Raymond Alba

1926 - 2016

September 18, 1926 - October 13, 2016 Ray Alba died October 13, 2016 in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 90. His wife, Annabelle Alba, was at his side. The pair were partners and best friends for 50 years, married happily for 38. When he was younger, Ray worked as a lifeguard in Santa Monica and Venice Beach and was on the swim team at Hollywood High. Between high school and college Ray enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He saved the life of a fellow sailor who had fallen off the ship and was caught in a riptide. Ray jumped in and rescued him, winning a commendation for his bravery. Ray went to UCLA to swim, but ended up playing basketball under Coach John Wooden. He majored in Literature to pursue his love of reading. Ray started his career as a sound editor working, without credit, on one scene in "Vertigo." Over the course of his career he worked on nearly 50 movies and television shows, including the movie "Rocky," for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He was working for Stephen J. Cannell when he retired from television and went into business with a partner working in films. He was a voting member of the Academy and he carried the torch in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. His main passions were wine and food. He was a member of the Westwood Wine and Food Society and greatly enjoyed the monthly meetings. He worked out every day into his early eighties, going to Bruce Connor's Gym or running from Brentwood to the ocean and back again. He celebrated his 90th birthday dining at a nice restaurant with his friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Annabelle; brother, Victor Manjarrez; stepdaughter, Mary-Anne King; granddaughter, Megan Kandell and her husband, Michael Ehler; and great-grandson, Jack Kandell-Ehler.