Ray Wasinger

As of this writing, the online memorials for Ray are still available here. However, as that may not be a permanent site, I decided to cut and paste them here (get comfortable, as there’s gonna be five pages worth!):

I just found out over this past weekend of Ray’s passing through a former bandmate, Rick Allen. I knew Ray’s condition from the last time I talked with him 2 months ago. Even then, he was upbeat about his situation. Playing with Ray in the band Kid Shalien are some of the best memories I wil ever have. His personality and musical abilities were always special to me. His smile will be surely missed; he was “The Reverand, Rocket Ray Rimshot”, the best. Miss you Ray,, “the fridge”  Posted by: gordon hominick – Santa Rosa,  CA   Nov 14, 2010

Ray, Watching you work with my elementary music students was amazing. Your passion for teaching, mentoring and supporting young students was equally inspiring. I will miss our “catch up” phone calls and musical insights. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher, musician and friend. Heaven must be rockin’ with you there but you will be missed here on Earth.  Posted by: Cynthia Kattner – Fort Collins,  CO   Oct 30, 2010

To Ray’s Family – Ray was my son, Ryan’s, first and only drum teacher/mentor when he began lessons at age 13. Ryan quickly took to Ray’s style of teaching (many times they played together on the drum sets in Ray’s home studio) and after only a few months, Ray said he had taught Ryan all he could, so he gave Ryan several of his beginning students who were on his long waiting list. Ryan taught drum (and later guitar) lessons for several years to many of these students and others he picked up along the way. He is now touring in a band across the country, writes most of their music, sings lead and of course still plays drums and guitar. We were most grateful to Ray for bringing out Ryan’s musical talent and forging a life-long passion for music and a desire to instill this passion in others! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember Ray. He has touched many lives! Debbie (and Ryan) Hover   Posted by: Debbie Hover – Fort Collins,  CO   Oct 29, 2010

Ray, You were the best mentor I had growing up. It’s because of you that I get to tour as a drummer professionally to this day. You had the ability to keep me motivated and excited about music all through elementary, junior high, and high school. I’ll always be thankful for the time we got to spend together. Rest In Peace.  Posted by: SCOTT ALLER – Denver,  CO   Oct 26, 2010

I met Ray many years ago when I needed to refresh my chops on the drums… We got talking about our backgrounds and he remembered seeing the band I was in back in Kansas in the ’60’s. A great teacher and gentle soul. I’m not a teacher so when my Grandson Scot wanted to learn to play.. I set him up with Ray.. Miss you, I considered you a friend, you will be missed by my family. God comfort you, Judy.  Posted by: Charles Stine – Ft. Collins,  CO   Oct 23, 2010

Hi Judy, I just heard your voicemail message, we are so sorry about Ray passing away. I am glad we had a chance to meet him and I am so glad that he taught Yann golf. Yann has very fond memories with Ray, especially when Ray let him drive the golf cart. Ray gave to Yann a baseball cap from Costa Rica, Yann has been wearing it since Ray gave it to him 2 years ago. The baseball cap has gone to several countries. Ray would have been proud of that. Ray was such a generous person, he will be miss by us. You are in our thought and prayers. Ken, Yann and Nicole  Posted by: Nicole Butel – Ft Collins,  CO   Sep 29, 2010

My son Isaac took drum lessons for many years, starting in the early nineties. He is now a professional drummer and Ray was not only a huge influence on him musically, but also a wonderful mentor and confidant. Thank you, Ray, for all you’ve touched during your time on Earth.  Posted by: Gale McGaha Miller – Fort Collins,  CO   Sep 29, 2010

Last Wednesday the 22nd, laying in bed drinking coffee while my husband was getting ready for work, he stands by the bedroom door and sez, “So what were you playing last night?” I’m thinking I was dreaming and typing or something, right? Turns out I was DRUMMING in my sleep for about 20 minutes – both hands and one foot, together, in time, slowly….. When I got to work that same morning I was online reading the usual news I was stunned to came across the obituary for Ray, who had passed away the same day we were returning from vacation. Seems I got one last lesson…… Thanks, Ray, for absolutely everything.  Posted by: Carol Wood – Fort Collins,  CO   Sep 29, 2010

We would like to send our most heartfelt condolences to Judy and all of our Wasinger cousins and their families. We will miss Ray’s friendly easy going manner! You all are in our thoughts and prayers. With love to all,  Posted by: Doug, Susie, Alex & Lissy Fuller – Oklahoma City, OK   Sep 27, 2010

Ray was my teacher and he was my friend. He IS still my hero.

He always will be.

He gave so many of us the gift of music, but most importantly, the love for life. For over ten years I had the pleasure of taking drum lessons from Ray, and it always felt like home. The lives of myself and every student or person who has ever known him are better now because of his knowledge and friendship.

Thank you Ray. I miss you so much. So much…Thank you for inspiring me. Rest in peace sir.  Posted by: Nick Runge – Denver,  CO – student   Sep 27, 2010

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Ray. I have had limited contact with Ray over the years, but our band program has certainly benefited from many of his percussion students who have participated in our band at Lincoln. The most outstanding drummers in my program have always turned out to be students of Ray Wasinger. He has been an inspiration to many young people, and I am grateful for the wonderful gift he has shared with them. I extend my deepest sympathy to Ray’s family. May God bless you.  Posted by: Gino Panepinto – Fort Collins,  CO   Sep 27, 2010

Ray was one of the bright spots in our week. On lesson day, Max and I cherished our drive across town to Ray’s. We discovered Ray through a bunch of gossipy lady friends of my wife Jan Baby; what a find. Max has had other drum teachers and instantly upon observing Max with Ray I saw that Ray ‘got Max’. Ray got me too. He would tune the flatscreen to the NHL channel and on occasion share an anecdote of his time playing in net. Ray touched our hearts, added richness to our lives and will never be forgotten.  Posted by: Flash & Max Alexander – Fort Collins,  CO   Sep 27, 2010

I will allways remember the man who helped me find something I truly enjoy, thanks Ray, I will miss you.  Posted by: Jake Austin – Eaton,  CO   Sep 27, 2010

I had the priviledge of meeting Ray when I took my grandson, Jonas, to a few of his lessons. Jonas is very young but he learned so much from Ray; I know it has greatly enhanced his skills and love of music. My prayers go to Ray’s family. He will be greatly missed but what a great praise band to look forward to in Heaven with all his students helping him!  Posted by: Debbie Goble – Cheyenne,  WY   Sep 26, 2010

Judy, I know the house is quiet know, but everytime you walk in his room you can always feel his love and joy for music and his great love for you will follow along forever. Thank you for letting me get to know him and sharing the great person he was with me. Love you, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Miss you, see you soon. Lisa Linn  Posted by: Lisa Linn – Loveland,  CO   Sep 26, 2010

We are so saddened to hear about the death of Ray. Our son, Jonas, began drum lessons with Ray when he was 4 1/2. Jonas turned 6 this past May and had learned so much from Ray in that year and a half. Thanks Ray for teaching him so much! Your legacy will carry on!  Posted by: Jet and Kimberly Manalo – Fort Collins,  CO   Sep 26, 2010

My name is Joel. I’m a former student of Ray’s. I would just like to express my condolences for your loss. Ray invested much. I am very grateful for that. My prayers are with you your family. May the peace of Christ Jesus be with you.  Posted by: Joel Haddorff – Kansas City,  MO   Sep 25, 2010

 

Ray Wasinger was not only a wonderful person, he was also our son’s mentor and friend for many years. Through elementary, junior high, high school and even his college years, the lessons not only taught him the percussion skills he has acquired, but taught him lessons about life, passion for music, friendship and family. Always a role model and and wonderful mentor, we so appreciated his influence. Scott now drums professionally and tours all over the country. We are so grateful to have had Ray in our lives and will miss his great laugh and stories. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who knew him. I truly believe Ray was the kind of person everyone wishes they could be. Sincerely,  Posted by: Sue and Mick Aller – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 24, 2010

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”  Posted by: Buddy Glover – Olney, IL   Sep 24, 2010

My memories of Ray and the times we shared together in our carefree days of youth still bring a smile to my face and a lasting appreciation of my good fortune simply because I was lucky enough to play in a band with him on the drums. It is so easy to recall his enthusiasm and his laugh.  Posted by: Ron W. Bailey – Seattle, WA   Sep 24, 2010

I met Ray when we both worked at a grocery store in Oklahoma in 1963. Through the years we were in three bands together. I’ve played with many drummers, but Ray was the best. A great singer also. However, the main thing we shared was our sense of humor. When I last saw Ray 3 months ago, I said something that tickled him and we said goodbye with tears in our eyes from laughing hysterically. That’s how I will remember Ray.  Posted by: Dennis Meehan – Austin, TX   Sep 23, 2010

Lessons with Ray were always the brightest spot in the week. His patience and warm voice kept our young daughter/student going, and I loved listening to stories about his travels (the river trip in Europe), football, and of course, the good music. What a great legacy he gives us.  Posted by: Jay, Cam, & Haley Haskell – Ft. Collins, CO   Sep 23, 2010

We performed together, we lived together, we played golf together and we were together when I met my wife, Toni. I will miss you greatly, Rocket Man, my friend.  Posted by: Artie and Toni Newhall – Falmouth, MA   Sep 23, 2010

Ray, the years I spent with you learning to play drums were truly a part of my life I will always carry with me. I can remember how Corky would always come to greet me at the door before a lesson, and how I always gave you one of my baseball photos to put up on your wall. I learned so much from you, whether it was about who’s leading the PGA tour or the drum solo in The Immigrant Song. I will miss you greatly.  Posted by: Christopher Brick – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 23, 2010

Dear Judy & all family: You have our deepest sympathy and hope God is able to bring you some measure of peace at this very difficult time. We did not know Ray well but we were your neighbors on Sandstone for a brief time January, 2004 to September, 2004. Even though our acquaintance was brief, I recall Ray very well as he epitomized the “nice neighbor” and was so outgoing, friendly, and kind. And when we saw some good friends dropping their son off for drum lessons we knew he must have been an exceptional teacher as these friends were very, very discriminating about who was involved in their children’s lives. May God bless & keep you now and forever.  Posted by: Rick Trant – Windsor, CO   Sep 23, 2010

This morning, I thought to myself, “I should call Ray today.” Then I opened the paper and saw he was gone. So quickly. I thought we’d have time for one more lesson. Every time the stick hits the drumhead, it’s a beat for you, Ray.  Posted by: Kris Browning-Blas – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 23, 2010

I got to play with once ashwood creed about 20 years ago.I thought was the best we played.god needs great drummers for his praiseband he’ll have the best Ken Barry  Posted by: Ken & kris Barry – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 23, 2010

To my beloved neighbor for more than 12 years… I will miss your face and that glorious hair in the morning… I know you are playing the drums up there now… Love you! Joyce  Posted by: Joyce – Phoenix, AZ   Sep 23, 2010

Ray was a bright light in the music community. He touched hundreds of lives, passing on his love of The Drum. He could make those drums sing, and we’ll miss him.  Posted by: ian and Vicki McCargar – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 23, 2010

We are all so deeply saddened by Ray’s death. He was our son Graham’s drum teacher for several years. Ray was also Graham’s friend and confidante. Graham learned tons of music and life lessons from Ray. After Graham could drive himself to lessons it was always great when the student behind Graham was absent because Ray would take the time to just chat. They shared a unique friendship in that Ray was his teacher, and also an adult friend. We will be forever grateful to Ray for all the funny,honest wisdom he shared with Graham. One day when I drove Graham to his lesson Ray let Corky out and walked him up to my car. The week before Graham had told Ray we were going to have to put our beautiful Great Dane to sleep. Ray opened my car door and Corky hopped in, wagging and ready to play. Ray said, ” I think you need some dog therapy while I teach Graham some new stuff!” I cried and patted Corky and felt lots lighter.  Posted by: lynne soraci – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

Dear Rocket Ray, I will miss our chats, you teaching my son to drum, & watching the PTL club with you at 4:00 am at your house oh-so-many years ago—Drum On In Heaven! Ruth Champion  Posted by: Ruth Champion – Ft. Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

I will miss you greatly my friend  Posted by: Chuck Landgraf – Ft. Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

Ray- You were too good!!! Good hearted, good natured, a good drummer, a good husband, a good golfer, teacher, and a good friend. OU vs. Texas will never be the same! We will miss you dearly, Rocket. We already do. Love- Bob and Maggie Ottermann  Posted by: Bob and Maggie Ottermann – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

Loved his enthusiasm for playing and teaching. He made me excited about drums!  Posted by: Sharon Green – Ft. Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

What an impact this wonderful man made on our family in such a short time. My son Gregg was lucky enough to be one of his students and was truley given the gift of Ray. A man who became your friend upon meeting him, you will be missed Ray.  Posted by: Kathy Eason – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

I was sad to hear about Ray’s condition and more sad to hear of his passing. I wish we could have stayed in better contact, but I have many memories that are still very vivid to me. I met Ray at a very potent time of my life, when I was very excited about my embarkment upon my music career, and won’t forget our laughs that we shared at the music shop that our incredible musician friends owned and we both taught at. Prayers and well wishes to Ray’s family and friends.  Posted by: Jesse Solomon – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

From day one that I met Ray, I new he was available, for whatever. For me, Ray was my friend and someone I will miss. For me, with Ray, if we met for a lesson or just to talk on a weekly bases or didn’t talk for a couple of month he was always happy to be in touch. God Bless you Judy.  Posted by: Norris Jones – fort collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

Ray was my college roommate at Oklahoma University for a couple of semesters in the dorms and then a few semesters in an off campus apartment. What a treat. The pure enjoyment of it all. He was always “on”. He provided us with music and humor and we loved him for it. Posted by: ALLIE PAINE – NORMAN, OK   Sep 22, 2010

played hockey with Ray 1980ish great goalie, greater guy. will miss you man.  Posted by: warren boizot – ft collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

He surely will be missed. Ray worked at the “cowpalace” which George and I owned at that time. George passed away august 12th,I’m sure they are playing music in heaven.  Posted by: Jena Kent – loveland, CO   Sep 22, 2010

To Ray’s Family and Friends; Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time of loss. We will all miss him so much. Posted by: dave trock and family – loveland, CO   Sep 22, 2010

We have no words, only wonderful, wonderful memories of a very talented, dedicated and compassionate man. He will be remembered a very long time by this community.  Posted by: Kevin, Bonnie and Chris Jones – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

I had the pleasure of playing music with Ray in Kenny Cordova’s band. Ray was such a great guy. I will always remember Ray’s sense of humor, and his amazing grooves.  Posted by: Eric Sunness – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

rocket ray was a great human. may he rest in peace.  Posted by: tom smith – CO   Sep 22, 2010

To Ray- A master teacher, a great musician, and a wonderful human being. Rest well, my friend.  Posted by: Mike Smith – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010

As one of the many musicians that performed with Ray, he will be missed by both past and future players. RIP Rocket! TB and Lisa Wade  Posted by: Thom & Lisa Wade – Fort Collins, CO   Sep 22, 2010