Comments on: EMU community mourns death of professor who helped to shape the university’s peace and justice ethos

By: Mark Hartman

Mark Hartman — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 22:32:32 +0000

I initially first knew Ray and Wilma as friends of my parents and as a college student I was struck by Ray’s vision for combining Anabaptist theology with practical issues of the day. Since string instruments were part of the family’s artistic life I was able to visit with them for chamber music sessions in their living room, in my parent’s house and in contributions to Park View Mennonite church’s worship services. Then our lives went on and I lost track of James, John, André, and Pierre. I did, however, see Ray and Wilma on occasion at Bach Festival concerts, where I continue to play. The last time I saw Ray was during the intermission of a concert one year ago. We spent a good part of that break in the music to catch up and Ray shared openly about his condition, how he was feeling and how he was thinking about his future and the short time he had left. Ray had a big heart and a generous spirit and conventional expectations never held him back. A very special person.

By: Susan Sharpe

Susan Sharpe — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 20:09:30 +0000

I did not know Ray, but am deeply grateful for his leadership in fostering restorative justice and creating structures to support it and help it flourish. My heart is with his family and all who knew and loved him.

By: Don Mosley

Don Mosley — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 19:08:20 +0000

Ray, we loved you and we always will! And I am confident that somehow God allows you even now to be aware of how many of us feel that way. What an inspiration and joy you and Wilma and your whole family have been to us. I and the others here at Jubilee Partners are so very grateful to be among your friends. With all of its problems, the world is a much better place than it would have been without your faithful witness and the work you have inspired so many of us to continue.

By: Jim Barnes

Jim Barnes — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 01:20:20 +0000

To Sir, with Love.

By: Victoria Myer

Victoria Myer — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 18:55:38 +0000

Deep gratitude for Ray’s life and the profound influence he had on the course of EMU and it’s vision and impact in the world.
I am a 1983 graduate of EMU and am so proud to tell people about the peace and justice program and the influence it has had both in the college community and in far-reaching ways in the world. I am particularly grateful for the way in which people like Ray have evolved the idea of “mission” and broadened the circle of service to serve humanity in its inclusion rather than exclusion.

Deep bow to Ray and his new transition!