Name: Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home
Address: Rochester, NY

Ray was one of the first to welcome Rebecca and me to Rochester, and we soon came to love his music. He was a truly 'honest' singer of traditional and contemporary songs. More recently I frequented his house to participate in his monthly songwriting workshops. Just a wonderful man whose passing is a huge loss to the Rochester community.

Ray was an extraordinarily kind man, who put his heart and soul into each song he sang or wrote. He fully committed to the song (even while his car was being towed away!).
Ray was the absolute anchor of our little songwriting collective over 35 years, and most often served as its gracious host. He was a heartbeat of folk music in Rochester with his radio show and house concerts.
I will miss Ray's smile, his sweet voice, his unfailing kindness and charity, as well as the times he might surprise us with a bit of pointed sarcasm, or by performing a "power rock" classic at a singaround.
"Take care my friend..."
Al Power

When I lived in Rochester in the 1980s and was active in Golden Link, I was always impressed by Ray's beautiful, heartfelt singing and playing.  I loved the way he sang "Oh, the Wind and the Rain." He was sincere and kind, and would even let me know when he played one of my songs on his show. News of his passing has touched and saddened me.  Ray was one of the reasons I cherished -- and miss -- Rochester's folk music community.   

We are so sorry to hear about Rays passing. Karen and I have known Ray for many years, going back to early years of Golden Link. No one could sing a song with Rays intensity. We shared with Ray the joy of meeting Bill Staines at the Buffalo Folk Festival (1973) and bringing Bill to Rochester. It's ironic that both Bill and Ray died within a few weeks of each other. We will miss Rays sweet singing and friendship. All sing Angel Band,   Bob and Karen Olyslager.

Maggie and family,

     I was sorry to hear of your dad's passing.  I knew Ray from his other life—we worked together at Hatch-Leonard/Markin-Shaw, Inc. Ray was an excellent insurance consultant who always put his clients first. We knew his first love was folk music, yet his commitment  to excellence and character was clearly a part of his whole life.  We admired his simple dedication, his humility, and his diligence on the part of those who entrusted him with their risk management.
   Please accept my condolences—it was an honor to know and work with Ray Baumler.



To me, Ray and folk music will always be inextricable. I treasure the songs he chose, the way he sang, his connections to the music and the audience. But although I knew Ray only through folk music, I also know there was more than that to Ray. I was honored to experience his kindness, his intelligence, his knowledge, his gentle candor, and his courage in the face of life's serious challenges. Although Ray is not with us now, his link in the golden chain is steadfast.

I never met Ray, but feel like I knew him from his radio show. He brought a lot to my life through that show…I moved back to Rochester a decade ago and Ray and Scott Regan’s shows were a welcome discovery. 

Ray worked with and was a friend of my ex, Paul Miller. He was good to us and sang at our wedding. We were introduced to so many songs in the litany of folk and he encouraged my singing. I hired him and Sue to come sing for the children at Hochstein arts camps and they were delightful to work with. May his memory be a blessing to those who knew and loved him. Peace to you, Ray, and to those who were lucky to know and hear your songs. 

Ray was part of our extended folk music community, and we'll miss him.  We always looked forward to our encounters, he was a joy to sing for (or to listen to), and his dedication to his radio show  played a big part in making the Rochester folk community so strong. So sorry to hear of his passing.

To my very great friend and buddy, I have been part of your family since 1986. We have been through a lot together. Thank you, Ray for many memorable and happy holidays through the years, we have shared. They will be missed. Most of all, thank you for making me a part of your family and loving me like a son. I loved all the happy times we have shared. I loved your music and all you had done to entertain everyone. I will truly miss you. You will always be with me, in my heart. love you buddy.  Peter

My fondest memories of Ray date back to 1988 when we were part of a small musicians' collective we called Flour City Folk in Rochester, NY.  We would gather weekly to share original songs with each other and offer feedback. Our regular gatherings  strengthened our bonds with each other and the outcome was the production of an album  - a  oblation of two songs by each member with vocal and musical back up by other members. It was great fun and Ray was consistently calm, clear-headed and a a source of support and encouragement. 
His own songs were and remain profound, genuine and well-crafted.
He was an important part of the Golden Link folk community, contributing time and treasure in various ways. His long-running folk music show on WRUR FM was a rare showcase for old, traditional music along with new releases, up and coming artists and local musicians. I hoped there is an archive of these somewhere - to enjoy in years to come.


Ray and I were friends for over 35 years. We delighted in each others love of music. I will miss my friend terribly. The world will be a colder place without Ray.

May we all treasure melodies, like Ray.   They brought him comfort.

We will only think of the happy days when we remember you, Ray.

Dear Sue and Ray's family members - it was so sad to hear of Ray's passing.  He was a wonderful, talented man, and you had many years together, making beautiful music.  Take care.
Betty Smits
Golden Link Folk Singing Society

OBITUARY

Raymond A. Baumler

August 7, 1937 – December 18, 2021

Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home

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