Raymond Peter Amador

He was born in Santa Maria in 1936 and passed away in San Jose on August 4, 2024. Ray is survived by his wife Cynthia Amador, his son Damon, preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Amador, and four sisters. Jeffie, Didi, Matilde, and Janie. His parents were Jose Trinidad Amador of Tecolotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, and Mercedes Siordia Amador of San Sebastian de Oeste, Nayarit, Mexico. The Amador family came to Santa Maria in the 1920's and remained, where most of the children were born.

He had eight brothers and sisters. Herminia (Jeffie) Amador, Juanita (Janie) Manriquez, Baltazar (Joe) Amador, Matilde (Matt) Poole, Domitila (Didi) Marshall, Mary Terrones, Phyllis Rye and Jose Trinidad Amador Jr. He is survived by siblings Baltazar (Joe) Amador, Mary Terrones, Phyllis Rye, and Jose Trinidad Amador Jr. Many loving nephews and nieces also survive him. Ray attended Santa Maria High School, in Santa Maria, California, and graduated in 1955. He was a real track star and he set a California CIF State High School track record in the 660-yard run. He was also a member of the winning 440-yard relay team. As a result, he was always a fan of the Olympics which he loved to watch. Ray then attended and graduated from Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Ray made many lifetime friends in High School who survived him. Ernie Corral, Jimmy Rodriguez, and Terry Nunez were some of his closest friends.

Ray served honorably in the US Army in Fort Bragg, California, and Greenland before he came back to civilian life. Ray worked at the Sherwin Williams Paint and Frazee Paint Stores in Santa Maria, California. where the majority of house painting contractors considered him to be the best "by the eye" mixologist of paint in the city of Santa Maria. This was before the advent of computer mixing so his expertise as an artist came to the fore.

He was an accomplished artist. Having made a birthday Sphinx sculpture for his wife Cynthia, Linda Marqueda, and Gabi Torre's birthday one year. He also made drawings for his nephews and nieces. He also made a wonderful portrait drawing of his father which is hanging in his brother Joe's home. He even gave his golf putter to his nephew Damien Medina in San Jose who treasures it to this day. Ray, according to his brother Trini had the closest resemblance to their father Jose Trinidad Amador of all his brothers. A true compliment as he was a handsome man of stature and composure.

For many years Ray loved to bake cakes and cookies for his family's enjoyment. He truly enjoyed weekend meals and gatherings with his many family members and enjoyed visiting his San Jose family and would faithfully visit his hometown for family gatherings and BBQs in Santa Maria as well. There is no question that Ray was unequivocally loved by his San Jose branch family where he ended up residing with his wife Cynthia in San Jose. That same sentiment is extended by his extended Santa Maria family from the West Coast to Montana, Denver, New Mexico, and the East Coast to Florida where he had many beloved nephews, cousins, and nieces that genuinely loved and cared for him. Ray was naturally funny where he could make you laugh at the drop of a hat, he was a true wit and unquestionably an intelligent person. Ray was truly loved by his family in both communities of San Jose and Santa Maria. Ray, we will forever miss seeing your great smile and having the wonderful company and super familial conversations that we always enjoyed. You were a good man and genuinely loved.

Rest in Peace our Beloved Ray. We will never forget you.

Your Loving Family.

The Torres and Amador families of San Jose and Santa Maria, California

August 29, 2024