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Raymond Lawrence Gaines Sr.

Raymond Gaines Obituary

Raymond Lawrence Gaines, Sr. Raymond Lawrence Gaines, Sr., 65, entered Heaven's gates peacefully at home on June 12, 2010. The service will be at 11 AM EDT on Saturday, June 19, at Philadelphia P.B. Church in Tallahassee, with burial at Southside Cemetery. A native of Tallahassee, he had lived in Seminole County for 44 years before returning to Tallahassee in May 2010. He was a member of St. John M.B. Church in Sanford, FL, where he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher, and member of the Adult Choir. Raymond was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Florida A&M University. A consummate teacher, he taught at Crooms High School, Midway Elementary and Seminole High School in Seminole County. Fond is his memory as Dean of Students, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Lake Howell High School. The work continued in his role as principal at Lake Mary High School and was completed as Executive Director of High Schools for Seminole County in 2007. Raymond is the past president of the Seminole County Chapter of the Florida A&M Alumni Association, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Florida School Leaders and Seminole Association of School Administrators. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda Cohen Gaines; two sons, Raymond L. Gaines, Jr. (Monique) and Kyle W. Gaines of Tallahassee; three brothers, Aaron Gaines, Jr. (Zella), Deric Gaines, Eric Gaines, all of Tallahassee; one sister, Sherredda Kenyette Gaines of Tallahassee; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jun. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Gaines

Not sure what to say?





December 18,1944 - June 12, 2010

Raymond Gaines

August 1, 2010

July 7, 2010

Mr Gaines was the best boss I ever worked for. He would never ask us to do something that he wouldn't do himself. He was an inspiration to everyone. I will miss him.

Melony Lovell (Geneva, FL)

Anna Campbell

June 29, 2010

Mr. Gaines was the most respected person at Lake Howell, even when we got into trouble. I don't know anybody who has a bad word to say about him, only good stories. I'm glad he was a part of my life, even for those four short years. He will be missed by many.
Mrs. Gaines I have good memories of you too, at Tuskawilla. You were the best guidance counselor and PE teacher I ever had.

Griselle & Jose Quinones

June 27, 2010

Mr. Gaines will forever be someone very special in our lives. We met in 1990 when Griselle went to work at Lake Howell High School. His dedication to students, faculty and everyone he crossed paths with is something we'll always remember. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and may your family and friends be forever blessed. Rest in peace Mr. Gaines.

Griselle, Jose , David and Kristen Quinones

June 24, 2010

Linda,
We were very sad to hear Mr Gaines has
left us. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
and your family.

Sincerely,

Steve and Jeanine Nephew

June 22, 2010

Everyone loved Mr. Gaines. When he came back on campus at Lake Mary we all made a beeline to see him. His contagious and bright smile and hearty laugh always brightened any day. He leaves us with a legacy of compassion, integrity, and wisdom.
Diane Mills

Bro. Robert "Bull" Brown

June 21, 2010

To the Gaines family, so much has been said and nothing false. I would like to say to you that I feel GOD has let us witness an angel walking among us. I heard it said that you shall know the tree by the fruit it bears. From the life he lived the bar has been set very high this man was truly a giant among giants. Every man should want to walk in his foot prints. Linda, Pastor Ray, Kyle, Eric, Derrick, you all are in my prayers but you are all well aware that it's Shouting going on over yonder and Halelujah, Halelujah lastly the bible kjv says in 2nd Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith; Verse 8 says Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteous, which the
LORD, the righteous Judge,shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. May you find some comfort in these few words. I was happy to learn that we are related,"Fox Gaines" See you cousin, see you ya! You can't crown him till I get there.

June 21, 2010

To The Gaines Family,

Deepest Sympathy

Lynn & Christal Jackson

Rev. Elisa Bennett Watson; HIGHER CALLING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

June 21, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

June 21, 2010

Linda, My heart goes out to you and your family. Remember this..The grass withers, the flower fades, cherish the wonderful memories that will last forever.

Your Cousin
Daisy Footman

June 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaines Family during this time of sadness and loss. Mr. Gaines was such an intergral part of my life at LMHS. We all mourn his passing but thank God for his wonderful time on earth. Marcie Gray

Juanita Jefferson Cook

June 20, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sharon (Henderson) McFadden

June 20, 2010

Cousins Eric, Derrick, Sylvonda, Aaron Jr. and the rest of the Gaines family, my heart felt sympathy goes out to you. I am praying for you all and know that God will carry you through this most difficult time. Stay strong and trust in God!

Roosevelt Dickey Jr.

June 20, 2010

To the Raymond Gaines family, May God's special Love be with you at this time. I know that Raymond is now with Uncle Aaron and Aunt Allie mae.

Raymond's cousin
Roosevelt Dickey Jr.

Donna Whelchel

June 19, 2010

Dear Linda,
God bless you at this time. You are in my heart and prayers. It was wonderful working with you and for Raymond these past years. I wish I could be with you today. With much love, Donna Whelchel

Matthew Woody

June 19, 2010

To the Gaines family my deepest sympathies are with you all. Raymond was a light for everyone who knew him. He will be misssed, may Gods love comfort you in this your time of sorrow.

Lincoln High Classmate 1962

Jennifer (Bosquez) Slavik

June 19, 2010

The sight of Mr. Gaines walking the halls of Lake Howell with megaphone in hand is forever embedded in my adolescent memory. Just as his smile, kindness, understanding and wisdom he shared are forever imprinted on my heart.

Mrs. Gaines my deepest sympathies are with you and your family as you morn the passing of a wonderful man, husband, father and beautiful soul. He positively influenced more lives than you can ever know and I, for one, am grateful you shared him with us.

As another Silver Hawk soars to heaven I’m reminded of our Alma Mater “In your arms we grew... pride forever, dying never, hear our battle cry, we shall triumph o'er all conflict, hail to…” Mr. Gaines.

LHHS Class of 1992

In Loving Memory,
Jenny

Sylvia Cohen Adams

June 18, 2010

Aunt Linda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. May the Lord look upon you and give you the strength needed to make it through these difficult times.
Love ya,

June 18, 2010

Kyle,
My prayers are with you and your family.May you find comfort in the many memories you have of your father.
God Bless you

With deepest sympathy,
Dwanna W.Jacobs
Athletic Academic Advisor
Florida A&M University

June 18, 2010

Our sincere condolence to the entire Gaines Family during this difficult time. Remember that to be absence from the body is to be present with the Lord. Our prayers are with you and the entire Gaines family.

President F. R. & Sister Dee Rush
Tallahassee, FL

K ODonnell

June 18, 2010

I went to school at Lake Mary (Class of 2002) & remember Mr. Gaines. So sorry to hear this but I'm glad that he knew Jesus. :) He was a really nice teacher!

June 18, 2010

This comes as such sad news. It's been a long time since my LHHS days but I remember Mr. Gaines quite well. He was a great man and will be sadly missed. My condolences to Mrs. Gaines who I also remember "very" well from my Tuskawilla days.

~Carrie Bossler Stanley

June 18, 2010

Mrs. Linda Gaines and family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you
at this difficult hour.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD,
which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
Deepest Sympathy,
Mrs. Shirley Wilson & family
Sanford, Florida

Stephanie (Williams) Outten

June 18, 2010

"My prayers are with the Gaines family during this difficult time. I was a student at Lake Howell from 1987-1991, and he was truly like a father figure to many of us. I was so saddened to hear the news of his passing, but I know he is resting peacefully with the Lord. His life will always be a testimony to be remembered. God bless Mrs. Gaines and the rest of the Gaines family." Stephanie (Williams) Outten

June 18, 2010

To The Gaines Family:

Fondly remembering all the various activities we attended together with our kids at Lyman High School.

We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.

With Heartfelt Condolences, Prayers and Blessings,

William & Linda Thomas
Montgomery, Alabama (parents of LaTosha)

Jamele (Gaines) Walden

June 18, 2010

To Pastor Ray, Kyle and Mrs. Linda
I can not say that I can feel your pain even though we are family. Losing someone that close hurts but he is in a better place now. No more suffering up there. We to have to cross the same path that Mr. Gaines took so lets live the life that will be pleasing to our father in heaven and that will keep the dream and legacy of Raymong Gaines Sr.; a man of faith. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. You know of to find me and my husband if we can be of assistances.
Love Stephen, Jamele and the Walden Twins

Pat Campbell-Hills

June 18, 2010

Dear Linda & Family: I am deeply saddened to learn of Raymond's passing. Though I have not seen him for many years, the childhood memories linger. Such good-times were had at the Gaines' house and nursery(our week-end hang-out). I remember how Mr.&Mrs.Gaines would be right there in the mix keeping a close eye. They would feed us,play games with us, and safely see us home,when necessary. The Gaines boys were true gentleman always. Our families never worried about us when we were with them. Raymond was molded to become the successful individual that he was through his very loving and caring parents whose unselfish love and compassion touched the lives of so many. I am so very grateful for having Raymond and his family in my life during my formative years. What an inspiration!!! I know that he fought the good fight with all that he had, but the Lord looked down upon his
good and faithful servant and knew that he was ready to rest. He had done
all that he could do for family,friends
and the many children he served. So we bid you love,peace and sweet memories.
Never forgetting that God granted you the priviledge of sharing in the life of one of the best he ever made. May
God continue to bless each of you through these sorrowful times and forever.

Essex James

June 18, 2010

My heart was sad to hear of the loss of Raymond. But there is rejoicing in heaven as God will receive one of his faithful servant in Glory.

-To God be the Glory
Essex James Family
and The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Oviedo,Fl

June 18, 2010

June 18, 2010
Linda,
My prayers & thoughts are with you & your family.
Anna Walton

June 18, 2010

"Our deepest sympathies are with your family during this difficult time. Mr. Gaines was an admired and revered individual. He truly leaves behind a legacy of love and success. May God be with you and continue to seek him first, because he comforts like none other." -KaTrice Ransom and family (Heathrow, FL)

Shelby (Shaffer) Peck

June 18, 2010

So many of us owe so much to Mr. Gaines' direction, support and encouragement. And I hope there is some comfort in the endless legacy he leaves behind, in his family, and in the many lives he touched throughout his career. We are praying for your family, of course, and take comfort that there is indeed a very special place in heaven for the voice of the Silver Hawks.

Melissa Arnold

June 18, 2010

Mrs. Gaines and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will forever remember Mr. Gaines. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Roosevelt Lamarr

June 18, 2010

To the family of Mr. Raymond Gaines Sr.,my deepest sympathies are with you. May the heavenly father wrap his arms around each of you.I have many fond memories of Mr.Gaines at Crooms High School in Sanford.I shall keep this family in my prayers. God Bless all of you in this time of sorry.

Tara Dugan

June 18, 2010

We cannot feel what you are feeling at this moment of time,
But please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
May God give you the strength.

Love,
The Dugan Family

Heather Carzis Schuster

June 18, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Gaines passing. I was just thinking about contacting him to let him know I FINALLY made it through college and will be teaching first grade next year. He was so supportive of my younger quest in college and supplied me with many letters of recommendation. I have many fond memories of my experiences with Mr. Gaines as well as our many conflicts over my rants about CFC's in the cafeteria trays. :0) His departure certainly leaves Florida short a great educator and leader!

Mrs. Gaines, if you are reading this, please accept my condolences. I will never forget all you did for me, as well, as my guidance counselor at Tuskawilla.

Rose Carney

June 18, 2010

Linda & Family,
Psalm 121: I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord. "To God Be The Glory" during your time of sorrow. My prayers are with you.

Lisa Kimbrough

June 18, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Gaines was a wonderful person.

Margaret Brown

June 18, 2010

Dear Linda & family, my deepest sympathies go to all of you. I will miss his smile and waves as he jogs through the neighborhood. I have many fond memories of him at LHHS as I'm sure many of my classmates. May God walk you all though this difficult time. God Bless you all

Josephine Jackson

June 18, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Charlie Mae Dennis & Family

June 18, 2010

To Eric, Deric and the rest of the Gaines family, May our Heavenly Father wrap his loving arms around each and everyone of you.Continue to look to the hills from whence cometh your help.

Erin Dodich

June 18, 2010

So sorry to hear of Mr. Gaines' passing. He has always been the most fondly remembered of administrators from my years at Lake Howell High School. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Theresa Martin

June 17, 2010

Mr. Gaines was someone I was glad to know, great asssistant principle he will be dearly missed, god bless his family

Todd Russell

June 17, 2010

Dear Mrs Gaines and Family, I want to express our deepest sympathy to your family. With Mr. Gaines' passing we lost a great friend of my father's. When my dad was diagnoised with cancer he was at my dad's side. When my dad passed away Mr. Gaines and Mrs. Gaines were one of the first at my family's home. He was tough but fair and loved Lake Howell High School. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Gaines made a difference in my life and many others.

June 17, 2010

Linda, Ray, Kayle,Carolyn, Eddie and Barbara,
I am sorry to hear of Raymond's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have many memories of God's blessings.

Gwendolyn Miller Black
Sanford, Florida

Mary Jones-(Bisbee

June 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 17, 2010

Linda our prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear about Mr. Gaines was wonderful. He would always come to the bus and talk to John when he was outside at Lake Mary High School. We love you, John and Jackie Green Oviedo, Florida

Ann Rowney & family

June 17, 2010

Mrs. Gaines - our deepest condolences to you and your family. While my sons went to Lake Mary High School, I worked with Mr. Gaines on many projects and committees. I admired his professionalism, his shining example and his winning smile. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ann Wanza-Jackson Family

June 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mr.& Mrs. Frederick Skinner &Sons

June 17, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Mr.and Mrs Vernon Skinner and Family

June 17, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 17, 2010

Mrs. Gaines,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Gaines was a wonderful person and I will never forget his and your friendship.

Sylvia Seacrist
Hagerty HS

Cousin, Linda Gaines Tillman

June 17, 2010

Eric and Derrick it saddened me when Lois called to tell me of the passing of Raymond. I have fond memories of all of us growing up together.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Linda during this time of loss.

Olivia Jefferson-Skinner

June 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joanne Allen Howard

June 17, 2010

Linda, I extend heartfelt sympathy to you and yours. As you grieve, try and find time to be thankful for the time God gave you with your loved one.

Yolonda Richardson

June 17, 2010

To the Gaines Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love Yolonda Richardson and Family.

Rita Dean-McCray

June 17, 2010

Linda &Family,
Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May your fond memories comfort you.

REV. ERNESTINE B.GAINES-HODGES

June 17, 2010

MAY THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP THE GAINES FAMILY DURING THEIR TIME OF BEREAVEMENT.

Bobby Walker & Family

June 17, 2010

To Linda, Carolyn & Sam, and the entire Gaines Family: Raymond "Fox" Gaines . . . The "Consummate Gentleman". For everyone who loved "Fox", may God comfort you and show you the way. But remember, God does not comfort us to make us more comfortable. He comforts us so that we may also become comforters. Fox will be truly missed.

June 17, 2010

Cousin Linda,
Always remember,"we shall all meet again." You are in my prayers.

Effie Footman Tolbert, Washington, D.C.

June 17, 2010

Linda
My heart was so sadden, when I saw this in Orland Paper,my prayers are with you and the family. May God contiune to grant you and family strength.

Mary Ann Sims Bivinss Orlando, Fl.

Brian Urichko

June 17, 2010

Mrs. Gaines, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow and rejoice. Janene and I were two of Mr. Gaines' biggest fans at Lake Howell. He will forever be remembered for his legacy at Lake Howell. He was an inspiration to me and touched my life like no other. I'm sure many can say the same. I will truly miss him! ---Brian and Janene Urichko

Rachel & Clif Gorenflo

June 17, 2010

We are so sorry to learn of Dr. Gaines passing. He was a wonderful neighbor and an amazing gentleman. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

June 17, 2010

Mr. Gaines was such an amazing man with great values. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.

Rhonda Davis/Lake Mary High School

Clara Davis-Seaton

June 17, 2010

Aaron, Eric & Derrick, May God be your strength. Keep your faith in God and he will filter all your pain thru him.

The Davis Family, Tallahassee, FL

Delbert Floyd

June 17, 2010

To Linda and family, Raymond was a role model,big brother and true cousin to us all;we know the love you'll shared was awesome,he will be missed. We will continue to pray for you and the family.

Pastor Wilbert and Dr. Ruth Hobbs

June 17, 2010

Linda and Family

Our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. It is still true that there is no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

Dorothy Rackley

June 17, 2010

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation

June 17, 2010

Mrs. Gaines,
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Gaines passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
Fondly,
Sue Kroll, LMHS

Joyce Wiggins-Smith

June 17, 2010

Linda;
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during
this difficult time." We are sorry for your loss.

Patricia Cohen-Huewitt

June 17, 2010

To Aunt Linda may your heart soon be filled with memories of joyful times together as your celebrate a life well lived, and to Eric and Derick may the Lord continue to watch over yall during this time.

Kim Davis Czerniejewski

June 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sad to hear of Mr. Gaines' passing. Please know he is thought of fondly by those who knew him and he touched the lives of many!

Lake Howell class of 1986

james bellemy

June 17, 2010

Linda
Our prayers are with you. May you be blessed.

James and Patricia Bellamy

Bunnye Bomar

June 17, 2010

Mrs. Gaines and sons,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Raymond. I taught AP English for him at LMHS and what a delighful experience. He was always so professional and sincere, a man who contributed so much to education. My thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. God now truly has another angel.
Warmly,
Bunnye Bomar

Kelly Latham Blount

June 17, 2010

My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

June 17, 2010

May the Lord keep you and bless and comfort, your family at this difficult time.
Eddie Lenton & Family

June 17, 2010

Linda, continue to lean and depend on God who is the source of our strength.
Even during times like this, we learn
to STAND when we don't UNDERSTAND and
shout out "To God Be The Glory". You had a fantastic friend, husband and father. You never told me this, I just stood aside and witnessed this.
Love you in Jesus name.

Your classmate, Joyce Hannah Wilson.

Carrie Sneeringer-Engler

June 17, 2010

Our thoughts are with the Gaines family during this time of loss. May your memories and faith provide you comfort.

LHHS class of 1987

LeeBrooksJackson Patkus

June 17, 2010

Our entire family was sad to hear of the passing of Ray Gaines, Sr. He was a friend and mentor to kids and parents alike at LHHS when my family knew him. Please know that the entire community is mourning his passing. Peace and Grace to the Gaines family from Lee, Brooks, and Jackson Patkus

Wendy Betts

June 17, 2010

Linda,

I am so sorry to hear about Raymond's passing. Gerald and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Just seemed like yesterday that I saw Raymond on his bike pedaling away one morning when I was on my way to work. God bless.

Dr. James Davis, Ruthenell Dubose, Chris Davis

June 17, 2010

To The Entire Gaines Family

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful time together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tonya Patterson

June 17, 2010

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

Truly Deacon Gaines was a man of GOD and he inspired all of those that had the opportunity to know him. Tamaa and I would like to say to the family, be encoraged for it is written, those that mourn shall be comforted. Heaven has gained the best Sunday School teacher that ever crossed our paths. We shall see him again.

Sincerely,

The Pattersons

Carl Davis & Family

June 17, 2010

May God comfort you during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

June 17, 2010

With deepest sympathy. May God bless you at this difficult time.

Shirley Hunter Carrington and Doris Hunter White

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