Ray Silvius

Ray Silvius

August 14, 1923 - May 06, 2013

Obituary

Ray Silvius passed away on Monday the 6th of May 2013, in Mission Viejo California at the age of 89. Ray was surrounded by family and friends. A memorial service will be held in his Honor on Saturday June the 8th 2013 at The Presbyterian Church of the Master. The Church is located at 26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92629. Services will begin at 2:00pm followed by an onsite reception.

Ray was born on August 14 1923 in Leavenworth Kansas. He was raised a salt of the earth Kansas farm boy. He was an accomplished student and excellent athlete. When his country called he answered, not once but twice. He was a leader of men, a true patriot, and a decorated veteran. Ray was a proud Air Force pilot who contributed to our nations defense flying B-25 Bombers in the Pacific during WWII and F-86 Fighters during the Korean War with the 86th Fighter group.

He returned to hold executive positions at IBM, Western Airlines, and Hughes Aerospace. Distinguishing himself and receiving promotions at all three, until he chose to retire in 1995 to spend his remaining years with his true love, his, Jeanne.

Even in retirement ray continued to donate his time to others, working as a docent at the Lyons Aviation Museum in Orange County.

Ray was the very definition of a husband, a loving father to his son Jon, grandfather to Jerrod and Travis, devoted uncle, and about the best friend a person could ask for. Never was a disparaging word mentioned about him. He was a pillar of the greatest generation. A man one could always turn to during trying times.

He will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in his memory please send it to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-1942

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3 responses to Ray Silvius

  1. It was my privilege to work for Ray in the PR department of WAL in the mid-60’s. My best memory–the inaugural flight with he and Art Kelly to West Yellowstone in 1966. He presented a plaque, showing the inaugural flight date together with an L-188 Electra, to the park director. The plaque is still on display at the West Yellowstone airport.

    He possessed more class and gracious manner than anyone I’ve ever worked with–truly an elegant man.

    Jim Wentworth
    Phoenix, AZ

  2. We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Silvius. Many of us fondly remember him as one of our leaders at Western Airlines. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this time. The Westerlies, a group of former Western Airline Flight Attendants

  3. Jim Tribble says:

    HI,THIS IS JIM TRIBBLE, AND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW,WHAT A GREAT GUY I THOUGHT RAY WAS. I LEARNED YEARS LATER,THAT RAY WAS THE ONE RESPOSIBLE FOR MY BEING PROMOTED TO A JOB I LOVED. I RETIRED IN 81, AND THRU MY OLD BOSS NEIL STEWART,KEPT TRACK OF RAY,AND JEAN TOO. I HELD THEM BOTH IN HIGH REGARD.I DIDN’T KNOW TILL NOW RAY WAS 2 YEARS OLDER THE ME, MY GOOD THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. JIM

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