Raymond M. Felix
June 28, 1943 - May 14, 2014
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Raymond M. Felix
June 28, 1943 - May 14, 2014
Obituary
Raymond M. Felix, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2014, at his home is Laguna Woods, California. Ray was born on June 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. Ray grew up in La Habra, California and graduated from La Habra High School in 1961, where he excelled in his favorite sport of football. Ray attended the University of Southern California and served our country as a member of the National Guard.
Ray had a distinguished career in sales, sales management, and consulting – beginning with his promotion from plant supervisor to salesperson at his family-owned metal fabrication company in the mid-1960’s and his eventual rise to Vice President of Sales. Ray then decided to move into the forest products industry where his successful sales method and strong people skills forged a path into Sales Management and eventually General Manager of a leading corrugate container company. Ray began his first sales management position with a team of 10 employees and ended his last corporate assignment being responsible for a team of 1,800 employees, 15 manufacturing facilities and over $200 million in annual sales.
Ray then started his own packaging distribution company and consulting business in Southern California serving customers nationwide. Ray had a strong commitment to customer service and believed that the key to building a successful sales organization is to have a selling process that can be easily learned and transferable to the next generation of sales professionals. His management, leadership, and people skills have motivated hundreds of professionals to reach their goals.
Once Ray retired, he enjoyed spending his days behind the bar of the Red Fox Lounge in San Clemente serving his most beloved customers, listening to their concerns and offering advice when asked. He took great pleasure in a fine glass of wine and a classic cigar. He loved dancing and traveling with his partner Joan, spending time with family and friends, and took great pride in his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his partner Joan Marie Kerr, daughters Cherrae Lind and Erin Felix, son-in-law Kurt Lind, grandson Erik Lind, granddaughter Katelyn Lind, step-daughter Jackie McElroy, step-son-in-law Ed McElroy, step-grandchildren Eddie McElroy, Trevor Hendershott and Michael J. Taub, his siblings and many other friends and family. Ray built his life around his family and friends and his deep love, strength and integrity will be greatly missed.
A Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11:00 am. A “Celebration of Life” and reception will immediately follow at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.
7 responses to Raymond M. Felix
Marlene Haerle says:
May 20, 2014
Lit a candle in memory of Raymond M. Felix
Marlene Haerle says:
May 20, 2014
Although Richard and I hadn’t seen Ray in many years, we remember him when we were all in our twenties and just a bunch of kids getting married and having kids. We had a lot of fond memories when we would all gather at Aunt Net’s and Uncle Doug’s house. We were quite the clan when we all got together! Those were the good old days and we are glad Ray was a part of them. We pray that his family may find comfort knowing that Ray is now resting in the arms and peace of the Lord. God bless you all.
Richard & Marlene Haerle
Paula Pelletier says:
May 20, 2014
My brother Raymond is the perfect brother for me. Proverbs 17:17 “…a brother is born for adversity.” Growing up, Raymond was my rock and made my world go round. We went through some tough stuff together. He was always there, always patient and always knew how to make me laugh. He was a good brother who took good care of his little sister .
Mark Felix says:
May 22, 2014
Ray is and always will be the brother I was lucky enough to get when I was 6 years old. He took me in like the true gentlemen he has always been. Over the years we grew close and have had many great moments together. I will miss him very much. I had missed connecting with him for the past year and I had thought recently I need to tell him what a great brother he has been. I’m sorry I missed that chance.
I know he touched a lot of people in his time and they will miss him too. If there is something after we go, I have always hoped we would get to see the ones we love and cherish and miss. I hope he is enjoying some of the moments now with the ones he loved and when our day is done we will see him again as well.
To a great brother, husband, father, grand father, companion, friend, speaker, and bar tender and much more. Salud!
Terry Ballantyne says:
May 22, 2014
Ray came into my life when I was 12.. He was my new step brother , 19 years old and tall, handsome and hip. He has a 65 Mustang that he polished on the hour.
He loved football and dill pickles.
Ray was also the light of my childhood. He was kind and patient and made me laugh.
He was light hearted but not superficial. He gave me the sense of being looked after and cared for in a way that was new to me.
Throughout his life, Ray remained kind hearted and generous. Even under harsh conditions that life often brings with change, his outlook was optimistic and he truly
lived in a state of gratitude, always , always seeing the silver lining. While he lived simply, he brought an elegance to the most minor of activities. I remember him circling the grandchildren when we lost our Dad and he read to them and they were enraptured. He brought depth and character and urgency to the story, and my daughter still remembers his voice reading that story.
Ray was true to his convictions every day of his life. He loved big iconic figures, whether it was John Wayne, or a Cadillac, the changing values of society at large never deterred him from living a life of style and charm. He was his own man from the day I met him until the last time we talked.
My only regret is that our lives took us to two ends of the state and I couldn’t see him enough. But the sound of his voice always went straight to my heart, his counsel always wise, his view always from the high road, and his love felt good to my soul.
I will miss you, dear brother. I hope you are somewhere wonderful and they are doing things with satisfactory style and grace. If not, I know you will be running things in a matter of days.
Terry Ballantyne
Sister