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I was in the woods when I received a text telling me about Ray's hospitalization several days ago. I returned home last night, and today was the first opportunity I had to visit Ray. I just walked in the door from doing so. Ray is in good spirits, and for a dying man, he looks great. He is ready for the impending transition. We spent our hour and a half together talking about bigfoot, astronomy, interesting people, his rich and unique life, and other stuff. He told me about his books, some of which have yet to be published. He shared insights and stories. It was great. Back in 1997, I was road tripping with my soon-to-be (and now ex-) wife. I subscribed to the WBS newsletter, the Track Record, at the time, so I took a chance and called Ray Crowe when we were in Portland, OR. I was hoping to see the bookstore and some of his sasquatch artifacts kept in his bookstore's basement where the WBS met every month. Ray told me on the phone that all that stuff was over at Larry Lund's home because of a flood or something or other in the bookstore. Ray gave me Larry's number, which I called, and my ex and I spent four or five hours with Larry that night. The evening blew my mind. The thought that there were actually people into this stuff I guess hadn't really occurred to me at that point. I credit (or perhaps "blame" would be a better word) that night with accelerating me to wherever I find myself today. It started with that phone call. It started with Ray. Today, I thanked Ray for this. I'd be lying if I said I did this with dry eyes. I feel like we in the PNW all owe Ray a lot. He started the monthly meetings here in Portland, of which echoes can now be seen in HopsSquatch. He carried on the tradition of newsletters pioneered by the Bay Area Group and the Bigfoot Co-op (am I showing my age now?). He suggested to us that we always wear our "skepticals" while reading his newsletter, as it was raw data, no filters added, which is good advice for all bigfooters. He's not dead yet, but he is on his way to check out. He is/was not only a catalyst for my life path, I am happy to call him a friend. Think positive thoughts for friend of the 'squatch, Ray Crowe.

I am touched immensely by the courage Ray is showing facing his departure from this world. He has been a pillar of the Bigfoot community for many years and we will be diminished with his passing. May the time he has left be full of loved ones and his passing be peaceful...

Went to see the Rayster at the VA hospital today. He sends his finest regards to all his friends and associates in the Bigfoot community. He also said to post that he is not long for this Earth, but for you to know he has had a fruitful life. Always positive, he laughed, chuckled, or smiled as we talked about the BIgfootin' life. He said to say a prayer for him, that he probably needs it. At this time, I think it is best to remember the Western Bigfoot Society, The Track Record, the symposiums and camps Ray sponsored. Maybe someone has favorite photos of Ray to post? I took some time to plainly explain to him that he has left a great legacy in the Bigfoot community. This seemed to relax him. It is very difficult for him to take telephone calls, so please don't call. I am, Joe Beelart, West Linn, Oregon

Thank you Joe and Cliff for sharing your personal moments with Ray, here on the BFF. He has certainly brought alot to this field and his publication "The Track Record" has inspired and informed countless researchers and enthusiasts alike. We all owe Ray Crowe a debt of gratitude for his love of and dedication to the Bigfoot phenomenon. We will keep Ray and his family in our thoughts.

Guess we have a different idea of what constitutes a "valuable contribution." All I see there is manipulative snark. If you define manipulative snark as a valuable contribution towards understanding ... we're going to have to disagree. MIB

Thanks much for everyone's insights. It seems the community is going to lose a great one.

Very sad to hear this. The BF world owes a lot to Ray. I always thought that the Track Record did an outstanding job on presenting "the facts" (no matter how weird some of them were), and letting the reader decide. And I have always kept his admonition of wearing my "skepticals" in mind when reading reports.

I completely agree friend. It is very disappointing. ↑↑

I'm sure it brightened Ray's day to see and spend time with you today and to know that he was such an influential force in your life, Cliff. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ray and his family.

Many of us held out hope for her project until it became painfully clear that it was hopeless. It was so very disappointing.

That's just not true. Eureka has been making tents since 1895 and introduced the Timberline series in the 1970s. REI and Sierra Designs had their version of nylon/polyester tents back then too. Gerry Cunningham is known as the father of lightweight camping and was making one-man backpacking tents in the 1960s. Others include Alpine Designs, Holubar, Mountain Adventure, and many more.

It has never been in the state of Denial......