OBITUARY
Ray Dean Leiker
April 1, 1947 – December 29, 2020
A Life Well-Lived
Ray D. Leiker, born April 1, 1947 in Salina, Kansas to Seraphin (Jerry) and Helen Leiker, unexpectedly passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from a pulmonary embolism. He was predeceased by his parents and his niece, Amy Morse. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Virginia, daughter Amanda Leiker, granddaughters, Sara Lybarger (20) and Madison Lybarger (16), his sister, Janet Morse and husband Carl, and nephews Chris Morse and Mike Morse.
Ray grew up in Salina, KS where he met his future wife, Virginia (Gin) when he was 10 years old. Ray was the paperboy for the neighborhood where they both lived. After dating in high school and college, Ray and Gin married in 1969, and after graduating from Kansas State University where he was a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, moved to Houston in 1972 to pursue his dream of working in architecture. Ray’s entire career was spent in architecture, first with Caudill, Rowlett, and Scott, then as a principal with Bailey Architects and finally as a principal with Shepley Bulfinch. Of all the big projects Ray worked on, he was proudest of his work on the Awty School where he also served on the Board of Trustees for 13 years.
Ray was a member of the American Institute of Architects, President of the Houston Chapter in 2001, the Texas Society of Architects where he was Secretary, 2003 and Vice President, 2005, Houston Architecture Foundation, Secretary/Treasurer, 2004 and President, 2006, and the International Conference of Building Officials. Ray was NCARB Certified, a Registered Architect in TX and MD, and received the Promotion of International Award by the European Council of International Schools in 2004.
Ray’s generous heart was evident in his 30 years working with Rebuilding Together. At least twice a year you could find Ray gathering students from UH School of Architecture or from the Awty School along colleagues to support the less fortunate by painting or restoring parts of homes. The assignment was to paint the houses but Ray always went beyond what was required and would rebuild anything that was falling down, whether it was the porch or a wall.
In addition to a successful career in architecture, Ray had two other passions-sailing his beloved sailboat, Quark, and building beautiful furniture. His sailing buddies remember racing through blinding wind and rain to win a race or just missing a lightning strike coming home from Corpus. Upon his retirement in 2016 Ray built a workshop at the back of his property and spent most of his remaining time there, “making sawdust.” When not in the workshop you could find Ray traveling with Gin and the granddaughters nearly every summer, including the summer of 2019 for three weeks in Austria and Italy.
Ray was a mentor to many young architects where his wisdom, experience and encouragement to do the best work possible inspired many. He is remembered as “old school” because of his high standards for work. Many of his former colleagues have expressed that if they have a problem to solve at work they ask “what would Leiker do?” If concerned about the quality of the end product the standard is whether it would pass his inspection. Ray also was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. We always knew that when something broke around the house he could fix it. If he couldn’t fix it, likely whatever it was, could not be fixed. His gentle kindness and wisdom will be missed.
A visitation will be held 77024 on Monday, January 4, between 4 and 7 p.m. at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A private burial we be held on Tuesday, January 5 at Forest Park Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Memorial City Hermann Hospital ICU staff for their kindness to Ray and the family. If you wish to remember Ray donations may be made in his name to St. Jude’s Hospital or any charity of your choice.
DONATIONS
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Services
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Visitation with the family
Monday, January 4, 2021
Memories
Ray Dean Leiker
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAmanda Leiker
January 19, 2021
I would like to say Thank you!!! Reading all these wonderful, beautiful and heartfelt comments about my daddy has been so beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to tell your stories about how my daddy impacted your life, and or your just general thoughts of him. . It has ment so much to read all your words. My daddy was exactly like everyone has described. Honest,humble,gentle,teacher, patient,and devoted family man. He will forever be missed by all. He will be known to all as Leiker, friend, husband,daddy and grandpa. The heavens have certainly gained an angel. He is probably in heaven designing them a more elaborate Kingdom as I write this. Thank you once again for telling me your memories of my wonderful daddy.
Joshua Medina
January 5, 2021
I moved to Houston after I interviewed with Ray because I could immediately tell he was an honest, caring, approachable teacher. He taught me a great deal about architecture and the business of architecture. I value deeply the time and patience he invested in making me a better architect and leader. His laugh, detailed sketches, and overall kindness and generosity will always be remembered. Thanks for everything, Ray. Rest in Power.
Karen Braitmayer
January 5, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Ray for a few years as an Intern at Bailey Architects and remember him as supportive and calm, with high expectations and a fondness for a laugh. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing and send my condolences to his family.
Adrienne Steadman
January 4, 2021
To Gin, Amanda, and the girls, my sincerest condolences.
I , too, was so fortunate to be in the groups that had the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working with "Leiker" . I can honestly say not a day goes by that I don't reference or share his insights with the new upcoming generation as it pertains to architecture. He was a great mentor, so patient, and believe me his strings of wisdom and humor are continuing on to the next generation.
I'm so glad to have know this man and to have seen and heard his enjoyment in retirement and expounding so proudly on his love of his family. He will be sorely missed.
Tom Beuscher
January 4, 2021
If I say too much about Ray, it will contradict my memory of him as a man of few but wonderfully meaningful and all too often humorous words. I learned to listen carefully when he spoke and then to watch his smile as I gathered in all of what he packed into simple, logical messages. Ray is a fundamental part of the Awty Spirit, and I will always remember that ever present smile.
Erika Schwarz
January 4, 2021
I had the privilege to work with Ray and learn from him in my years as an Intern at Bailey Architects. Even though we didn’t keep in touch after I returned to Guatemala, the lessons learn stayed with me throughout my career. I will always remember him as a great architect and an outstanding human being.
My deepest condolences to the family,
Erika Schwarz
Gladys Wood
January 4, 2021
Virginia ,
You have our deepest sympathy.
Ed and Gladys
Willie Kirkpatrick
January 4, 2021
Dear Gin and Amanda
I was very sadden to hear of Ray's passing. He was truly one of my most admired mentors, and a man that I held in the highest regard for his integrity, commitment to excellence in architecture and his willingness to give back to the community. I can honestly say that having known and worked with Ray for so many years that he helped me to become a better architect and person. I know that he will be missed, however, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
From:
Willie & Patricia Kirkpatrick, you have our deepest condolences.
Joyce Davis
January 3, 2021
Dear Ginny,
It has been so long since I have seen you but my memories of our time working together have not faded. My heart is broken for you. There are no words of comfort except to say I care and will sit in the ashes with you while you grieve. Be well my friend and know that you are remembered.
Joyce
Eileen Reed
January 1, 2021
To Ray's family and friends, what a great loss!
I haven't seen Ray in years... met him when he was with Bailey and he was the mentor, coach, calm and kind, expert partner. Always available to give direction and mentoring to the juniors and committed to excellence in all he and his firm created. Blessings to you, Ray, and to your family , friends and colleagues. You will be greatly missed. I am so fortunate to have known you. Eileen Crowley Reed
Lisa Darling
January 1, 2021
All of us at The Awty International School are so saddened by Ray's passing. He, and Virginia and Amanda, mean so much to us. Ray designed many of Awty's buildings as a true partner with us working to advance our mission. He brought talent to each project, but also great perspective, joy and equanimity. I was , selfishly, so sorry when he decided to retire, but equally, I was so taken by the joy he expressed in the projects he undertook once free from his professional practice. It was such fun to see.
We'll miss Ray. And we'll delight in the many places where his and Virginia's names are on plaques recognizing their many contributions to the school. His legacy will go on in many, many ways, but certainly in our campus too. It was a privilege to know him.
Lots of love and support to Virginia, Amanda, and all of Ray's family. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Mary Welch
January 1, 2021
Virginia, Ernest and I have very fond memories of "A" Ray. We are so sorry to heard about his death. He was wonderful man. Ernest is out of pocket at the moment but he would want you know how much he enjoyed working with Ray and what he learned from him. Mary Welch
Janet Morse
December 31, 2020
I had the privilege of being Ray's only sibling. the dreaded little sister. However, after growing up we enjoyed many phone conversations and visits, sharing the same weird sense of humor only siblings seem to share. I will miss those conversations and everything about my brother. He was a dear, gentle man who will be greatly missed by so many. Til we meet again, sweet brother, beyond the sunset. Love you, Janet
Mariam Arian
December 31, 2020
How many people do we know that by the mere mention of their name one is filled with thoughts of excellence, humility, love of family, love of Architecture, gentleness of soul, respect and admiration, gratitude and indebtedness... “Leiker” will live on in our practice of all that he so humbly and patiently taught us about life… about architecture. We are so fortunate to have learned from the best! Dear Virginia and Amanda, I hope the love you shared help you through this difficult loss.
Richard Buday
December 31, 2020
It is beyond sadness to say how much Ray's passing means to me. I've known Ray for more than 30 years, maybe near 40. We never worked together, at least, directly, but we were frequent collaborators on Houston AIA committees. I looked forward to having dinner with Ray at TXA conventions and our discussions on architecture, life, and the universe for dessert. After we both retired, our chats moved to weekly coffee house meetings and then to Zoom "coffee talks," the last being only a few weeks ago. God's speed, Ray Leiker, and know that your absence is deeply felt. You will be sorely missed.
Carole Wedge
December 31, 2020
At Shepley Bulfinch - we send our condolances to Ray's family - who we know meant so much to him. We had the pleasure of working with Ray for several years after Bailey Architects became part of our firm. He was a generous and thoughtful man who loved the whole architectural process. He deeply cared for his clients and colleagues and was a mentor to countless architects over the course of his career.
Thank you Ray and may you rest in peace.
Pam Vassallo
December 31, 2020
Like so many others, I worked with Ray for many years. I was always touched by his gentle nature and by how much he loves Virginia. Shortly after I started working at RBAI, Ray and I had to attend a project meeting in Orange, Texas. Driving back to Houston that evening, Ray talked non-stop about Virginia with so much love and admiration. I remember thinking..."wow, this is a good man". I will really miss this good man!
Tim Schorre
December 31, 2020
Dear Gin and Amanda,
I am so very sad to hear of Ray's passing. Life is so precious. I had the honor of working with Ray for many years. He was a generous friend, a great mentor and teacher, and a shining example for me of what it can mean to be an architect. In addition to all the good times too numerous to mention here, I especially admired his creativity and his great skill in dealing with challenging situations. I will miss him!
I offer my heartfelt condolences to you in this difficult time of transition.
Tim Schorre
Sam Waugh
December 31, 2020
Dear Virginia and Amanda,
I have met and worked with literally thousands of people in my time at Awty. I have been lucky enough to have encountered some fantastic people, but I say this in all sincerity and without hyperbole, Ray looms as the most selfless, kindest, most humble of them all. He and I enjoyed just visiting in the many times we found ourselves in meetings together, and I am pleased that the last we spoke I had enough sense to thank him for everything he had done for the School. He has proven himself irreplaceable, in my mind, but he is not forgotten.
All my best,
San Waugh
Don Davis
December 31, 2020
I will not be able to come visit on Monday, but I wanted you to know how much Ray meant to me! He was a mentor and friend for many years, he was patient, kind, and generous!
I have missed working with him since he retired, but happy he was able to finally do what he loved, spend time with his family!
We have lost a wonderful person and I send my deepest condolences!
Mark Boone
December 31, 2020
Ray was a superb architect as well as a kind, honest, loyal friend, and generous person. One of his passions was to share his knowledge of the practice of architecture with younger members of the firm. There are countless numbers of architects that benefitted from Ray's mentoring.
Another passion was sailing (or, more precisely working on his sailboat and talking about sailing). I cannot personally attest to his sailing skills, and will leave that to Ken Webb and others. I do, however, recall his stories of near misses with lightning strikes and giant tankers.
As he approached retirement, it became apparent that Ray had found great joy in spending quality time with family, especially his granddaughters. Because of that, I would expect that these last several years were some of his happiest.
Rest in peace, Ray. You will be sorely missed by many, many people.
Janet Rees
December 31, 2020
Ray was a high-school classmate for whom I had a great deal of respect. I dont really have a specific memory but I hope his family can feel peace.