Raymond E. Dey Obituary (1937 - 2010)

Raymond Everett Dey was born on September 2, 1937 in Decatur Illinois, the only son of Marcella and Everett (Butch) Dey. He attended his early years of school in San Diego along with High School and some college education. Thereafter, he found his career at San Diego Transit that spanned 32 years. He was an excellent driver, an easy-going personality that the passengers took a liking to. A brief marriage at the age of 21 years produced a son, Larry Dey. Several years later another marriage produced another son, David A. Dey. But it was while working at San Diego Transit, more then 35 years ago, he finally found the love of his life and soul mate, Angie Dey. He quickly embraced her 2 children David Lawrence and Linda Claudine. He treated them with love and kindness, compassion and fatherly devotion. Ray was a craftsman on his time off from work, he loved to build, repair, and do woodworking projects and tasks. He always had the right tools, a garage full of them on hand and neighbors didn't hesitate to ask him to help out with home projects. Ray also liked music and though he knew how to play various musical instruments, he prefered the organ which quite often would played it loud enough to serenade the neighbors, who by the way never complained. Ray loved the sport of football. Although he would watch any sport, football was his passion. He could tell you the score for any game played. Ray didn't attend many live games, preferring the comfort of home, the presence of his loving wife and faithful doggie companions. He was kind to animals and especially loved his beautiful dog, a half Chow and half Samoyed breed, named Babar. Ray loved Babar! She was his "girly" as he called her. They were inseparable. Sitting next to him by his recliner, or following him into the kitchen for a beer, or a snack, or to the garage where both spent hours together. She was his companion during the day, watched as many football games as he did, and knew the scores too! Ray and Angie lived in San Diego most of their marriage until their daughter, Claudine, persuaded them to move to Tucson, Arizona. This way they could be near her and she could see them often. It was in Tucson after several years that Ray's health started to decline, still, he had the will to fight on through the illness's he endured. His beloved wife, ever faithful and strong, helped him overcome many health issues only to be besieged by another, until his strength depleted by the fight wore down. He is survived by his wife, daughter, sons and two grandsons, Andrew and Raymond Dey. We will miss him terribly, his humor, his kindness, his love and devotion. Ray will be forever in our hearts! He lives cherished in our memories and he is never far away...