RAYMOND HANNAPEL Jr.

I have a Christmas memory of Ray. When I was about 7 years old I wanted to do something special for my Uncle who was always so good to me and who treated me as one of his own when I would go stay with my cousins in the summer. I knew that Ray spoke German so I decided I'd learn the Carole "Oh Tannebaum" to surprise him with during our yearly Christmas sing. I learned the song and sang it for him and he clapped and smiled and made me feel so good.

We were saddened to hear of Ray's passing. We always enjoyed talking with him at our piano events. Our hearts go out to Ann and the family.

We knew Ray as a true gentleman, who carried himself with an admirable balance of pride, humility and grace. Our hearts go out to Ann and her family.

Sending my love and fond memories of time spent with the Hannapels in Tucson, of learning to sing Oh Tannebaum in German so I could sing it for him at our Christmas "sweets" sings, and how his intelligent eyes and his sincere kindness touched my young heart. Besides, he had the best bunch of kids I ever got to hang out with! Sure miss you all....

The Exploratorium family sends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ray Hannapel. I was fortunate to have had the chance to work with Frank Oppenheimer and meet Ray after joining the Exploratorium in 1977. It is clear to me that without the foresight of Ray to advocate for the support by NSF for the fledgling startup of the new kind of informal science education institution that was the dream of Frank's, the Exploratorium would not have survived to become what it is today nor...

Ray, "Father Abraham," as our friend Joe Hennessey called him, was a special member of our Family Religious Ed program. A pillar of gentle strength and wisdom, he created an aura of friendly conversation and collaboration among us. I especially enjoyed discussing religion and science with him and am especially grateful for his introducing me to Mary Budd Rowe with whom I undertook successful projects and learned key skills for teaching. Like Socrates thinking of the Greek heroes and...

Among the interests Ray and I shared was an affection for steam locomotives. One reason he chose to attend the University of Arizona rather than a school closer to home was that his father, an engineer on the Santa Fe, was able to get him free passage between Chicago and Tucson. I have fond memories of a weekend Ray and I spent at Steamtown in Scranton, poring over old engines and of course riding behind one. Rest in peace, good friend.

RIP Ray.