It’s wonderful to hear how other people remember L. Ray, and we know there are a lot of great stories out there.
The comments dated 2011 are from the Chicago Tribune guestbook or our memorial celebration sign-up page.
Hi,
My name is Bill Gilman .I live at the Jersey Shore.I worked in New York City for Marsh &McLennan an insurance brokerage firm.
I started visiting Chicago in the mid 80’s and soon met Lawerance tending bar at PJ Clarke’s.I came to Chicago once a month on business for almost 20 years. Lawrence and I became fast friends.
We did so many crazy things together it would be impossible to recount them all.
The Mud Bug,the OTB on Jackson,Arlington Park,The Breeders Cup at Woodbine,Kingston Mines,The Sardine Bar,the radio show in Key West,Shula’s,Baseball Bill,Johnny Blandino,Mike Seigel,Violet,don’t begin to touch the surface of all the good times I had with Lawerance!
I just found out today of his passing. A bartender at Palm Too in NYC told me. She used to live in Chicago and knew Lawrence.
As you know,Lawrence was a great guy,and I’m truly sorry for your loss. I considered him to be one of my best friends(Who else knew the entire dialogue to the movie “Let it Ride”).
If I can do anything, please contact me!
Hello Bill,
Thanks tons for sharing your L.Ray story. Sounds like you guys had some very good times.
He is missed. We think of him every day.
Only new Larry for a short period of time. I am certainly going to miss the opportunity to talk to him once in a while.
As stated in “Wicked,” Lawrence, “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
I know there a 5 very special Rays greeting, welcoming, and showing you the ropes.
I love and miss you, cousin.
My prayers are with the Ray family. Larry was like a brother to me. I will cherish my memories!!
We will make sure that his Memorial Celebration will be such that if he was there to observe his comment would be “I like your style”! Something that I heard him say countless times over the years!
So very sad. Larry had a timeless cool that was concurrently retro and modern. His dry wit revealed a keen intellect. He was an original. I will miss him. My deepest condolences.
Yo Lawrence,
So sorry – Rest in Peace.
Where to begin? LRay you were a great friend and a huge part of my life. I can’t begin to imagine you not being around to talk to. There is so much that I will miss and there are hundreds of photos and great memories that I will hold in my heart forever. There will never be anyone quite like you LRay, “I will miss you darling”.
He was bigger than life. A great man.
My sympathy to the Ray families loss. Lawrence will be deeply missed. My sister and I grew up with him during the time at FWP. He was a great person. We had many memorable times together for that will live on forever.
Shalom,
Rest in peace, my dear friend. Many a good cheer and kibitz shared with such a good fellow. So many ND vs USC memories. J.Burton
“I was a friend of Larry and worked with him at PJ’s for10 years. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful individual.
He’ll be missed!
We have such fond memories of “L” Ray!
I am deeply saddened by Larry’s death. He was too young to pass, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I had many of laughs and dinners with Larry in his rat pack years at Gibsons. I also enjoyed working along side with him at the opening of The Clubhouse he was a great guy and always had that smirk on his face where you know he was up something! I’ll miss him along with many others!
I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so saddened by El Ray’s passing. Such fond memries of the many fun times we have had together from high school until our 50s.
I am shocked and saddened by the passing of a great friend. I had the pleasure of working side by side with Larry for 7 years. (1987-1994). Although some years have passed since we have spent time together, I guess that’s what time and distance can do, I would think of him often. He was truly a great person and even better friend. My prayers are with his family, and know that the world is a lesser place without him. Rest in peace Larry, you will not be forgotten, and I will miss you daily. Say hi to Jerry for me!
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to Larry Ray’s family. Larry was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Larry my love, I’ll never forget you.
I am so sorry to hear such sad news. I remember Lawrence as an adorable young boy. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
It is difficult to know what to say at times of sorrow and sadness. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Raine, Rick and the rest of his family. Larry was a good friend to us and he will be deeply missed. We have so many fond memories that will always make us smile. Larry may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
So sorry to hear about Lawrence.
L and I had a great funny relationship. We spent a lot of time laughing and writing keepsake notes that periodically we would have to produce for each other to evidence our commitment to the importance of those notes. I once ran into him at the Arlington Race track and we had a blast. He cracked me up all the time and I just loved him. I only recently heard of his illness and then this. My heart goes out to the Ray family. His memories are a joy and will keep his legacy as a very loyal, very funny, caring man alive. My prayers are with the family.
So, so sad. I remember him well and the wonderful times we all had together during high school. My sincere condolences to his family.
So sorry.
So sad, Larry was a good friend in high school, and always a classy guy.
He will be missed.
It was far to soon. My heart goes out to Raine and Rick.
He was great fun.
I have very fond memories of Lawrence as a kind, loving person who was loyal, and charming and made you feel good to be with him.
Oh I am so sorry to hear this news…My deepest sympathy and love go to Raine and Rick…please let me know if there is anything at all I can do. I am shocked beyond words. He was bigger than life — a huge spirit so loved by his classmates…so loved.
I am heart sick. El Ray was a much loved member of our class. He truly lit up a room. We will miss him. My prayers are with his family.
So sorry to hear the sad news!
I am so very sorry for your loss.
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