Leslie Robert Ray

LESLIE ROBERT RAY BIO (d. Nov 21, 2017 in Riverside, CA) Leslie Robert Ray was born February 25, 1947 to the late Frank and Julia (Moll) Ray in Trenton Michigan. He was the youngest of four kids. The family moved to Newport Beach when he was one. They raised rabbits and chickens and ducks and the kids went to St Joachim’s parochial school. He was closest to his sister Betty, and looked up to his older brother Fred and sister Ruth. He lost his mother when he was just 10-years old. A terrible shock to all of the kids, and the most significant mark on the life of young Les. At age 20 he went to Vietnam to serve his country as a clerk typist with the US Army. When he came home, he got a job as a machine operator (grid castor) with a battery division in Fullerton. Les was humble and kind, a gentle soul. His niece Tina remembers he would babysit her and her brothers and sister at their house in Costa Mesa, before he moved to Riverside and bought a home. Les had a curious mind. He loved to build things, tinker and restore, like his Triumph Tr6 roadster. He was passionate about his hobbies, which were endless. From handwriting analysis, to photography, to raising tropical fish, to building his own computer. He studied alternative medicine with a passion, and followed every rule in taking care of himself, from distilling his own water to growing healthy vegetables. He loved the outdoors. Like his father, he took up landscaping and yard maintenance as a profession for most of his life, keeping people's gardens trimmed and tidy. He had a generous heart, always helping out those who were in need, and giving people the benefit of the doubt. He was a good listener, would spend time with his elderly clients, and be the first to volunteer his skills and labor to help family members. He always remembered everyone’s birthday. o Les, each day was a gift. He always had a positive outlook and gave as much charity as he could. Les is survived by his sister Ruth, his sister-in-law Toni, and eight loving nieces and nephews.