S.J. Raymond Sloan

1933 - 2015

S.J. Raymond Sloan

April 5, 1933-May 3, 2015

It is with great sadness that the Sloan family announces the passing of our beloved Raymond, following a brief illness. A cherished husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Ray will be forever missed for his humor, his selflessness, his fight, and of course his huge heart. Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, the love of his life, Judith. Ray and Judie shared a love and bond that was both treasured and rare. Predeceased by his sister Betty, he is also survived by brother Kenneth, sister Ann, and brother Nixon, along with each of their families including his nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his adoring daughter Laura, her husband Michael, and his beloved grandchildren, Linnea and Paul.
Raymond was born in Northern Ireland, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1958 with his brother Ken. He cherished his homeland of Ireland yet also became a proud citizen of the United States in 1969. He spent his career working in the mens clothing industry, both in Ireland and the U.S. Ray touched many lives with his humor and kindness. While he lived over 50 years with the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis, he never let his discomfort show, and was an eternal bright light in the lives he touched. Over a decade ago, his daughter Laura wrote a note in his Father's Day card that he kept tucked away, which captured the essence of what Raymond meant to all of us.
"Dearest Daddy- What would I say to you if today were our last day together? I would tell you first how much I love you, and how lucky I am to have you for my dad. I would tell you how much I value your guidance, how much I trust your wisdom, and how much I admire you for your accomplishments as a husband, a brother, a father, and grandpa. I would tell you how much I marvel at your stamina, and how you set aside your own pain to bring a smile to your grandchildren's faces. I would tell you how much I admire your standards, and how I will measure myself as a parent by the wonderful example you have set. I would tell you how much joy it brings me to see you with Linnea and Paul, to see your personality blossom in them, and to watch your love reflected in their eyes. I would tell you that you've been a better father than any girl dare wish for. I respect the way you value the simple, sweet moments in life and are not spoiled by material things. The things you value are worth so much more and I would thank you for periodically reminding me of that. Fortunately, today is probably not the last time I will take a moment to tell you how much I love you and how glad I am that you are my Dad"
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. The family wishes to thank the medical team of the Peninsula Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate care during Ray's final days. Those wishing to remember Ray may send a memorial donation to Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame CA 94010, or at http://www.mills-peninsula.org/foundation

"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and may the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand" -an Irish blessing.