It's so difficult to acknowledge that it's been 2 years since you died. Jan's memories of your great strength helped her immensely last Saturday. We cherish our memories of you.

I bought two jetskis in 1981 when the motor was a 400. I got Ray hooked immediately. We would thunder across the bay jumping the tour boat wakes - until the boats kill their own throttle to kill the wave. Otherwise we'd ride those hydroplane Sea World Boats like a horse across the middle of San Diego Bay. 

I once jumped a wake and a lady holding a tow rope was under me being dragged along. She screamed but managed to keep holding on. It was a sheer jetski circus act by accident. 

I was with Ray Brisson when he hit a sandbar and went face first into that sandbar. I flagged down the largest luxury lot I could see the instant it happened. You should have seen these fat cats leaning over Brisson and wrapping his bleeding face in beach towels. I was so in shock I nearly fell off my own jetski. I could see blood gushing from his face from 100 yards away as this huge multi-story yacht took Brisson away to medical help.  

I also looked up the temps for the day Ray passed away. It was in the high 80's all week and at least 81 Degrees on that day. The asphalt driveway made it even hotter. I think the heat got him. It also killed our mom in 2005 on July 31st her 74h birthday.  You must prevent being hit by overheating on sheerly hot days as you age, just avoid it my friends. 

I miss my Mom and I miss Ray.  They were my true family and we went through a great deal together over the years that we never talked about to strangers. Everything I had I shared with both. My money was their money. I paid rent for both at times. Nothing needed to be said. I promise I've told you things here that Ray never mentioned. He was kind to strangers and friends alike. A real animal lover. I never saw him angry with anyone but me - for letting him down. 

I am Ray's brother, 'Ronny.' I notice someone commented on the many variations of his name (and mine] just as a life note. We were military brats. We moved 19 times in 17 years that I can count and remember back to 1959 when I was 3 and my memory began. 

Ray was always out for the sports [and on every team that mattered] at the youngest age.  He was widely considered an excellent athlete at a very young age. The reason his name varies from Raymond to Ray from 'Ray N' to Raymond Neil' and Raymond Niel' is same as my reasons, Ron N Hinton, Ronald Nelson Hinton, to just Ronald Hinton. Neither Ray or I have an official middle name. 

In the Navy, into which we were both born, they entered 'N' for 'no middle name' on the forms for both of us. At some point as children we asked mom what that 'N' is for because schools keep asking us. She made up middle names, [N]eil for Ray and [N]elson for me.  

So at one school I decided to be called Nelson for six months until we moved again to a new school district, then I'd tell them to call me 'Ron' or 'Ronald' or 'Ronny' it was entirely up to me. Ray and I had the same type of misunderstandings about our middle name as students and all the schools we went to.  Calling him 'Raymond Neil Hinton' says a lot more - once you realize the history - and now you do.

 Our parents divorced at age 3 for me and age 7 for Ray. He was my only male role model in our family. There were no other males.  Twice as a kid he went after bullies, once for stealing my jacket and another for stealing my bike. He got both back and said nothing about how he did it both times. 

I think he scared the hell out of someone - because each time the bullies disappeared from my life entirely.  His sports ability always made me look like Jerry Lewis by comparison, along with nearly every other guy present while growing up.  Ray can send a baseball into outer space. I've seen him do it many times. 

Thank you all - and I miss my brother. 

Ronny Nelson Hinton

I am Ray's brother - he called me 'Ronny' as if we were still kids. Ray saved my life when we lived with relatives in Mississippi when he was 12 and I was 8. I fell into a creek and sank to the bottom. I was looking up thinking, "this is beautiful!! - Then I see Ray's face appear with a gush of whitewash around it in this clear water. He went face first to the bottom and pulled me up like Superman himself. I stared at him for ten minutes afterward thinking "My brother loves me." 

I watched him be taught to fire a 12 gauge shotgun for first time on the farm to fend off snakes when the adults are not around. A blast, smoke, a floating shotgun - and Ray is already halfway around the barn at a full sprint. Ray excelled in Sports like a poster boy for School Sports Letters. He had them all. I (and all my friends) were always amazed how talented he is in sports of all sorts. I'd show off his letter jackets to my 5th grade friends. 

A back injury from sports caused him to not be in the military, though he did try to enlist in the Navy at 19.  He was depressed that his back injury sent him home. Our dad Clarence Claude (CC) Hinton was a Navy hero and has a glacier named after him, look it up.  Our grandfather on mom's side died in the Atlantic in 1943 in the Merchant Marines and our Great Uncle died at Pearl Harbor walking to Church in his dress whites with no place to hide. The entire male side of our mom's family was wiped out by 1943.  

I eventually paid for his Computer Schooling while going to College on GI Bill.  Mom and I bought him an entire wardrobe for good impressions. Ray was meant for better things than a perfect forklift driver in a warehouse.  That was the best $18,000 I ever spent in 1985-86. I watched him skyrocket in the field - like I knew he would.  I never saw him happy until he met Laura. I am proud to say I did what I could to make the brother who 'loves me' a success and as happy as possible. There is a God. 

Thank you Ray !!

Ron Hinton

Ray was our neighbor for 10 years and we would enjoy watching him work on his jet skis without a shirt, having a good time. Ray had a great smile and a kind spirit.  He will be missed dearly,  may he rest in peace.

We wish we would have be able to spend more time with Ray but living in Michigan it was hard to do so.  Every time we did we had so much fun.  Ray had a great smile and laugh and had a larger than life personality.  Thanks for sharing all of your photos and memories, they are so special just like Ray was!  We will miss him.  Sending you our love, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Ray and I met at General Dynamics many years ago.  We frequently worked late nights on computer projects where we became friends.  Over the years, we became best friends.  Ray’s personality would light up the room when he entered.  His enthusiasm and great humor were contagious.  He was a very charitable man who would give you anything you needed.  I always looked forward to his invitation to join him for jet skiing adventures.  Ray will be greatly missed.

Ray always made you feel welcome when you came to a party or event.    We both married into the Cooke/Pearson clan, and celebrated many a Christmas in Buffalo.  Ray was right, San Diego is the place to live!!  Ray was a very proud and enthusiastic father and grandfather.  We all have wonderful shared moments with him and many memories to cherish.  Peace.

I am Delphine and I joined the family via Laura's nephew, James, in 2010. My introduction to Ray came with a warning. He shook my hand, leaned in, and whispered, "Watch out for the redheads, especially those two." He raised his eyebrows and flashed a huge smile as he nodded toward Laura and Janice, my mother-in-law.

Uncle Ray brought sparkle to our family gatherings with his beautiful laughter. I thank Ray and the Hinton family who raised him for bringing love and eternal life through Robin and Jax to my Aunt Laura. He is absolutely missed very much. I will miss his bear hugs. 



Laura and Ray have been my neighbors for 19 years. Ray was always outside with his dog and cats early in the morning. No shirt, no shoes, no problem.  One of the many things Ray always had was a smile. He was out on the weekends cleaning and fixing his jet skis, always with a smile and enjoying life. Ray will be missed by so many, family, friends, neighbors and his animals.
 "Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.--Mother Teresa
Ray got this...RIP
Ellen

I have known Ray for many years, but my fondest memory of him is probably when we went jetskiing in San Diego Harbor.  My wife treasured a picture of me on the jetski, and put it on her credit card.

Ray,	
Words cannot express how much you mean to our family, and the countless ways in which you’ve touched our lives. 
Although having met under less than ideal circumstances, we feel blessed that you met my sister, later married, and ended up giving us the precious gift of our niece Robin. Because of you, she was able to meet the wonderfully loving Justin, and along came the next blessing, Jaxson. 
We are beyond grateful for having gotten to know not only you, but your family as well. We were fortunate enough to witness not just the love you had for your family, but that of your friends, and your unwavering support of the Armed Forces and it’s Service Members. 
We know you’ll always be watching over us all; always on our minds and forever in our hearts. 

Peace, Light and Love, 

Brian and Julie Cooke.


Robin and Laura -- 
Ray's genuine smile was so welcoming whenever I would come to your house! He seemed to always be in such a positive mood. 

I am thankful for the numerous days spent on the bay -- jet skiing during the day and having a bonfire at night.  Those days with your family are some of my favorite memories from my teenage years, and they would not have happened without Ray. 

Sending love to you both!
Veronica

I'm deeply saddened by the sudden loss of your beloved husband, devoted father, and grandfather.   When I think of Ray, I remember  how much my late father admired him.   They both loved to golf.   My dad would inquire often about how Ray was doing, and he always made time to visit my parents when he came to Buffalo.  My dad enjoyed their conversations immensely.  

My heart breaks for Laura, Robin, Justin & Jax's tremendous loss, and your family will continue to be in my thoughts.

Love Terry

My fondest memories of Ray are through Jet-Skiing and especially the USO.Ray had a passion for those who had served our country.One time we all met  on Mission Bay while hosting the Wounded Warriors. Ray Knew someone with a Jetboat and had him come out. He also arranged for Ross Champion to come out...who at the time was the reigning #1 trick Jet -Skier in the world.Ray then flagged down a Lifeguard and SDPD boat and asked them to escort the Wounded Warriors and the JetBoat. Ross used the wake of the boat to showcase all his talents...acrobats spins jumps! Ross made everyone smile and so did Ray. We also used to launch from Shelter Island and then go over to "The Pennant" in Mission Beach for breakfast. Another favorite of ours was Jet-Skiing on San Diego Bay and then heading over to Joes Crab Shack for lunch or sometimes we would call it a day and head over to El Indio for some Mexican food. Many fun/fond memories .We will miss that laugh!! "Chadster and Miss Kate" 

For the people who read this I am the great grandfather of Jaxson and the few times we meet Ray impressed me as a very sociable guy. I still remember him dancing at Robin and Justin's wedding, what a outstanding performance of course Robin was pretty good.

It was an honor to know Ray,

For the past ten years we have been Rays neighbors always fixing or washing his jet skies, always with a big smile, always on the go, always with a quick “hey buddy how’s your day”, always walking his beloved dogs or looking over his cats. You could always count on Ray to greet you with a good morning or good night even to my parents that speak very little English but somehow they would communicate. He had great stories and would let me know once you get married life will change buddy and you will have to get rid of that sports car. Life did change and I did end up getting rid of my sports car. He laughed when I came with my new sedan but said make sure you get a jet ski I’ll teach you some cool moves.Ray loved his family and recently all he would talk about is his grandson with a huge smile and how smart he is.

We will miss Ray but know he lived a wonderful life with his family by his side. Take care buddy.

Our deepest condolences from the Toledo - Martinez family.

 Laura and Ray have been my neighbors for over 19 years. Ray was usually outside every morning with his dog Noah. Shorts, no shirt, no shoes,  always a big smile on his face. On the weekends Ray had their jet skies out, fixing, cleaning with a smile on his face. He always made me smile.  Ray will be missed by many, family, friends and neighbors.
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love"-- Mother Teresa
Ray knew this. RIP

Ray's laugh and smile are the best!  Especially around family and friends.   Father-Daughter dance at Robin's wedding and anytime Nix & the 'other Ray' were in the room:  buckle your seatbelts, back-off, & holdout to your lug nuts; nothing was off limits, no sacred cows, plenty of smarts, raid-fire sarcasm, and lots of fun!  Rest In Peace Ray Hinton.

I had the pleasure to know Raymond for about the last 10 years. We met on the golf course through our mutual friend Charlie and became golfing buddies. He always greeted me with a big hug and "how you doing Cob?" I felt like he was my big brother. We were the two least serious of our golf foursome, while others would be studying putts we would be giggling over some joke.  He was a pleasure to spend time with and I will miss him dearly until we meet again on the big green golf course. 

He was always happy and had a great sense of humor. He loved life and family after talking to him you could see it all over his face
I’ll remember his laughter and huge smile 
I’m sorry for your loss and nothing but hugs and prayers to get past this difficult time 

Our Condolences 
Glenn and Desiree



Laurie & Robin,
We are so sorry for your tremendous  loss and you have all been in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that all of your wonderful memories of Ray bring you comfort and peace. 
Sending you lots of love from Buffalo,
Sara & Family

Ray and I have been good friends since 83 at GDE.  He was a legend on our softball team at work and after that we played basketball and golfed all the time. There isn’t a day that goes bye that I don’t think of him. We helped each other quite a bit in our scheduling field. A gentle giant he was quick to trash talk our two fellow golfers Nix and Dennis. We didn’t win many times but when we did the whole world knew.  RIP brother until we meet again. 

Thoughts and prayers going out to you all. Ray was a sweetheart and I will always remember his spunky personality. 

The Blasko, Zendejas and Johnson Family ❤️

Our deepest condolences to Laura, Robin, Justin, and Jax. All of you are in our thoughts in this time. We appreciate all the laughter that Ray inspired in those around him. Love, Paul, Bayan, and Rafa

Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura, Robin, Justin and Jax. We remember how much Ray loved you and how proud he was of each of you. Love, Bill and Jan

OBITUARY

Raymond Neil Hinton

January 25, 1952 – October 26, 2019

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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