Edward Ray Schlick

Architect, Farmer, Community Pillar, & Devoted Family Man Edward Ray Schlick was born in Los Angeles to Ruby and Ray Schlick, Sr. on July 6, 1926. He spent two years in the Navy, studied business at UCLA, and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in architecture in 1953. In college, he met the love of his life, Frances Winton, of Ivanhoe. They were married August 22, 1953. Ray and Fran settled down in Studio City where Ray began his architectural career which continued strong until a month before his death. In 1963, Ray, Fran and their daughter, Alison, moved to Ivanhoe to help Fran's aging parents with the family ranch. Shortly after relocating, E. Ray Schlick established himself as one of the top architects in the valley. He and seven partners formed Octagon Associates in the early 70's. During his career he designed hundreds of homes, commercial buildings, educational institutions, medical centers, and churches. Some of his more recognizable projects include the Visalia Medical Clinic, the Depot, the COS Amphitheatre, and the Chinese Cultural Center. Ray was a pillar to the community by volunteering his time and talent to help enrich Visalia culturally. He was an active Rotarian who gave generously to help others. Hundreds of groups and organizations were blessed during Ray's 57 years of community involvement. Most recently, Ray was involved in Arts Visalia, Rotary Foundation, the Visalia Symphony Foundation, the Tulare County Library Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Ivanhoe. Ray enjoyed an active and full life which included traveling the world with his wife, playing racquetball, designing buildings, farming on his ranch, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Frances Winton Schlick of Ivanhoe; daughter, Alison Miniaci of Visalia, son-in-law, Verne, and granddaughter Marisa Rae; and son, David Schlick of Tulare, daughter-in-law, Saan, and four grandchildren, Kinlee, Rebekah, Erik, and Mikah. Ray passed away on Tuesday, November 23 at Kaweah Delta after a five-week bout stemming from lung complications. A memorial ceremony will be held at the Visalia Methodist Church on Saturday, December 4 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that Ray's spirit of generosity be kept alive by making a donation in his name to one or more of the organizations listed above.