We only recently learned of the loss of our dear friend, Raymond. We send heartfelt hugs and prayers for healing. We would like to connect with Shirley when possible. Penny and Jim Brueggemann 12/12/21

Our gratitude and respect for your distinguished service to our country. Superb shipmate and professional Naval Officer. First a foremost always an Officer of Marines. Thank you for your invaluable service during my time as Commander Amphibious Group Three.

I could write volumes about Ray but there is nothing I could say about his character, loyalty, and love of Family, Country and Corps, that those who knew and loved him do not already know. Times my family and I spent with Ray were always filled with old stories and humor, especially when we would sneak up on him and play the Marine Corps Hymn. Feeling no pain or otherwise he would stand to rigid attention and render a Parade Ground Salute. Ron and I often spoke about Ray being a bachelor so long, and Ray would retort jokingly, I’m just waiting for the “right one” to which we would speculate no one would be that “right” for Ray. But how wrong we were, he did find the right one IN SPADES and that was Shirley. The one thing that proved this to be true was some years ago when my Wife, Cousin, and his wife had trouble finding lodging in California the night we flew in. He offered their home, I was a bit reluctant, but he insisted, this was in the late evening. When we arrived Shirley was every bit as hospitable and welcoming as Ray. She was the RIGHT ONE. Then there is Jamie, his niece or should I say Daughter, their bond could not be any closer, the love and respect they had for each other was palpable. Rest in Peace Ray, We love you, and I am sure you will find THE GATES ARE GUARDED BY UNITED STATES MARINES