Raymond Rakowski Obituary

Ray,
A year has passed already and as usual we can't say where the time goes. We still miss you as much as we did a year ago and think of you often. Rest in peace my friend. Watch over us too, like I know you do your family.
Love, Paulette & Tom

Maureen and Family,
We will be thinking of you this week. Please know we share your lose and have included you in our prayers for peace and strengh.

Although we never got you on that plane to come visit us in Ireland we still talk about you and your wonderful sense of humour. It was a privilege knowing you Ray if only for a few brief moments. One of life's true gentlemen. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

LETTER FROM HEAVEN

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.



Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."



It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."



God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.



When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.



I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.



There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.



If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.



So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.



And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

~Author~

Ruth Ann Mahaffey

©Copyright 1998

Written in memory of my late husband, Richard Mahaffey



Love, Tom & Paulette

LETTER FROM HEAVEN

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.



Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."



It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."



God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.



When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.



I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.



There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.



If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.



So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.



And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

~Author~

Ruth Ann Mahaffey

©Copyright 1998

Written in memory of my late husband, Richard Mahaffey



Love Tom & Paulette

Dear Maureen, Cheryl, Doreen and Karyl,
We know how deep the loss is for all of you at this time even if we can't imagine all the memories you hold in your hearts. Ray had a presense in our lives even though we never realized how strong. Thank You for the eulogy, Karyl, it was wonderful and hard to do, I'm sure. Even though you all needed him, I guess the Lord had other plans for him. May your trust and faith in the Lord, bring you the peace you need and give you the strength to look ahead to the future. I hope Maureen, that you will not become a stranger now, because you may feel out of place without Ray. Now is when we all need each other, so know that we are here for you and your family if there is anything we can do.
Love your friends, Paulette & Tom

Ray,
I know you can't read this but somehow maybe you'll be able to hear us and know what we are feeling now. It is so hard to believe that you are no longer here any longer. I guess we never realized the presense you had in our lives even when you weren't with us. Even when I knew that it could happen soon, I always hoped it would never be a reality. There is a hole in my life now that I can't explain. Thanks for being my buddy and my best friend. Thanks for teaching me to drink beer and love Rod Stewart. For the many weekends at the trailer and other places the four of us visited together. You and Maureen were there for me when I had car trouble when Tom was out of town. Even through the bad times we always managed to keep the lines of communication open. You always said you wouldn't live to be old but I just wish we would have been able to say good-bye. We will hold you in our hearts and see you again one day. Rest in peace my friend.
Your Friends,Paulette (& Tom)

Dear Doreen, Cheryl & Karyl,
I am so deeply sorry to hear about your dad. We had such wonderful times on 77th Place. Take care all of you. You will all be in my prays, your mom also. Love you all Colleen

RAY,
YOU WERE MY BEST FRIEND AND SPECIAL LOVE FOR 44 YEARS. I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE YOUR PLACE. YOU BROUGHT ME LOTS OF JOY,HAPPINESS,LAUGHTER,STRENGTH AND LOVE. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT LIFE. LOVE ALWAYS, MAUREEN

Dad

I love and miss you so much!!!! Thanks for all the love and guidance. You are the best and will never be replaced in my heart. I will miss your crazy calls. You will never need to worry again, we will take care of mom and make sure she is always safe.

Love your little Dori

Dad
thank you for all the laughs and the support. thank you for being a "dad" to my boys. You were my rock.I am gonna miss being able to lean on you. No one can replace my daddy.I am gonna miss and love you forever.
love Cheryl and the boys

Doreen and Bill

We are all very sorry and saddened by the passing of your father. At a time of grief finding the right words to say is never easy. Let the people who love you surround and comfort, friendship is great therapy. Remember this Ray has gone on to enjoy the company of some very loving, caring, and FUNNY
friends and family.
Our prayers are with you.
The Thompson Family
Duane, Tami, Ann, and Amy

Dad,
thank you for all the laughs and the support. Thank you for being a "dad" to my boys. You have always been my rock and i am gonna miss leaning on you.No one can ever replace my daddy. I will love and miss you for ever.
cheryl and the boys

First and foremost we would like to express our sympathy and love to the entire family, Uncle Ray was one of a kind, good for a laugh, a good ribbing and great conversation. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Love...
Kate and Michael

Our hearts go out to you and your family. Know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. With love,

Karyl and Don,

Our deepest Christian sympathies in the loss of your Father. We know that he will be missed by you and especially your Mother. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this period of sorrow.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dad,
Thanks for all the "adventures",for all the phone calls, for all the laughs, and for ALL the love. My days will never be the same again.