Renona I was so sorry to hear about Ray.  It seems like just yesterday that he shared pictures of your new home and family.  When I think of you and Ray, I remember all the times we spent together watching Fresno State games.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I am a cousin of Ray and Richard Sawatzky; Ray was about 1 year, 8 months older than me. As we grew up, we often shared holidays and special family events together in Reedley and at the home of our Braun family grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa Braun’s home was easily within range for family visits with multiple aunts and uncles.  However, this became less easy and frequent for Ray and me as Ray and I graduated from high school and Ray served in the U.S. Air Force. Then in 1964 I married and in 1969 Pat and I moved to southern California to finish my formal education and  in 1974 Pat and I moved to Texas.  However, nearly every year after 1974, Pat and I visited our families in Fresno and during our stay in Fresno Ray and his brother Richard and my brother Kenneth and I and the 4 of us often got together to attend one or more sporting events including Fresno State football, or softball, or baseball, or basketball, or Fresno Grizzly minor league baseball games – whatever was in season.  What made our shared games very special for Ken and me was Ray’s and Richard’s incredible  knowledge of all things in sports! They could recall nearly any detail of current or historical information or statistics for college or professional teams and athletes. We always had loads of fun while together on these occasions. However, as Ray and I aged we both began accumulating the usual physical issues that come with aging. So in recent years Ray and I stayed loosely in touch with occasional phone calls. But as we both aged our memories also  began to be clouded with gaps and uncertainties so we would commiserate about needing this or that to adjust to our declines in health. Ray was always impressively dedicated to and I admired him for doing a daily collection of therapies. He always sought to do his best. With Ray’s passing I feel I have lost a very good and longtime friend, and I look forward to a happy and close heavenly rejoinder when we meet again on the other side. Condolences

I was privileged to work for Ray while at Fresno in Payroll. As a boss, Ray was kind, quirky and wielded a dry wit that kept those around him sharp. When he married my friend Renona, I was fortunate to become his friend as well. I give Ray full credit for teaching me to save money, do the hard work, and to strive to be fair.  In the past few years, it has been an a joy to see how much Ray loved, and was loved by his family. My heart goes out to Renona, Matthew, Phai and the girls.

Will miss texts and updates and his friendship. He has been through a lot with his health. Much thoughts and prayers for his trials. Always hoping for best! Now time has come to say goodbye for now and is now on journey home. Not is all lost, in short time, we will soon see him again. Till then , let all good thoughts of him, fill out minds and hearts. "To live is to die, to die is to gain", eternity. Blessings Ray!

Ray, Richard, Gary Becker and I had a standing lunch date every  Wednesday for many years.  I was so sorry to hear the news of his passing.  I enjoyed the many Fresno State basketball games which  we attended.  My condolences to Renona,  Matthew and the family

Renona, I was so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing.   I have no concept of what you are going through but I know you will move forward with strength and determination. Best wishes.

Graveside Service

OBITUARY

Ray Allen Sawatzky

August 2, 1942 – January 22, 2026

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel

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