Ray G Brunner

He was born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and moved with his parents to Providence, Rhode Island at the age of four. Ray attended the University of Connecticut and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his MBA. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969.

Ray grew up saltwater fishing every weekend with his father. He became an avid fly fisherman while living in Seattle, Washington. After retiring to Florida, he spent many years on the water nearly every day, sharing his love of fishing with friends, family, and anyone who would go with him.

Ray and his wife, Barbara, were very active in animal rescue and had the honor of loving 14 dogs over 45 years. His Parson Russell Terrier, Izzy, who passed in 2020, was the love of his life.

Ray was a lifetime member of MENSA and was very proud of his top 1% status. He had a natural ability to figure out how to do things he had never been taught, and it was often joked that he could even do brain surgery if he had a textbook.

He was an amazing cook and loved sharing his food with family and friends. It was not unusual for a dozen or more people to gather for dinner multiple times a week.

Ray’s career took him worldwide over the decades. He was the first President of Gap Kids, President of Conrans, a London-based design company, and Vice President of Adidas. He lived in Düsseldorf, Germany before moving to Portland, Oregon, where he served as Vice President of Adidas U.S. He later became President and CEO of Design Within Reach. Ray and Barbara also founded several companies, including DAKOTA and BLUE. After retiring to Florida, he earned his real estate license and, within five years, became a top commercial agent with Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.

Ray and Barbara moved 22 times over the course of their 45 years together, living in 10 states and overseas in Germany. His curiosity and love of travel kept them constantly on the move. They retired to Punta Gorda, Florida in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul R. Brunner; his mother, Irene E. Brunner; and his beloved cousin, Kathy Maiorano (Kathy Valdes), who was like a sister to him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Brunner; his daughter, Kristin L. Brunner (Marc Reissig); his beloved cousin, Lori Daigneault (Anthony Daigneault); and his dogs, Jackson and Lucy.