Ray Owen Wilson

Ray Owen Wilson Ray Owen Wilson died of cancer peacefully at home on Monday, July 22, 2019. In 1949 he began his career in broadcasting for Armed Forces Radio Service in Vienna. After the Army Ray enrolled at Rutgers University. His education was interrupted when he was hired to become a reporter to do feature stories for WNBC in New York. His professional name was Ray Owen. Some of his features included interviews with Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Bernard Baruch, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Rockefeller, as well as celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn. When Ray moved to Los Angeles he was able to complete his education by graduating from UCLA. He began working as a newscaster and commentator for radio station KPOL where he eventually became the news director. It was in the 1960's and 70's when he was doing 3 commentaries a week. He will be remembered for the values he represented. He was very supportive of the GIs returning home from Vietnam. He praised their courage and was appalled by how people treated them when they came home. In 1966-67 the Radio and TV Association of Southern California awarded Ray the Golden Mike Award for "Best Commentary and News Analysis." After his career with "on air" broadcasting Ray became a professor of broadcasting at Los Angeles Valley College. Many of his students now have careers in broadcasting. In 1995 Ray and his wife Eunice retired to Cambria. He became a member of PROS, cofounded and became president of the Cambria Land Conservancy and established a tree replacement program. Ray and his family enjoyed many trips together, many of which included waterskiing . He was an avid water skier and was always delighted to teach someone how to ski. He water skied until the age of 70 which included trick skiing. He is survived by his wife Eunice who he met while she was visiting KPOL with some friends.They have been married for 53 years. He is also survived by his son Geoffrey Wilson, grandsons Owen Wilson and James Wilson Cooper. He is preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer Wilson Cooper. As per Ray's request there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ray Wilson can be made to: Wilshire Hospice, 277 South Street, Suite R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or St. Pau's Episcopal Church, 2700 Eton Rd., Cambria, CA 93428.