| With
the gracious permission from John MacDonald, columnist for the
Arizona Republic, we have borrowed some thoughts from a recent
article he wrote about his father.
You were probably
asleep and didn't notice the subtle moment the Earth stopped
turning. In the late hours of March 16, 2008, for a soft,
split second, the world skipped a beat and then marched on.
As the family gathered
around Ray during his final hours, childhood stories that
captured the idiosyncrasies of the Boles clan filled the room
with animation and laughter. The only voice missing was that
of Ray, but no doubt his listening spirit was joining in.
His last waking moments were listening to his sweetheart of
50 years tell him how much she loved him. He listened, as
he always did, sweetly puckered his lips, and gave his wife
his famous three-peck act of affection with the smile that
lit up his eyes.
Those eyes first
opened themselves 82 years ago in the humble home of Charlie
and Lilly Boles in Newark, Arkansas. With the outhouse in
the backyard, the storm cellar fully equipped, the chickens
in the yard and the garden flourishing, his southern roots
were steeped in family, agriculture and a strong work ethic.
These were the
eyes of a loving brother to his siblings. His brothers and
sisters, for the way he supported them always admired Ray:
whether they were 10 or 50 years old, he was always there
in their time of need. He didn't wait to be asked, he watched
and listened, and took the initiative to fill the gap whether
it was weeding the garden or helping a friend.
These were the
eyes of a man who saw-and served-the patriotic needs of his
country. Serving on the shore patrol in the South Pacific,
Ray's sense of duty was unquestionable. During his term of
service in Guam, his eyes watched the "Japan Occupied"
portion of a country that wasn't their own. He faced a fear
that was difficult to understand.
These were the
eyes of a man who understood beauty and goodness. He was one
of the lucky ones who found the love of his life when he met
Betty, a love that endured joyously for nearly 50 years. They
provided each other with support, passion and companionship
in a way few can appreciate. Ray was the right hand and Betty
was his left-helping him in every way she could in business
and life.
These were the
eyes of the best barber in Tempe. His eyes watched our city
grow, change and prosper. His involvement in real estate development,
the Chamber, the Zoning board, the Masons and so much more
were all testaments to his belief in our little town. Ray,
in his 50 years of barbering cut the hair of nearly every
VIP at ASU, Tempe, and the state of Arizona. While, no doubt
the skills were intact long before, it was through his maturity
as a barber that he learned to watch and listen to people.
For all those who really knew him, he did far more than cut
hair. A few of his accomplishments would include Charter Member
of the Tempe Boys Club, Recipient of the Gold Medallion from
the National Boys Club of America, admission to the Barbers
Hall of Fame, Founding member of the Rio Salado Bank and Chairman
of the Bank at the time of its sale to Zion's Bancorporation.
These were the
eyes of a subtle, no-frills philanthropic soul. Ray would
see a need and help find an answer, whether that was a $100
loan to a perfect stranger or traveling to give a haircut
to someone who was too ill to come to the shop. Ray made the
shop the center of our city for many years. It was a place
where a good haircut was reasonable, conversation was lively
and help could be found.
These were the
eyes of a talented entrepreneur. While Ray's formal education
was limited, he was not a man to be underestimated. A brilliant,
self-taught businessman, he not only provided a good life
for his family; he paved the path for so many others. He saw
Tempe for what it could be, before it was. His foresight was
beyond reproach.
These were the
eyes of the man who knew the best deal in town. Ray was known
for his constant journeys to make a deal. His deals were everything
from prime real estate in Tempe to artifacts of Arizona history.
If there was a deal to be cut, Ray was the one to go to...we
think he must have originated the definition of negotiator!
These were the
eyes of a great storyteller. Ray loved people. He would listen
to their stories, and in a short time would be ready to share
his own. While Ray's stories were great and almost always
filled with some element of humor, what was most entertaining
was the way he told them. His contagious laughter, sparkling
eyes and earnest interest in engaging those around him always
left you wanting to hear more.
These were the
eyes of a good husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather.
Steve, Stan, Randy, Deborah and Charles all treasured their
dad. Ray ran a "tight ship" and expected a lot out
of his children, which was a phrase he extended to daughters
and sons in-laws alike. Ray loved to brag on his family and
their accomplishments to anyone who might show an interest
in listening.
These were the
eyes of a man who embraced integrity. Honesty, honor, compassion
and love were all qualities he lived every day. As we looked
into Ray's eyes for the last time, we couldn't help but think
of the ways he had touched our lives. He lived his life as
a good, Christian man and a member of Arizona Community Church.
He was our patriarch, our leader, our director. Without him
our path is less clear.
The leader of the
band is tired, And his eyes are growing old. But his blood
runs through my instrument, And his song in is my soul. My
life has been a poor attempt, To imitate the man. I'm just
a living legacy To the leader of the band.
Ray was a good,
genuine and kind man. His spot in this world cannot be replaced.
For those who were lucky enough to know him he will be greatly
missed. Goodbye Ray...we can hear him now saying, "What's
your hurry? Can't you sit down and stay a little longer?"
Services will be
held at Arizona Community Church, 9325 South Rural Road, Tempe,
Arizona. Viewing from 5:00p.m. - 7:30p.m. on Wednesday, March
19, 2008 and Funeral services held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday,
March 20, 2008.
In lieu of flowers,
we ask that donations be made in Ray's memory to The Hospice
of the Valley - hov.org
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