Ray Duran Pena

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Ray Duran Pena. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable, giving and hospitable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Ray was a talkative person but typically said what he meant.

He was the son of Francisco and Matilda Pena. Ray was raised in the Central Valley. During his childhood he learned how to survive because his parents passed away when he was a young man. The skills he learned from his Father and Mother would keep him going in life.

Ray was frequently the one who would be the life of the party with family and friends. Ray was one of nine siblings. He had four brothers, Frank, Richard, Joe and Robert, and four sisters, Angie, Mercy, Cruz and Mary. Ray and his siblings had the typical rivalries but they would always try to work things out. He cared deeply for them all.

Ray was always enthusiastic about new adventures. One thing Ray will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go.

For Ray, the school routine was not your normal 12 years and graduate, he only got a grade school education and with that he was able to achieve and learn to drive trucks and support his wife and 3 children. He always had the best of things because he worked hard throughout the years.

There was one thing that all of Ray's family and friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a good story teller. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything and he knew everything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Ray was such a popular person throughout his life. Ray was a provider, hard worker, dependable, and loyal. Ray was a kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Ray was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Ray enjoyed attending family events especially when he could dance with his lovely wife Toby. When Ray made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. Some of his best friends were Pete Gulin and Jesse Gulin. Later in life, he became friends with Morris Dadato, Babe Piombino, Louie Salazar, Butch Garcia, Thor, Lionel Sierra and The Avina’s.

Ray was a loving person he loved taking pictures with those he loved especially his wife Toby. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Ray cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. Ray was blessed to have a loving wife Toby who proceeded in death in 2006, two sons, survived Ray, Jr., and Larry proceeded in death 2004, and one daughter, survived Sonya.

His primary occupation was Truck Driver. He was employed by several trucking companies through the years, Ganduglia Trucking, American Transfer, South Bay Transportation and Alegra Trucking.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Ray, and he expected the same from those around him. Ray was a hard worker, someone who was born to give and help others. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Ray enjoyed his family time, trucking, dancing, and spending money. His favorite pursuit was dancing.

Ray was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in his life. Ray also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite team whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list was the San Francisco Giants. “GO GIANTS”.

Not only did Ray enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Las Vegas and Camping.

Ray was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Tiny (Poochala) Wired Hair Terrier, who was a best friend for 15 years. His family raised and sold many dachshunds, to many to name.

Since it was easy for Ray to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Ray was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2007. He enjoyed going to McDonald's every morning, and spending time with his grandchildren. Even in retirement, Ray stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances.

In February of 2013 Ray was diagnosed with Kidney failure which he never wanted to accept but it was the inevitable he needed to be on dialysis. He fought everyday but the fight got to be too much. He lived life to the fullest. He even enjoyed it all up until the last week when he had his favorite things like See’s peanut brittle and Peanut Butter cookies.

Ray passed away on December 15, 2015 at Northpoint Health & Wellness Center. He is survived by children Ray, Jr., Sonya; his siblings Joe, Richard, Robert, Mary, and Cruz; his grandchildren Desiree, Lewis, Christopher, Alysha, Stephanie, Monica, and Laura; his great grandchildren Victor (”Cheetto”), Jocelyn, Angelina, Chris, Brianna, Brayden, and Hayley. Services were held at Sacred Heart Church. Ray was laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery in Fresno, California on Monday, December 28, 2015.

Ray was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Ray was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Ray was a Son, Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Great Great Grandpa, and Friend who will forever be missed by all who knew him. We thank God to have been blessed to have had him in our lives. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Ray Duran Pena.