Raymond Augustine Obituary

Nice to remember Ray, and his beautiful smile, and his gorgeous music. He was always a peaceful, happy presence when I saw him, raising a beer with a smile at the bar. May his memory continue to be a blessing.

Just thinking of Ray's beautiful smile and gorgeous harp playing. He was a generous and kindly soul.

I still have some of your old harps. I´m a little rusty these days but I´ve been taking care of them so they´re not very rusty at all. See ya round

Seeing this reminded me of Ray. He was a lovely fellow in every way, and a good friend of my partner Rick "Fish" Janes, who passed away in 2012. Ray was a beautiful musician, and always added just the right touch to every ensemble. I had great respect for him as a player and as a human being, and he is still missed.

Ray was a lovely guy and a fine musician. He was one of Rick "Fish" Janes' favorite people, and Fish was my partner for nearly 20 years. Ray played on some recordings with Fish and I, which I'm afraid have been lost in the shuffle. Nice remembering Ray and his beautiful smile, and his beautiful harp.

I knew Ray when he played the Saddle Club on North Avenue in Old Town, years later, he played with me at the Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown! What a harmonica player!

still workin' at it ray. i'm keeping your ax well maintained like you like it.thanks for all the help from upstairs...you know we need it.

We miss you, Ray.

AVUNCULAR, SNAPPY, AND CRAFTY WITH COMEDIC RETORT, EVER GENEROUS AND PLEASANTLY UBIQUITOUS, A GENTLE MAN WITH A GENTLE SOUL THAT LIVED AND WOVE A WORLD OF INCESSANT ELATION, EXUDING JOY, A VISION OF PORTLY GLEE, A GIFT RELINQUISHED, A BEACON OF JOY EVER DIMMED, YET EVER BRIGHT.

I will miss his soul, his music, and his inspiration. They will all be missed, but I know He will still remain. The last song I heard him sing was Black Mountain.

I will carry that always. ~W

We'll miss Ray's music, humor and, though he'd laugh his head off at this word, his charm. We feel lucky to have known him.



So long, Ray.

Ray, Tupelo Honey will never be the same.You'll be missed but always around when I play that song.Thanks for being here.

I saw ray play a number of times at garret's open mike. In my opinion, ray had a wonderful ability to evoke, through his music, a beautiful old-timey sound and mood i would associate with past greats such as hobart smith, doc boggs, or mississippi john hurt. I'm sorry we will never get another chance to hear him in this life, but hopefully in the hereafter. And I offer my most sincere condolences to all of ray's family and friends.

Ray will be missed. His warmth, humanity and music reached out to all who knew him. He touched my life as he touched others. God bless you and keep you Ray.

A short conversation with Ray, demonstrative of his kindness an humor;

Ray: "That was a wonderful set you played there Jason. You're a great talent."

Me: "Thanks a lot Ray. So are you."

Ray: "Naw, I suck!"

There are people in you meet in life who give you a different and better view of things around you. Ray was one of those people. His music, wit, and love of his fellow human beings will be missed. I'll miss you. Play on Ray.. Play on..

dear heavenly father

help us all to understand that the point in life is not to avoid suffering rather to endure what we don't understand. help those

that knew and loved ray to turn their grief into compassion. their sorrow into hope for the musicians that will follow ray and carry the torch so that his work is resounding through eternity

ray - it was not for nothing

At a time of life when people tend to slow down or take it easier, Ray exhibited more energy and exuberance than many half his age.

He loved fun & he loved music & and he loved the people with whom he socialized. End of an important era in Chicago music, but Ray will be in our minds, hearts & conversations for years to come.

A great soul has left us. Many will miss his warmth, his charm, his humor, and his music. Ave frater atque vale.

Ray was a good man, gentle soul, and talented musician who left his mark on everyone he met. He will be missed.

Ray will be missed very much. We always enjoyed his style of unique music choices. Our sincere sympathys to his family.

Ray will be very much missed.

My life was certainly touched by Ray, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity of knowing, laughing with, and playing music with such a very special and truly genuine human being.

May he rest in peace.

this incredible man had a knack for doing things his way,we've been deprived of someone that truly loved us but he let us know his ride was through and to mourn him merrily,not sadly.

Ray was one of the most genuine persons I have every met and as a musician he was magical. He will surely be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.

As a treasured member of a community of musicians around Chicago, Ray Augustine generously contributed his talent, his good cheer, and his encouragement to those around him. The warmth of his spirit was present in his music and his friendship. He will be missed and fondly remembered.



"Go to sleep you weary hobo, let the towns go drifting by..."