know he loved his daughter;Jennifer, son; Michael, and grandson; Max, to the end. He cared very deeply about them.
His interests in biology, conservation, and the outdoors were evident throughout his life. This is attested to by his friends, and his hunting buddies far and wide. As a boy, Bud met many childhood health problems/surgeries with a courage not many adults could muster. Many may not be aware of the health struggles he had faced since birth. The heavy burden of his many health problems continued throughout his life, mostly he persevered, and spoke of his next hunting trip - one of his greatest joys!
My big brother is free now, and attending the hunt of his dreamtimes. May I be found to be but one half the good, kind, and persevering person that Bud was. Please join me in continuing to support his daughter,son, and grandson - and, remind them that he loved them beyond words, time and the human condition, with all of it's struggles.

Although I was unable to attend Bud's memorial service in Colo.Spgs I was very saddened by his passing, and continue to miss him.
Bud was my first born, and was the light of his late father's and my life.
If any of Bud's friends would like to share their memories of times they shared with him, please feel free to contact myself or his sister; Cindy Craig, of West Plains, Mo. (You may contact us by-way of the attached e-mail address on this site.)
We love Jennifer, Michael, and Max and regret this major loss to their, and each of our lives.
"Do not ask for whom the bell tolls... it tolls for you"

We knew,and loved Bud for the last 25 years. He was a close friend, who was always a good listener. We have so many good memories of our friendship. We have a void in our life now that he is not here. We shared so many adventures together, that our good memories will remind us just how lucky we were to know our friend, Bud.

We love and miss you, Bud.

Always in our thoughts and prayers...not to be forgotten

Bud was a wonderful friend in many ways. We shared our health challenges and encouraged one another quite often. We purchased cars through him, once from Edinburgh, Scotland, totally sight unseen as we trusted him so much. We went skeet shooting and hunting together. He advised all 3 of our kids on purchasing cars. He was a good, trusted friend to our whole family and we are shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Thanks, Bud, for your friendship. We will miss you deeply. Blessings to your whole family in their time of loss.

To All,

Thank you for your kind words and support to my family.

My father will be missed by many, far and wide.

He was a great man, as anyone who met him learned very quickly.

He is loved, and will be sorely missed.

Thank you.

Bud,

The memories and times we've shared together over the last few years will never be forgotten. Our trips to the "Brush Country" will always be remembered. I know now, that you are truly "Ridin' with the King!" We'll miss you my friend.



Jason & Suzanne Dirscherl

Bud,

I talked to Bud for several months over the phone working on my car problems. He always was a very pleasant person to deal with. My sincere condolences to the family and friends.



Sam Boyer

Co-Founder Brothers Gourmet Coffees

To Bud's family:



I am sorry to hear about your loss. I shot skeet with Bud at Pikes Peak Gun Club and dealt with him at the Toyota dealership. He always was extremely kind to me and I will miss him.

Bud always took very good care of me @ Toyota. He was a very generous man, from loaning my Grandson a rifle to shoot his 1st deer & Pronghorn, to loaning me a shotgun to shoot my 1st Turkey. Some of the very best times I have ever had hunting Pheasants was in No. Dak or So Dak with Bud. I will miss him very much. Rest in peace my good man.

Bud had a heart of gold and only wanted to see you smile and would do anything in his power to make you laugh. For the short time I got to know him was long enough to make a lot of good memories you will always be loved and missed.

Bud was the most giving person that I have ever met.In the little time that I knew him he showed me the type of person that I myself would like to be.He tried to take care of evrything and anyone.I will always miss him so much.Rest in peace my dear freind.Always Ida Aguilar.

Mike and I are extremely saddened by Bud's passing. We have many funny and happy memories of bird hunting over the years. It always amazed me at how many jokes he could remember. Our sympathies go out to his family. We will miss you, Bud.

Although I didn't know Bud long he seemed like a very compasionate person and easy going. We here at Phil Long Mitsubishi will miss him.