Raymond B. Nihlean II

Raymond was my building manager from 2002 to 2007. I always remember, when I was signing my lease, he pulled out an old, blackened and burnt pizza from a cabinet as he went through his schpiel about being a good, responsible tenant. Several times throughout those years he would talk to me in the hallways or have me sit downstairs and chat for a bit. Always with that tone of a father figure who treated you like an equal, and I always appreciated that. I was young and living on my own then and...

I was a teacher of Ray's at Sandburg and just yesterday heard of his death. I think I am still in disbelief that such a vibrant man could be gone so soon. I remember many things about Ray but none more than his winning smile and his eternal optimism. I live close to the home where he grew up and would see him in the neighborhood cutting grass during his grass cutting business stage. He would always stop by to say "Hi" and that was so Ray. I am beyond sorry for your loss as the world has...

Raymond took care of everything for my aunt, and that is how I got to know Raymond. He was so wonderful with my aunt, and also with me during my aunt's life and after her death. He was the most caring, gentle man. I never got to see him anymore after 2016 and I was hoping to see him again next year. I will miss him.

Dear Tina & family, It's so heartbreaking to you, your family, and all of us that Raymond has passed after such a valent fight with such a cruel illness. I'm a survivor of only 50% who makes an eclipsed life, and I shared that with him. Our staff enjoyed a long relationship with the Travlos and Windell property managers. It was a remarkable story when Raymond asked you to marry him because we knew you both as professionals focused on community, safe and affordable housing. You met in the...

As one of Ray´s tenants for many years, I´m not surprised to discover he was such a good Samaritan and so involved in the community. He really cared about the people in his buildings and was always on top of things. With his smile and sense of humor, he put you in a better mood just by running into him.

Throughout his six year and three month survival with brain cancer, Raymond never lost his humor, his optimism, or his zest for life. "Every day is precious, each moment was the only moment we were sure that we had", said Tina. "In the hospital, we created our own world with natural sounds of birds singing and falling water. The smell of lilies would fill the room. We were content. Patient through the pain and the healing process, attentive to the details, giving and receiving kindness,...

To Dr. Jeffrey Raizer, neuro oncologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, "Raymond was indeed an inspirational person who fought hard against his GBM and by all measures Raymond had a wonderful life up until his passing".

Raymond´s bravery inspired his medical team. "I will always use Ray as an example to my staff and patients what support and advocacy can do," remembers Dr. Samman Shahpar, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. He further remarked at an international symposium, "Put aside whatever you know about brain injuries, because there is Raymond."

A lasting tribute to Raymond´s love for his community is the beautiful mosaic `bricolage´ at the gateway to the Bryn Mawr Historic District. He brought the student artists lunches and treats, as well as donating money and materials. Raymond and Tina´s wedding photo is memorialized in the art wall too, forever sharing their joy and love.