David E Ray

Yesterday I pulled my copy of "Sams Book" off the shelf to browse through it. It was only the second book of poetry I had ever purchased, about a year before I was fortunate enough to have David Ray as my creative writing professor during my sophomore year at UMKC. I decided to look and see what he was up to and I am saddened by this news. I can only imagine how far he will continue to live on in his works and by those he taught and touched.

Somehow, this news escaped me until today when I saw a mutual friend. My sympathies and warmest regards to Judy and David's family. And many thanks for all the good conversations and poetry.

I met David at Pima Monthly Meeting and he and Judy became valued friends although I rarely saw them. I admired his dedication to poetry and his generosity to other writers. Go in peace, David!

I met David and Judy at an artist's colony in Temecula, California. Lovely and oh-so-talented, both. Got to know them better when they purchased a second home in Hillsboro, NM. I am often inspired by David's poetry and sorry to read there will be no more. Enjoy your new adventure, Mr. Ray.

David's life and poetry both brightened and challenged our world, making it a wiser, more humane place. His uncompromising lines and crisp insights will hold us in good stead as they echo long after his last breath. I was deeply privileged to have him as F/friend and mentor. David Ray !PRESENTE!

David was a rock in our Quaker community. A silent steady force.
I appreciating knowing him the little that I did.
Blessings to you Judy and the family.

So sorry for your loss. Sending love and support.

A huge personal loss for me and a major loss to all those who loved his writing in several genres. Met David and Judy first in Kansas City in 1976 and had an opportunity to know them well in India during 1981-82 when we worked together on book projects. Will miss conversations with David and his resilient search for fairness and justice for one and all.

I met David only once, but he had an impact on me. Our paths crossed through poetry. Years ago, Tucson held a poetry festival and selected winners from among submitted poems. David served as judge, and he chose one of mine for the first-place award. My poem, entitled "Last Gift," was indirectly about my young son's death, and David seemed to have empathy when he announced the selection of my poem. I researched him and learned of his own son's death, and someone later gave me a copy of his beautiful book "Sam." I admired David for his gifts as a poet and his devotion to humanitarian causes. I send my deepest sympathy to his family.