Popular Post joebeelart Posted September 11, 2015 Popular Post Posted September 11, 2015 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 5
norseman Posted September 11, 2015 Admin Posted September 11, 2015 I do not know Ray but I'm sad to hear this and give my heartfelt condolences. 1
hiflier Posted September 12, 2015 Posted September 12, 2015 Hello Joe, Yes for me too. Make sure he knows you reached out here and that all of his efforts and diligence have been highly regarded. He needs to know how grateful we are for his presence and work.
Popular Post Cliff Barackman Posted September 13, 2015 Popular Post Posted September 13, 2015 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. 11
chelefoot Posted September 13, 2015 Posted September 13, 2015 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. 2
masterbarber Posted September 13, 2015 Admin Posted September 13, 2015 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. 2
bipedalist Posted September 13, 2015 BFF Patron Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) I was glad to attend one of Ray's meetings in the past year and a half or so and to be able to shake his hand and tell him of my sighting. I got to share a table with him the night of Paul Grave's presentation before a special WBS meeting. I knew he was in a fragile state of health so I was a little more forward than my usual introverted self that evening. I have his Track Record on CD and he told me of how that came to pass with David Paulides. I will have to double down and make it through all of the Track Record CD now. I am sorry that his state of health has deteriorated but he seemed to be at peace with himself when I was introduced to him not long ago. May special providence shine a light on him to all friends, family, acquaintances and Bigfoot enthusiasts. Prayer's sent! Edited September 13, 2015 by bipedalist 1
VAfooter Posted September 13, 2015 Admin Posted September 13, 2015 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. 1
kitakaze Posted September 13, 2015 Posted September 13, 2015 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... 3
1980squatch Posted September 13, 2015 Posted September 13, 2015 Thanks much for everyone's insights. It seems the community is going to lose a great one. 1
ShadowBorn Posted September 13, 2015 Moderator Posted September 13, 2015 I have maybe discussed things about bigfoot on this forum with him a few times. Believed that he was very skeptical and thats what I liked that he was.Athough that he he is not gone and still here in the present. My prayers are there for you Ray.Never looked for populaty and never wanted it and i figure that this is how you are as well. But because it is Bigfoot a creature that people say does not exist but does to the ones who have saw them. Not sure if Ray ever had that chance of a true sighting. But he is now leading into a new world to explore ,I am not sure if it is right to say but I say it , You never miss some one when there around it is always when they are gone. Well sketical veiw on this subject is going to be missed and there will be no one else to fill those shoes but you Ray.Never met you But I sure as heck felt like I did on the net. Now I have to become a premium member so i can go over your thoughts ,You will be missed Brother.Vet To Vet Have fun Bro Enjoy the time with your family. Take care
gigantor Posted September 14, 2015 Admin Posted September 14, 2015 Thanks to Ray for all his contributions to the community. I wish him the best and hope his time left with his loved ones are great.
Scarecrow Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Thoughts and prayers go out to Ray and his family. I never met him personally, but his research and publishing of the Track Record has influenced me greatly and shaped much of who I am in relation to the search for the truth. I am grateful to him for all he has done, and hope that his final days are spent with those he loves and are filled with happiness and joy.
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