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FUNERAL HOME

Kindred Funeral Home - Englewood

400 Union Boulevard

Englewood, Ohio

Ray Bautista Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

BAUTISTA, Ray Franklin Gerardo Age 45, of Clayton, OH, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 19, 2004 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. Ray was born on January 31, 1959 in Manila, Philippines. He and his family moved to Daly City, CA when he was 6 years old. He pursued a Bachelors Degree in Finance at California State in Fullerton where he was also an All American Fencer having won several National and NCAA titles. He worked as a manager in Telecommunications for 15 years. His passion and desire to pursue the sport of fencing never really ceased that after 13 years of absence, he started teaching once again in the recreation centers around Greater Dayton. The school enrollment has grown tremendously in 3 years that he decided to open Zenergy Health and Fitness Club in Beavercreek. It is a unique club which offered classes in Fencing, Zumba, Latin Dance, Aerobics, Martial Arts and Massage. The club was set to open on October 1st of this year. He was a devoted parishioner at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Vandalia, where he also taught fencing in their school. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Dr. Pamela Verder- Bautista M.D.; children, Melanie (18) and Ryan (11); his parents, Wilfred & Portia Bautista; sister, Chona and husband Carl Peralta; niece, Maya, sister, Reve Bautista and daughter Angela; sister, Jude and husband William Velasco; nephew, Wilfred and niece, Portia, all of Vallejo, CA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Benjamin & Gely Verder; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and their families, Alice Verder, Rozzana & Nestor Aliga, Malou & Rommel Carlos, all of CA and numerous other relatives & friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 23 at St. Christopher Catholic Church (435 E. National Road, Vandalia) with Father Frank Keferl as celebrant. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Kindred Funeral Home (400 Union Blvd., Englewood) with a prayer service to be held at 7:45 P.M. Prayers will also be said at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday at the funeral home prior to mass. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Christopher School in Ray's honor, envelopes will be provided. Condolences may be sent online to the family at: www.KindredFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Sep. 21, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Bautista

Sponsored by Ray's Mom and Dad.

51 Entries

Reve Bautista

September 18, 2007

It has been 3 years since my brother Ray passed away. Although he is no longer with us physically, he will always be with us nonetheless. His smile and laughter will forever be with us.

Benjamin Jr. Montifar

September 3, 2007

Ray is really nice guy, my condolences to your family. Thanks for trusting me in your last vacation in the philippines. I will never forget you!!!

Mario & Rowena Chesney

August 7, 2007

Ray, you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

Kyle Maysel

December 9, 2005

Oh, No! I just now found out about Ray's passing. I am so sorry. He was a great guy and a very worthy opponent!

I raise my mask to you, Ray! Salute!

Sandor Hopkins

November 10, 2005

Ray Bautista was a wonderful and lasting influence on my life. He introduced me to the sport of fencing and was simply a wonderful person. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and the privelege of knowing him is one I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Patrick DeSimio

March 1, 2005

I still miss you Ray - the more time goes by, the more I realize how much you taught me, about life as well as fencing. You were a wonderful friend, coach, mentor... thanks.

Taisha Moyler

November 19, 2004

Ray was truly a remarkable man. I will never forget the day we met at LCI International. We clicked from the beginning, and from that time on, whenver he started a new job he always found one for me. My prayers are with Pam, Melanie and Ryan, as well as the rest of his family. He was one of my dearest friends.

Ted Kelleher

October 25, 2004

I was a student of Ray this past year. Though I only knew him for one year his impression on me will probably last the rest of my life time. He was just that kind of person. His energy, his ability to teach, his vision, all became inspirations to me to succeed, to try harder, and be more then I was before. I will never forget his influence, he truly was a great man.

Maricel Chesney Edpao

October 25, 2004

I am one of Ray's many cousins here in Vallejo, CA. Being one of the younger cousins in the family, I grew up adoring and looking up to him as he was another big brother. I will always remember his gleaming smile & his contagious laugh...I can still hear it at times when I think of him. I will truly miss him and thank God that he was part of our family.

Patti Ciambro-Hesp

October 24, 2004

Ray changed my daughter, Zoe, life for the better. He was more than a coach. He was a friend, a role-model, and a fabulous human being. My husband, daughter, and I loved this wonderful, funny, compassionate man. He gave our kids a new sport, life, and friends. We will always remember Ray. It always feels likes he's with us when we're fencing, having Booster meetings, and alot of the other times. He left his mark in our lives. We miss him terribly.

Julie Wood

October 23, 2004

Ray was an awesome coach who always had something new and exciting to teach me. Nothing was ever dull or boring as long as he was runnning the show. I know I won't be the only one to miss him.

Lisa Wygant

October 23, 2004

I will never forget Ray's kindness to our son, Andy, who was his fencing student for quite awhile. He taught Andy much about the sport, but more than that, he reached out to Andy with kindness, acceptance, and love. I was deeply saddened by Ray's passing. I cannot imagine the depth of grief for Ryan, Mel, and Pam. I pray they will take comfort in knowing that their father and husband was a man of excellent character who will be remembered most of all for his kindness.

Rick Wygant

October 23, 2004

Soon after our son Andy began taking fencing lessons from Ray, I thought how lucky we were to find somebody that could teach the passion, discipline and work ethic required for fencing, and do it in such a loving way. Little did I know what I would also learn from Ray in the many hours we spent together planning tournaments, and traveling to and from tournaments. Ray’s un-ending energy, and desire to serve others, showed me that to make a mark on this earth, and to leave a legacy that will continue long past my time, is to put others ahead of myself. Ray did this constantly, and now I can see through his students, friends and family, exactly what he meant. My heart breaks for his family, and I only hope that they can find some relief from the pain by knowing that God is now rewarding Ray for all he did for us while he was with here. Ray's legacy will live on for years.

Terese DeSimio

October 22, 2004

Ray Bautista will live on in his fencing students. He was a mentor and friend as well as beloved coach to these lucky fencers. He tought us how to live, love, and fence with passion and no regrets. We still feel him with us and can guess what he's be saying, but wish with all our hearts that he was still physically with us. He has changed us all for the better.

Portia and Wilfred Bautista

October 12, 2004

It is so heart warming for us as Ray's parents to read everybody's message in this guest book. We miss our son Ray very much. We would like to maintain his memory and his dreams of building a home for his students. Fencing was our son's passion and we would like to build a memorial on his behalf. The fencing community was his other family and we would like to hear from everyone. Please give us suggestions on how we can maintain a memorial for our son Ray. Thank you and we love you all.

Reve Bautista

October 11, 2004

I am Ray's sister. Ray has 2 other sisters and parents that survive him. My parents, sisters and I are extrememly overwhelmed at the comments we read on this guest book entry. I really miss my brother. He was very close to us and we used to call each other if not every day, every other day. I am compiling a memory book of my brother for my parents. If you would like to contact us, please e-mail your memories of my brother to us. My brother also touched a lot of people in his home state of California. However, it is heartwarming to know that he was liked and loved by a lot of people. Thank you very much.

Linda Bottermuller

October 11, 2004

Ijust read in the paper yesterday 10/10/04 about Ray's passing in September. I was so sorry to hear that. I met Ray while he worked for ICG and he sold our company phone service. I was so impressed with Ray's great personality. He was always so cheerful and seemed like a great guy. My deepest sympathy to the family. I am sure he will be deeply missed.

Alma Montano Saddam

September 27, 2004

It was with great shock and sadness hearing of Ray's sudden passing. To Pam, Melanie and Ryan: May the Good Lord blanket you in His love throughout these days

In hope and in prayer, Alma Montano Saddam

Ned Kalapasev

September 24, 2004

I have only recently met Ray, but was impressed with his zest and energy. I can freely say that you can learn a lot about someone from their legacy. And in Ray's case - it definitely shows through his students. I have never met a more first-rate bunch of fencers before!

Ray, you will be missed tremendously. My condolences to Bautista family.

Pat Roland

September 24, 2004

Ray was a very good man who I had the privilege of knowing through work in the Dayton office. Ray was so full of life and such a delightful person to be around. He will be missed by many, many people.

My prayers and thougthts are with his family.

Jeffrey Rodachy

September 23, 2004

Ray's infectious enthusiasm for the sport of fencing combined with his friendly and accepting demeanor made him great in ways that all the gold medals in the world cannot equal.

Michael Cho

September 23, 2004

My deepest sympathies to Ray’s family. I only had the pleasure of running into Ray at tournaments. He was always enthusiastic about fencing and the fencing community. Ray always had very positive things to say and always smiling. I’m sorry that the fencing community has lost such a great person.

He will be remembered by me, and I'm sure with a lot of other people, as a kind, intelligent, enthusiastic, and giving person.

Frank Micale

September 23, 2004

I knew Ray from a previous job at ICG Communications. We both started at the same time. I'll never forget the Jackie Chan joke we played on everyone in Denver during our training. Ray will be missed and he was a great man. God Bless you Ray!

Steve Manna

September 23, 2004

Wow...What a shock..I had the privilege of working with Ray for about five years. What a positive person, natural leader and overall great person. When you called Ray and got his voice mail it would say" What a beautiful day you have reached Ray Bautista ". He loved his profession, fencing and most importantly his family. He will be missed by all he touched.

Steve Manna

Holly Knechtges

September 23, 2004

I didn't know Ray very well, but the few times I did talk to him, I could sense his love and enthusiasm for fencing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God be with you now and always.

Kyle Roat

September 23, 2004

When I first met Ray, I was shocked that this gentle man could contain this fierce competitive spirit I had heard about. That is, until shortly before Summer Nationals when I met Melanie. Ray was not only an incredible coach, but also an incredible friend. I think he probably gave me more advice about life than he ever gave me about fencing, but I am just as happy with it. Ray's life was his fencing center, and it influenced him and his students so much. The greatest compliment anyone can pay him is to say that he was a fencer.

Fred Sims

September 23, 2004

I met Ray about four years ago ,it was at that time I decided he was the person I want to be when I grow up. His warmth will be missed. When all is said and done a coach should touch the lives of his fencers for the better :Ray did this and more. .

Elizabeth Loikoc

September 22, 2004

Ive known Ray for a year and a half , although it wasnt a long time, what he showed and taught me i will never forget.

Fiona Williams

September 22, 2004

I did not have the opportunity to get to know Ray very well; however, he introduced himself to me at a fencing tournament where one of his students was fencing my son. I was impressed with his kindness on the strip to both his student and my son, a trait that I found both endearing and indicative of honorable character. I'm sure that his presence in the fencing world has had a positive impact in the lives of many of his students and even after his passing, that energy will continue.

Melissa McCue

September 22, 2004

There are many coaches in the Ohio world of fencing. Many coaches serve to teach and provide an outlet from reality. A few are energetic, determined, experienced and a leader in the fencing community. A rare few demonstrate all of these qualities in the fencing world. Fewer still had Ray's capability and drive to practice all of these qualities in the outside world as well.

My thoughts are with the friends, family, students and fellow coaches that Ray has touched. He will not be forgotten.

Stephanie Steirn

September 22, 2004

Ray was not only a great coach and teacher, but a great person. I could see at competitions his fencers' regards for him. His positive attitude and love for the sport were apparent to everyone he came into contact with. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and the Dayton fencing community. We have all lost a good friend.

Sara Kass

September 22, 2004

Ray was a delightful breath of fresh aire to Ohio fencing. My first meeting of him was a tournament at LEC. He would be in my pool. It was a wonderful challenge. We would then meet again in the DE's. We would both goof off with such well meant competitive attitude that we laughed about it every time we saw each other afterwards. I saw Ray last at Sectionals in May. I looked forward to seeing him again with his students as well as possibly on strip.

As a fellow coach, he valued the same good natured, fun loving spirit that I did. In Ray, I felt I had found a brother of a coach.

Yes, he will be missed. His short time in the sectional was well spend, and tremendously influential.

I am glad to have been touched by him.

Ray, We salute you!

Matt Hanlon

September 22, 2004

Ray was my Manager for a while at NuVox Communications, and I have to say he was my favorite. I had the pleasure of traveling around town with Ray and other NuVox Reps in a limo that Ray provided for us. It was a great night filled with smiles and laughter. Ray was a very caring, giving person, with a smile that never left his face. I can still hear his laugh. Our prayers go out to the Bautista family.

Paul Geraci

September 22, 2004

Ray was an exceptional individual. He combined a love of teaching with an always approachable demeanor. I remember once he offered his house to let us finish a fencing event when our venue time expired. Afterwards he treated everyone to dinner. Ray touched the lives of many people. He will be missed.

Tina K. O'Brien

September 22, 2004

As a Michigan fencer, I didn't know Ray well, but his smile and warmth drew me in the moment I met him, and his love and knowledge of fencing was clear. I was shocked to hear of his death, and know the fencing community at large will mourn the loss of such a dedicated man. I offer condolences from Michigan to Ray's family and friends.

Julia Richey

September 22, 2004

Ray loved to live and create. He was a wonderful friend, very caring and hard working coach.Everything he founded and worked on will live and bring impact on all of us just like Ray saw it. He will be so sorrowly missed..it is a shocking loss of a great friend for me. My dippest sympathy to Pamela, Melanie and Ryan.

matthew koogler

September 22, 2004

I am very saddened by Ray's passing. I regret not getting to know him better, but I can see just from his students that his passion for fencing and people was without doubt something to be admired. He gave something special to Dayton, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family and to AFAD.

Tom Nagy

September 22, 2004

I met Ray a few years ago, and I liked him immediately. I know he made an impact in Dayton. Fencing in Heaven just got tougher.

Joseph Di Tommaso

September 22, 2004

An incredible shock, as Doug Bliss forwarded this unfortunate news to the fencing community. Ray, often a welcome visitor, friend, and vendor of the Bowling Green Fencing Club, will sorely be missed in his untimely passing. My heart is heavy, even though our interactions have been short over the passed few years, I always enjoyed chatting with him, and his fencers. A wonderful man, I will keep him and the family in my thoughts for many times to come. I will also dedicate a moment of silence to Ray during our Sectional Event in Bowling Green on Sunday October 3rd in his memory. Best wishes Ray, your family, and friends. May peace be with you.

Dr. Joseph Streb

September 22, 2004

Ray was one of those special people gifted with both athletic ability and felicitous temperament. He was always smiling and enthusiastic in his approach to life and to the sport of fencing. We greatly appreciated his presence in the realm of Ohio fencing. It came as a great shock to learn of his untimely passing, and he will be greatly missed.

Dan Vance

September 22, 2004

I didn't know Ray for long - only a couple of years. But you only had to have known him for a few minutes to see the kind of person he was: kind, positive, good. The world is less without him.

Alberto Andrade

September 21, 2004

It has been our privilege to know Ray. We will remember him as a mentor and a wonderful friend for our son Felipe. He will be missed dearly. Our sympathy for Pamela, Melanie and Ryan.

Alberto, Monica and Felipe Andrade.

Samuel Lillard

September 21, 2004

Ray was a burst of energy for the fencing community in Dayton. His "can do" attitude to the teaching of the sport and warm manner was an inspiration to me and contributed to the founding of our center. I was looking forward to sharing in the opening of his center in Dayton and responding to his recent email on the tournament he planned to schedule in October. In time we will hold that tournament for you. The community of fencers is deminshed by his departure and I will miss him. I morn the loss to his family. Samuel N. Lillard, Esq., Director of the Dublin Sport Fencing Center

Lyle Wiemer

September 21, 2004

I always pictured Ray teaching the sport of fencing long into his old age, surrounded by loyal students as well as new faces. I cannot imagine anyone else directing the club with the generosity and fun-loving spirit that Ray would have provided over the years. Ray is a fortunate man to have had such a positive influence on so many people in the community. I owe many of my accomplishments to his instruction, and enthusiasm for my success. I will never forget what you taught me Ray, your lessons were the best.

Brian Ward

September 21, 2004

I didn't know Ray for a very long time but in that short time I realized that he was a great guy and that he always did what he thought was right.

Jacob Sebens

September 21, 2004

Ray helped me. Ray helped many people. Two very simple sentences...they say a lot about what Ray meant to us.

CJ Howard

September 21, 2004

I am a fencer under Ray, this came as a shock to all of us here in AFAD. My condolesnces go out to the Bautista family. I will miss him dearly.

Denise Ward

September 21, 2004

My son, Brian is a fencer with AFAD. Ray has helped him in so many ways, lifting his self esteem and adding to his work ethic. Ray's love of life and fencing spilled over onto anyone he came in contact. I can not put into words our feeling of loss and emptiness. Ray touched our lives and started Brian on the path of fencing, he will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Chester & Susan Wood

September 21, 2004

Our sympathy is extended to Dr. Bautista and the children. Our granddaughter is one of Ray's students and members of the Dayton Fencing Club. I had the pleasure of meeting Ray and instantly knew his love of fencing. He leaves a positive mark on many young people. He will be greatly missed. Again, we extend our sympathy. Susan Wood

Aida Montano

September 21, 2004

I am so deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ray. My prayers and thoughts are with you, Pamela, Melanie and Ryan, as I share your pain. Please let me know what I can do to help.

Francine Streithorst

September 21, 2004

Ray was a very good man who I had the privilege of knowing through his fencing programs and tournaments. I observed him as a dedicated fencing coach who loved his family dearly. He will be missed by many, many people!!

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