Hugs to Mrs Tilson, Brian and Aaron. So many fond memories hanging out at Brian's house. Pop Tilson always had a smile and made you feel at home. Such a kind hearted man and he will be missed. Love you.

During what was previously the hardest part of my life, my grandpa said something to me that will stick with me and give me strength for the rest of my life. At the time, my best friend of 18 years who I grew up with, our family dog Roscoe, had stopped eating, and it was clearly soon to be his time. I was carrying him through the house, checking to see if he wanted water, letting him potty and desperately trying to get him to eat. Despite this, I was trying to be strong and optimistic for my family, to try and at least bring a single ray of sunshine for them through the clouds, since we were all hurting. But obvious to everyone I was faultering, and my heart was being torn apart while I could only watch him helplessly.
The night before he died, I was carrying him back downstairs to my room to tuck him into my bed so he could sleep comfortably. And at the top of the stairs my grandpa, being the soft-hearted man he is, started crying. And he turned to me, and through his tears and his choked voice told me, "He's so lucky to have you."
At that moment, at the hardest point in my life up to that point, my grandpa thought to make me feel like a wonderful person. I don't think he put any thought into it, he just said exactly what he was thinking through his breaking heart. But he was such a good person that all he had to do was say what he was thinking and meant the world to the people around him, especially me.
So I want to return the favor, and tell him, "We were so lucky to have you." And say that he didn't even have to try like I did, like I do; he was just naturally our "Ray" of sunshine.
I love you so much grandpa. Even if I wish I could have told you this while you were with us, I know you're reading this now, and I hope you're proud of me.

Uncle Ray was one of those special and genuine people that God only made one of.  He was always kind, caring and loving.  He was one of the most generous people I knew, and I am blessed to have him as a Uncle.  He would always brighten up the room when he walked in.  Some of my fondest memories are from the years we would spend the 4th of July at the Tilson's house.  It was an annual tradition in our family for quite a long time.  Uncle Ray would man the grill, while Aunt Charlotte worked away in the kitchen, and everyone else would help get things set up here and there.  Except us kids of course, we would run amok as usual, or hang out downstairs watching MTV or playing Atari until it was time to eat.  I always looked forward to the hamburgers that Uncle Ray would grill up.  I don't know why.  I think that because he made them, it made them special.  Anything he touched became more special.  He was like the King Midas of happiness, and a karma billionaire.  I remember when he taught me how to play horse shoes, and how excited I was to be on his team when we would all play.  I would always try so hard not to mess up, I didn't want to disappoint him.  But that's the thing.  He would never show any negativity or disappointment.  Instead, he would always offer encouragement and wisdom to make you better.  I remember Uncle Ray always happy.  If you weren't happy for some reason, he would always cheer you up and make you smile with him.  You will always be a part of my life Uncle Ray.  I love you.  I hope I get to be on your team when we play horse shoes in heaven.

Mr. Tilson touched so many lives in the very best way.  I am grateful I got to know Mr.Tilson, he touched a lot lot of lives with his kindness. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I share my condolences with you.Let the special memories we all had of him get you through this difficult time.
We loved him.

With love,
Katica and Richard Allison 

OBITUARY

Buster "Ray" Tilson

March 21, 1932 – February 6, 2022

Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services