"I never would have accomplished in Ireland what I did In America."  Mr. Oreilly's life and principles embodied the very essence of the american ideal.  I have carried the memory of our journey across the Atlantic together on a late flight in April 2014, as he prepared to say goodbye to his son, to this very day. He gave me his card and I meant to reconnect with him ever since, but of course as I finally got around to, it was too late. I hope you'll indulge my recollections of our meeting.  I  was visiting a friend who had moved to Ireland for work. (Mr. Oreilly got a real kick out of that since he did precisely the opposite 6 decades earlier) Though we both could have used some sleep, we talked for hours and a 6 hour flight quickly turned into a 60 year memoir of a man who left Ireland  penniless but ready to test the world, armed simply with grit and determination.  A salesmen who earned his stripes going door to door, a soldier of two countries, he lived all over the world. I sat there like a child being read a bedtime story of an imaginary folk hero from a time long past, soaking up every word.   His tale is an inspiration to all who seek a better life. The triumph of the human spirit lives on through men like Mr. Oreilly and the people lucky enough to cross his path.  I wrote down one thing he said, and I try not to forget: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery - today is a gift"

RIP Mr. Oreilly

Sincerely,

Aaron Snyder

Oh Mr. Ray O'Reilly, Do you have any idea how you effected so many people. I will so miss seeing that sweet smile and your gleaming eyes.
Just seeing you walk through the doors would brighten my day. 
I loved hearing your stories and the sound advice that you would give. 
You were one of the very first Vendors that I got to know when I first started working as a Receptionist at Costco Corporate Offices, some twenty odd years ago. I remember that you would bring us large quantities of vitamins to keep us healthy. We took those vitamins religiously for years. It seems that you always had your hand in something new and upcoming. Just hearing the stories of your travels would wear me out. 
You lived life to the fullest and never seemed to slow down. Your mind and wit stayed sharp and you never really seemed to age. 
I will always remember you and miss that sweet kind way that you had about you. Thank you for all of your help and kind words throughout the years. 
To Ray's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. It made my heart happy as I read your words about knowing that he is with his true love again, his son and most importantly, with Jesus. How wonderful it is that this is not goodbye - but until we meet again. 
Donna, I am so sorry that I did not get to see you on your last visit. When I had heard from the Receptionists that you had told them that your dad was gone, I tried to find you but I think you had already left. I know how much you two loved and liked each other. I really just wanted to give you a hug. I hope that I will be able to see you again soon and collect that hug. Take Care.

You father I will and have already missed you. I know your in a better place. Right next to a Costco Warehouse :} I will miss our deep sea fishing trips. And how you would explain to me that this fishing trip is better then anything a school could teach you. Plus I didn't have to go to school. I am happy for you. You lived life to the fullest. But, Truckee CA is were you decided to leave and go to Mom. It is a beautiful mountain range. It's impossible to say in words my love for you. You made me a tough and strong man. Just like you. But, even tough guy's have a breaking point. I love you. And smile at the World and it will smile back upon you.

Marie
Very sorry to hear this news.I met you and Ray only last summer in Matthew's garden in Dublin where Ray gave me solid advice on getting product onto shop shelves, and I gave you a bar of soap ! Our discussion was about soap manufacture and distribution.I was so looking forward to meeting Ray again.Heartfelt condolences.Peter Dwyer.

I will miss the phone calls from " himself" .. A great inspirational Uncle and Friend . Gone but will never be forgotten ...
Your living Nephew Paul.
As we have a saying in the Irish language  Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris. This means there will never be his equal.

Although I only knew Ray for a short time I quickly came to realize he was a man of many great qualities.   One of which, his wit & humor,  was on display every day when he'd stop by the warehouse to say hello to Don and anyone else in his path that day.   His desire and ability to create and share a laugh or  a smile have created fond memories.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Friends and Family of Ray.

Marie,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I know how close you both were.  May God comfort and bless your family this holiday season.
Hugs,
Jackie Kolze (Butler Group)

Even though I didn't know Ray for very long, I was fortunate enough to join Eurow & O'Reilly and at least get to know him for a few months. I will never forget his enthusiasm for new things and the time he would take to speak to each one of us sharing stories of his past and imparting his wisdom. Ray, you will be missed!

Dear Marie- My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. What a year this has been for you all. While I never met Raymond, I have heard so many loving stories from you over the yrs. that I feel I have gotten to know a small part of him through our conversations and friendship. There was never any doubt in my mind that he was very dearly loved and one of "THE BEST".

My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you at this time. I am hoping all those wonderful memories of the laughter, the conversations, and fun times shared, will help see you through this in the days to come. 

Stay strong my friend and safe trip home. I will be here with a big hug when you get back. Much Love, Monica in Chicago

Ray was the quintessential friendly man, and the quintessential happy worker.  He loved his work right to the end, and he loved people right to the end.  All people and all marketplaces, TO to China and everywhere in between.  There wasn't a hint of pride or materialism in his soul, just a song and a love for making the day worthwhile, fun and productive.  I wish the world had more Rays.  Rays of light into this selfish and shallow world.  Shine on, Ray!

Dad, 

I love you from the very depth of my being.  You were my hero, my mentor, my advisor, my business partner and friend.  I love you dearly and will miss you all the days of my life. I am who I am because of you and I will always remember that and cherish you for that.  I have adored you all my life and will continue to do so till I meet you, Mom and Ray again in heaven. 

My father is in heaven.  
My father is with my mother.  
I will love you forever.  

Your darling daughter Donna dimples.

Ray always  had a smile on his face, a story to share, a compliment to give and a perspective like no other. He was generous, kind, a man of integrity and genuinely loved what he did. Most of all, I think, he loved the people he encountered in all parts of his life. He will be sorely missed but, the insight, wisdom and guidance he has given so many will live with in all that he touched. I am honored to have known and learned from him.

A truely likeable charachter and a fiendish rogue. Thank you  for the endless happy memories of past summers in Calle Pecos.
From the irish Kiddo.  Clare.

My father.  the one man who has always loved and supported me through all my challenges.  I miss him so much I can hardly think about life without him.  To be able to call him when I just want to say hi.  Or ask for advise.  I couldn't be prouder than I am now to be one of his daughters.  to be a product of the love he and my mother shared.  To be one of his children.  I am blessed beyond words to have had a father such as him.  God blessed me, my mother, and my brothers and sisters with the kind and loving man our father was.  my heart will never be the same for he is gone, but it will be filled with love because he is with me and in my heart till I meet him and my mom in heaven one day.  my heart breaks with sadness but rejoices knowing he is with my mom, my brother Ray Ray and of course with God.

OBITUARY

Raymond G. O'Reilly

16 February, 1933 – 10 December, 2015

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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