Raymond Nizibian

Raymond Nizibian
Nizibian, Raymond, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 25, 2023. He was 93 years old. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Milly, daughters, Nora Kodet and Toni (Mike) Moheng, sons, Matt (Marjie) and Mark (Ramona), ten grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Bobbie Chalekian, sisters-in-law, Mary Nizibian and Barbara Eastman, and his best friend and brother-in-law, Ray Eastman. His brother Joe and parents, Sarkis and Josephine Nizibian, preceded him in death.
Ray was born on February 6, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. He met Milly Balmas in fourth grade and they were married in 1951. He worked as a carpenter while attending college. In 1961 Ray proudly graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Ray and Milly settled in Petaluma, where Ray established his successful dental practice, joined by his son, Mark, 25 years later.
Ray quickly became involved with their new community starting with serving on the board of the Petaluma Boy's Club. He served as the president of both the Petaluma National Little League and the Petaluma High School Athletic Booster Club. He was a 60-year member of the Petaluma Elks Lodge and enjoyed years of RV trips with the Elks. He taught for several years at University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Ray was a co-founder of Northbay Savings and Loan (NS&L) and served as a Director, until it was purchased by Bank of the West. While serving on the board he was instrumental in a tree planting program and the annual golf tournament that raised money for Petaluma Hospice.
Ray loved life and throughout the years pursued many interests and hobbies including vegetable gardening, photography, wood working, travel and fishing. His yearly fishing trip to Alaska was already booked for 2023. Ray took up golf in 1986 and became a member of Petaluma Golf and Country Club. There he enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends. He also shared his love for cooking with his fellow members at the Tuesday night dinners and Thursday morning breakfasts. With his faithful crew by his side, he cooked shish kebob, ribs and halibut for hundreds. He loved sharing these meals with big crowds.
Ray was definitely a "people person." He was beloved by his family and friends and will be missed by all.
Donations in Ray's memory can be made to: PHS Athletic Booster Club, c/o Petaluma High School, 201 Fair Street, Petaluma, CA 94952.