Ray Rincon, Jr.

Ray Rincon, Jr. , 48, born on October 29, 1970, in San Gabriel, CA, United States, passed away October 27, 2019. He resided in Wrightwood, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.

Ray Rincon Jr was born October 29, 1970 in California at San Gabriel Valley Medical Center to Dorothy and Ray Rincon Sr. He spent his first 4 years in El Monte where his parents owned a home next to his Grandpa and Grandma Rincon. He spent many happy days at his grandparents' home, a meeting place for his aunts, uncles and cousins. When he was 2 years old his sister, Aurora (Rori) was born, he loved her at first sight.

By the time Ray was age 3 he was already learning to read and write. He loved making up stories and imaginary adventures with him and his sister as the main characters. He also spent many hours next door at Grandma's house when his cousins were there, racing their hot-wheels and getting into mischief. Because he loved trains so much, he was nicknamed Choo-Choo, then shortened to Chooch, and that was what family called him for the rest of his life.

Ray's life entered a new chapter at age 5 when his parents divorced in 1975. His mother accepted a job in Manhattan Beach, CA and he, his mother and 2-year-old sister Aurora relocated there. Four years later his mother married Warren Lydecker, a father with 2 children; Mark and Susan, of similar ages to Ray and Rori. They purchased a home close to the beach and combined the two families. The house was on a street that was an ideal place for raising a family with parks at both ends and an easy walk to school, downtown and the beach. There were many families with children and friendships were soon formed. Ray and his siblings were the instigators of few projects involving those friends. This included building first a two-story fort and then a massive skateboard ramp in the tiny backyard of their home. They created a family newspaper, the Marsa Hiss (named after the family cat) and hosted their own backyard 1984 Olympic games complete with open ceremonies, events and medals.

During part of his teenage years Ray went to live with his father and wife Betty to spend more time with them. While living with his father and Betty, Ray was enrolled in Hapkido classes. Additionally, he participated in catechism classes in Arcadia. Ray graduated from Wilson Middle School and attended his freshman year at Rosemead High School where he joined the Drama department. Ray very much enjoyed riding his bike with his friends while he lived with his father and stepmother. Additionally, he cherished the time he spent with his father's side of the family.

Ray returned to his Manhattan Beach family in time to complete high school, graduating from Mira Costa High School in June, 1989. He attended San Diego State University (SDSU) with a major in accounting, graduating in 1995.

Upon graduation Ray accepted a position with the accounting firm KPMG and moved to Denver, Colorado. While there he took and passed the CPA exam, finishing in the 98th percentile in ethics, and acquired his CPA license. Skiing black diamond runs, camping, fishing, hiking, weather watching and traveling around the U.S. became his favorite hobbies.

In 2015 Ray moved from Denver to Wrightwood, California. Ray always had a dream of owning a home in the mountains and he finally achieved this dream when he bought his Wrightwood home in 2016. It was the ideal place to be near his families in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and San Diego Counties while still having access to both skiing and hiking. He continued his career in accounting while skiing and provided ski lessons at Mt. High Ski Resort during the winter weekends. While Ray's skiing activities slowed down in 2017 due to arthritis in his hip, Ray successfully switched to snowboarding after trying the sport for the first time at the age of 47.

In September 2017, he met the love of his life Kimberly Willuweit (whom he called Kimmy) and they married in June 2018. They settled into the home in Wrightwood and enjoyed spending time socializing with their combined extended families and friends. Together they were very happy and had a blessed life together. They enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally during their time together. Many bucket list destinations were checked off the list including France, Spain, United Kingdom, Mexico, Seattle, and New Orleans. Ray was even fortunate enough to be able to join Kimmy on her some of her business travels domestically and abroad.

In early October 2019 Ray was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of advanced liver cancer. Surgery and chemotherapy failed to stop the advance and he went into hospice where he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on October 27, 2019.

Ray is survived by his wife Kimberly Rincon, his father Ray Rincon Sr and stepmother Betty Rincon, his mother Dorothy Lydecker and stepfather Warren Lydecker, sister Rori Ritchie, stepbrother Mark Lydecker, stepsister Susan Bailey, grandmothers; Lucy Rincon and Donna Seeger-Villanueva, aunts; Irene Marrufo and Bobbi Luiten, uncles; Pete and Albert Rincon, nieces and nephews; Avalon and Brendan Ritchie, Alexandria and Schuyler Lydecker, Joelle and Fenton Bailey, his many cousins including but not limited to Pete Rincon, Michael Marrufo, and Tino Marrufo and his 4 fur babies Koby, Lucy, Abby and Shelly.

Flowers Accepted for the Visitation/Service
Additional Option to Donate to the City of Hope in Ray's Honor at Fundraiser:
https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/fundraiser/2476687