Ray-Aghayan-Obituary

Ray Aghayan

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ray Aghayan, an Emmy-winning costume designer who worked on more than a dozen Academy Award shows and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, has died. He was 83.

A spokeswoman for the Costume Designers Guild tells the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/qS3W4g) that Aghayan died of natural causes on Monday at his Los Angeles home.

Aghayan designed costumes for Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and many other stars.

He and his lifetime partner, Bob Mackie, shared the first Emmy ever awarded for costume design in 1967. Aghayan went on to win two other Emmys.

He also was nominated for Oscars three times.

He is survived by Mackie.


Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press

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Bob - I will always treasure the memories that I have of working with Ray, Ret and yourself during those 'Golden Years' of TV at NBC and CBS and those many hectic days during the Oscars at the Shrine and Chandler -there were times when Ray scared the hell out of me, but I knew that he was only trying to make sure that I adhered to the high standards that was expected of all who worked with and for him - So, thanks Ray for the memories and rest knowing that you will be missed.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bob, I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I hope you take comfort in knowing that he was loved & respected as an artist & a person. God bless you both.

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your love one. May the God of all comfort give you peace during this time of sorrow.

A toast to our dear friend Ray, who brought so much beauty into the world and gave so many of us opportunities to find our creative path. May angels (garbed in your finest array) guide you to your next journey, on wings of love.

Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May God bless and keep you at this time.

Bob,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of Ray. May you find strength in his professional legacy. Both of you were such gracious hosts at your Christmas parties. May he rest in peace.

Dear Bob, what a sad and unreal time. Some people are just too present to pass.
I'm forever appreciative to Ray for his trust and the affect he's had in my life. Love to you and all who loved Ray.
Jackie