Why Raymond David?

I wrote this in my personal journal today and wanted to share it. I hope it will help you all better understand why I made this blog.

"Last night and today I setup the blog Raymond David. I set it up while thinking about my father. It made me feel good to remember him. Lara, Ben and Whitney all signed up with the blog today. I was surprised how fast I got a response when I sent out the invitations. I hope the blog will allow all of us to record our memories of Dad so that we can get to know him a little better even though he is gone.

I feel like I never got to say goodbye to him. It was really hard for me the day that Jon called me with the news. I got a message from Jon, and as soon as I heard his voice, I knew that Dad had died. I always felt like I didn't see him that often after Mom and Dad were divorced, and most of the time it feels the same way. Like I just haven't seen him in a while. Last night, while setting up the blog, I realized that it has already been 7 years. I guess I don't worry too much because I know that I will see him again. There really is no doubt in my mind that I will see him again.

It is sad for me though, because I felt like I never got to really know him when I was young. By the time I really could have, it was too late. Maybe that is why I felt prompted to setup the blog... so I could get to know him better, through those that knew him most.

Even though he did a lot of awful things, I am thankful that my mother always helped me see the good in him. Even when she wanted to kill him she always said, "He has a lot of good points."

I don't know you very well now Dad. But I know I will one day. I love you."

Obituary: Raymond David Ranes M.D.

I was researching Dad's name today and came across the obituary posted in the Deseret News. It reminded me of the day I heard the news while on my mission. I still have not been able to go see his grave. I hope to take Raymond, Henry and Janae some day soon.

"In memory of our loving father Raymond David Ranes M.D. who always surprised us and lived an adventurous life. After a long battle with cancer he left the cares of this life behind August 13, 2002.

Raymond was born in Ashland, IL Jan 22, 1927 he was a twin and lost his dear brother, Richard at birth. He was the son of Raymond Shields Ranes and Esther Lois Brown. He was a gifted medical doctor and helped many people throughout his career. He graduated third in his medical class from Bowman Gray School of Medicine Class of 1956. He was a veteran who served in both the Navy and Air Force.

He was married twice and is survived by three sisters, eleven children, and nine grandchildren. He also left behind three loving sisters.

Our father taught us many things and we will dearly miss him. He had a great sense of humor and lived life to the fullest. He loved animals and the great outdoors. We are taking him home to Illinois to be buried next to his twin brother in Ashland, IL.

A family graveside service will be Sat. Aug 24, 2002. We are thankful he is at peace and all of his children love him and will miss him."

-See the original internet article here.

A Letter from Raymond to Ben

I found this "needle in a haystack" of junk that Dad left at Kathy Bateman's home in Provo, UT. Kathy called me up in July of 2008, just before graduating from BYU and asked if I wanted some of Dad's old things. Aside from a lot of get-rich-quick reading material, overdraft notices, and a few bows (bow and arrow), I found this letter to Ben. I thought it would be nice to have a copy of Dad's handwriting, and to remember what his letters were like.

About Raymond David

Raymond David Ranes, M.D. (1927 - 2002). What do you remember about him? No one is perfect and not all memories of an individual are positive, but this blog is devoted to preserving the stories, the jokes, and the "good points" of his life.

Please leave a comment or contact aeranes@gmail.com to become an author of this blog.