Deceased November 6, 2012
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In Memory
Ray was born in England and came to the United States at age 4. He came to Amherst after having graduated from Beverly (Mass.) High School. At Amherst he joined DKE and was a varsity football player.
Ray married Betty Enos Dec. 27, 1941, and they lived locally in Amherst. He was drafted and left college after one semester of his junior year. He joined the First Allied Airborne Army, served in Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France; received a Bronze Star while in Sicily, was mustered out in 1945 with the rank of first sergeant. He returned to Amherst and graduated in June 1946.
After Amherst he began a very successful career at New England Telephone. At his request, he retired in 1976 as vice president of revenue. Early retirement would allow for a lifelong desire to teach. Ray set up his own consulting firm and found time to teach at the University of New Hampshire.
After living all over New England, he and Betty built a neat house in North Beverly, Mass., in 1959. Ray was a very active, productive citizen. His activities included coaching, boy/girl scouting, volunteering with his church, a deep involvement in the Civil Rights Movement through Community Change, Inc. and the American Association of Affirmative Action for professionals. His hobbies included gardening—flower and vegetable—and woodworking. An avid runner—he ran for North Shore Striders—he competed well into his 80s.
He and Betty had health problems that emerged later in life. Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around 2007 and caring for her took much of his time. About four years ago they moved into an assisted-living facility. Joining our mini-reunions about three years ago, he seemed to be in good shape.
Betty died in August 2012 and Ray died on Nov. 6, 2012. Ray and Betty had three children: Bill, Charlotte and Jane; all have had productive lives.
The cause of his death was a massive stoke.
Monty Hankin ’43