Peter Eudave Ray

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Peter Eudave Ray who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Peter was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Peter knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Peter was born on March 13, 1963 at Greater Bakersfield Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield, California. His parents were Edward and Socorro Ray. Peter was raised in San Diego, California. Even as a youngster, Peter learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Peter was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Peter was raised with eight siblings. He had seven older brothers; William, Randy, Steve, Charlie, Greg, George and Eddie Jr. and one older sister Kathie. Peter had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Peter, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Peter's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Peter enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Peter took part in football and baseball. He was a football player for Los Toros Youth Football. Peter's memorable achievements included.

In school, Peter was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Peter was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Peter’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Peter was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Peter was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Peter came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jose San Vicente and Ruben Gomez.

An objective and conscientious individual, Peter reveled in the security of his family. On October 12, 1985 Peter exchanged wedding vows with Maria Socorro Covarribias at the St. John of the Cross Catholic Church of Lemon Grove, California. One of Peter’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Peter was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Peter would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Peter was blessed with four children, one son, Peter Jr.; three daughters, Raquel; Sonia and Valeria.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Peter was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Peter was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Peter upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a Plastering Contractor. He was self employed for 16 years with Ray Plastering. Peter was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Peter approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits was a a coach for Youth Football in 15 years. Peter was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Peter to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Peter played football. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Oakland Raiders.

A civic-minded person, Peter was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Peter was a member of several community groups, including serving and helping his communities including the stuccoed domes at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.

Faith was important to Peter. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.

Peter was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Peter’s favorites was Duke, a German Shepherd dog. They were best friends for 6 years.

Peter passed away on October 3, 2015 at at his own residence in Lemon Grove, California. He fought a good fight against cancer. Peter is survived by his wife Maria; his children Peter Jr.; Raquel; Sonia; and Valerie; his grandson Isaiah; father Edward; brothers William; Steve; Randy; Greg; George and Eddie; and his sister Katie. Also many other family members and friends.

A Vigil Service and Funeral Mass were held at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Lemon Grove, California. Peter was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, California.

All who knew him would agree that Peter was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Peter Eudave Ray did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.