Thousands of people wrote personal notes after my husband's death, expressing condolences, reliving good memories and extolling Ray's virtues. He was tenderly remembered with many beautiful, heartfelt emotions shared by people who knew and loved him. Although I can't print all of them here, following are examples of the tremendous outpouring of thoughts and feelings I received.

- Eileen Tye

From Dear Friends, Both Old And New

Cards and Letters from Friends

A man who lived life - every minute of it.

My father (Red Auerbach) admired and respected him for his principles, his loyalty and for who he was, a man of integrity.

There are few people that one can point to and say “my life is better because I knew this person.” Ray was one of those people – one of a kind.

Ray was larger than life. His spirit, character and drive were an inspiration to all.

He was a great soul.

I remember fondly all the fun times we had with him on the Cape as teenagers. He took an interest in what we were doing and his advice and perspective were always 100% right. What a guy!

Ray was a rare person who always wanted to do more than his share to create a better world.

I will never forget meeting Ray for the first time – this iconic man whom I had heard praised over so many years. I knew I was in the presence of a rare human being. The world has lost a saint.

It will take a village to fill the void.

How can I tell you how sorry I am for you. I must admit I am also sorry for myself. No person has ever impressed me as Ray has. I feel so privileged to have had the both of you as part of my life.

You now have this larger than life spirit, an angel, watching over you and your family. You will never be alone and always safe.

I know of no one that engendered more loving thoughts and gratitude than Ray did.

He was a magnificent soul on this earth and the power of his spirit will continue to create good and kindness.

I had the greatest respect for him. He touched so many lives here on the Island and we will all miss the quiet and generous nature of this remarkable man.

There is no question that the purpose of his life has been fulfilled.

When a book is written about Ray it will have many chapters to cover all the facets of his sparkling life. We feel privileged for the time we spent with the two of you. We saw a wonderful love story being told every day between two people caring for each other.

Cards and Letters from Friends

He left behind far more than he took.

We are deeply saddened to learn of your great loss. It was obvious how very devoted you were to each other and we loved being with you.

Ray will always be alive to me. He set his imprint both in what he did and how he made you feel when he gave you his undivided attention. I always felt better about myself after talking with Ray.

I love how he had no boundaries and helped people of all ethnicities, religions and ages. I think of him when I read Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

He never wanted anything but to make the world better. And, he was fun to be around too!

He was a man of incredible warmth. The depth and volume of the love you had for each other was heartwarming for all of us that saw you look at each other.

His thoughtfulness, humility, and generosity of spirit were among the attributes that drew so many, many people to him.

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