I can not put into a few words the influence that Ray had on my life. Lessons he taught me that I take with me and helped shape the man that I am today. I first met Ray when I was 14 years old and applied for the job as his farm hand. That was in the early days of Circle G Stables. I had a natural love for farming and horses as Ray did. Little did I know at the time that Ray would become like my second Father for most of my teen years. He was a great influence on a young man, setting a fine example of a strong work ethic. I watched him work the farm during the day then go to work on the loading dock at night. I learned so much from him about running a farm and caring for horses. But he also taught me other skills. He taught me how to drive, weld, repair engines, pull and back trailers, build barns ( I built the pole barn on the hill that stands to this day), build fence, run all kinds of equipment, harvest hay crops….the list goes on. But mostly, He provided a sanctuary for me and other young people as we hung out at “the barn “ instead of getting in trouble hanging downtown. It was always a special treat when he would take me along to the horse auction. I will always remember his smile and his special humor. He had a good heart. The last time I saw Ray I met him for breakfast when I was back home visiting. Breakfast with Ray. It doesn’t get any better. Forty years have gone by and I can close my eyes and remember my days with Ray like they were yesterday. I had a wonderful father who I love very much. But I also grew to love Ray as my second Father and eventual friend. I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace my friend. Take care of all those horses, until we meet again.  

Carl Reicher

It all started with a 4H meeting...then Spooner & then Joshua. All of my school vacations were spent at Circle G Stables. I made lifelong friends. I learned more than I could have ever imagined from this man. Ray, you will be missed beyond words. Bobby, you were so lucky to have him & to have him for so long! I know you will miss him most of all. I’m so sorry.

Ray was a friend and true horseman.  We shared time together at Circle G and at camp outings with the horses as members of the Connecticut Trail Riders Association (CTRA).
He had good wit.  Frequently he would want me to ride horses he recently bought which hadn't been ridden in a long time.  Once he had me try a new horse while at CTRA camp in Goshen near Mohawk Forest.  The moment I put my foot in the stirrup, the horse took off with me at a full gallop and wouldn't slow down until we reached the rangers tower miles later.  However, I did enjoy the run. Years later, Ray would bring that up whenever we ran across each other.  I will never forget Ray.  May he rest in peace.  
Cliff Saucier

While it is sad that Ray is no longer with us, memories of my 17 years at Circle "G"  are comforting. 

I find myself smiling a lot when I think about Ray, and often laughing.  You just cannot make this stuff up !   Oh, the stories...............

Some of the friends that I made at @ Circle G,  ended up being "keepers". Ray always liked a horse that was an easy keeper. 

Recently, me & the "keepers" took Ray out to lunch. We had a great time sharing memories and laughing a lot about old times. Again, THE STORIES  !!! 

Probably my best memory of Ray, is his heartfelt gratitude for the time we spent together that day. 

Trish
("Circle W"  - Ray's nickname for me)

I'm so very very sorry to hear of Ray's passing.  My condolences to his family.  He was one of a kind.  A father figure to many keeping his eye on all the barn kids ALL the time. His barn running skills I so hated as a child ironically I have adopted in my adult life.  I literally have turned into a mini Ray.   He will be truly missed by many.  I have many fond memories of the barn,the diner the hay fields and the annual Christmas parties.  I'm glad I got to see you recently.  RIP Ray, Love ya, sherri

OBITUARIO

Ray J. Gooding

22 abril, 1925 – 23 enero, 2019

Della Vecchia Funeral Home

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