Ray Louis Giroux

Ray was born November 7, 1956, in Berkeley, California to Joseph Lars and Beverly (Beauchamp) Giroux. He graduated from Bloomington High School and continued his education with the interest of computer science and technology. Ray later pursued licensing for pest control and started several successful businesses. He married Cindy Able in 1976, they began their family quickly, and had 6 children by 1981.

Ray will be fondly remembered for his quirky personality, always making those around him laugh, cracking jokes, and pulling pranks. He had a love for cinema which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. He especially loved thrillers, Sci-Fi, horror, and Disney, but he appreciated all forms of the art. Ray could always be counted on for bringing movies by the dozen along with snacks and treats at every social visit. His home was retro, movie, arcade, and pop culture themed which was a nod to his fun-loving personality and love of nostalgia.

Conversations with Ray would always include his interest in politics, his faith, his lifelong interest in hotrods, love of the outdoors, his furry best friends Angel and Buttons, his insatiable appetite for cheeseburgers and mayonnaise, how proud he was of his children, and the love of his life, Cindy.

Ray was a man who was always on the go. He always had a project going and one in the works.

His colorful, nomadic lifestyle made moments difficult, but he was a loving and giving man. He took pride in spoiling his loved ones and his heart was always in the right place.

Ray is survived by his 6 children; twins: Carrie (Dave) Johansen of Pontiac, IL, and Jennie (Allen Laurence) Giroux of Normal, IL; Darbie (Jeff Rush) Giroux of McLean, IL; Joshua (Megan) Giroux of Towanda, IL; Joseph (Sami) Giroux of Bloomington; Ray Jr (Rachel) of Waycross, GA; 12 grandchildren; Devon and Jacob Johanson, Dante, Shirley, and Jaydon Williams, Josie, Caleb, Colin, Gavin, Jenna Giroux, Elijah Rush, and Vincent Ray Rush; 2 great-grandchildren; Willow Williams and Alayah Burrows; 1 sister Natalie Giroux of Peoria, IL; step-mother Ruth Giroux of Medford, OR; and lifelong best friend Mark Fagerburg.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife Cindy, and grandson Jack Giroux.

Ray brought excitement to everyone around him and he will be missed by many. Keeping with Ray's wishes there will be no services at this time. The family will gather to celebrate Ray's life in Summer, his favorite season. Donations in his memory can be made to St Jude's Hospital or Shriner's Hospital.