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Ray Patencio Obituary
February 9, 1946 – February 8, 2007
Ray Leonard Patencio, 60, was born February 9, 1946 and raised on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in Palm Springs, California and is a member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Ray was one of eight children born to John Joseph (Joe) and Francis Patencio (nee Saubel). His father was a member of the Agua Caliente tribe, its last Ceremonial Leader, and his mother was from the Morongo Band of Cahuilla Indians. Ray continued in the tradition of his family and spent his entire adult life working for his people through the Tribal Council, and lastly as Chairman of the Gaming Commission for the two Casinos. Additionally, Ray was on many boards and committees throughout the desert. On Thursday, February 8th, the eve of Ray's 61st birthday, he lost his yearlong fight with cancer while resting peacefully at home.
Ray loved God and had a personal relationship with Him. As a couple we were very involved with Our Lady of Guadalupe and close to the priests who were our Spiritual Leaders. Ray's love of God and his special dedication to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha spilled over into many walks of his life. He loved his family, neighbors and saw God in all of his fellow man. He is loved and will be greatly missed by all of us.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kay; his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Frankie; his sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Sonny; his former wife Millie Browne and their four children, Candace (Eric), John, Alycia (Reuben) and Ray, Jr.(Myori); his stepchildren, Theresa, Christine and Doug (Maricela); grandchildren Taylor, Amara, Gavin, Michael, Elisa, Peter, Andrew, Douglas and David.
The Patencio family would like to thank the many friends, associates, colleagues, and medical community for the wonderful support, care and prayers that they have given to Ray in his battle against this
devastating disease.
The visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2007 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 204 S. Calle El Segundo, Palm Springs, CA. The funeral service is 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 2800 Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, CA with burial at the Jane Augustine Patencio Cemetery, 1095 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA immediately after the Mass.
Wiefels Funeral Directors, Palm Springs. (760) 327-1257.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Patencio
Ana Lopez
July 17, 2007
I am very sorry for your lost, to all of Mr. Patencio's family.
Denise Heavyrunner
February 25, 2007
My deepest condolences to Ray's family and to the ACBCI's. I feel honored to have known Ray. It was a such a great pleasure to see him. And to work with and visit with. He was loved and respected by many, he will be greatly missed.
London Pickering
February 24, 2007
When I worked for the Gaming Commission, Mr. Patencio would often stop by my office for a chat. He was very friendly and always asked how my family was doing. He will always be remembered and never forgotten.
Bud Robbins
February 23, 2007
I feel honored to have known Ray and have always had a great respect for him. He was a truly fine gentlemen and always had something positive to say each time I had the pleasure of visiting with him. I extend my condolences to his immediate and extended family. We will all miss him.
Michael & Adrienne Regan
February 23, 2007
We met Ray & Mary Kay many yrs. ago when they visited their 2nd home in Mammoth several times a year. Kriss Kringle's, our shop, was one of their favorite places to shop. In a small town there is time to talk. We struck up a lasting friendship with visits and dinners out, plus great conversation. We will miss Ray so very much - his constant smile, chats after Mass at St. Joe's, his devotion to Mary Kay and all of the family, plus so much more. Mary Kay, we will always be only a phone call or email away. God certainly has a special place in Heaven for Ray. Much love and prayers for you and your family.
Charles Browne
February 22, 2007
I had the distinct and honored pleasure to meet Ray on several occaisions through his former wife Millie and her husband Dave; my brother. It is seldom that you meet someone who you feel immediately comfortable with and who you sense is equally comfortable with you. I felt this way, as he was his own man in his own shoes, no hidden agenda, just Ray being Ray. I admired that in him and I sense that others did as well. My sincere condolences to his children and his extended family.
Hilda Manuel
February 21, 2007
I never Mr. Patencio but I felt I knew him through Candace, his daughter and my friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you Candace and your family.
Carolyn Lewis
February 21, 2007
Although I never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Patencio, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and to Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. May the Creator give you strength, guidance and continued love during this time.
Mark & Wendy Cooper
February 20, 2007
Mary Kay and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Ray will forever be in hearts.
John Kavcak
February 19, 2007
I am glad I had the opportunity to know you. Rest in peace.
Regina Galfetti
February 19, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the Patencio family during this very difficult time. Ray was truly a gem in the desert. Loved and respected by many, he will be greatly missed.
Joy Meredith
February 19, 2007
Mr. Patencio flies with the birds now watching over us from his new home. I felt his presence at the Indian cemetary and then a feather fell right before my eyes with no birds in the air overhead. I feel honored to have known him and to have been taught by him. I wish for peace and grace to guide his family through this difficult time.
Kathy Olsen
February 19, 2007
Togetherness is in the mind and the heart and has little to do with proximity. Mary Kay, Terry and family, your are in my prayers.
Kathy Olsen
Betty Rascoe-Gabriele
February 18, 2007
RAY RAY WAS THE BEST EVER! MAY GOD BLESS HIM, AND HIS, IN ETERNITY. BRG
Steven and Kindi Koven
February 18, 2007
Ray was a good, kind man. We feel honored to have known him.
Mercedes Lopez
February 18, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you, HE was one of a Kind and He will be missed in his town and surroundings.
Mary Kay, John, Ray III,and the rest of the family, you are not alone at this time of sorrow and to reliefe your pain just think that He is now in the God's presence, without pain and suffering and He would like to see you with peace and love.
God Bless you all.
Jerry & Paula Errico
February 18, 2007
There are no words to express the loss we feel for you, your family and the whole community
Andrew and Janneil Van Dyke
February 18, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Larry & Susan Gagnier
February 18, 2007
We are so blessed to have known Ray. He has touched our lives and will live in our memories forever. He will truly be missed.
Michael Villegas
February 18, 2007
I am an usher at Our Lady of Guadalupe and frequently say Ray and Mary Kay at church. My deepest condolences go out to Mary Kay and the rest of the family
cathleen cantor
February 18, 2007
He was a kind and sweet man and he reminded me of MY father, everyone liked him. I am happy to have known him.
Mary Gonzales Brhel
February 18, 2007
I share my joy in having known Ray and the legacy he leaves behind. He was the quintessential essence of an Agua Caliente Indian. Lover and protective of the earth and its people. May his soul rest in peace
and may his family find comfort in the friends and family that have surrounded them in their time of grief.
Richard Genton
February 18, 2007
I pray for Ray Patrncio to be welcomed to his place in the sky forever.
Patricia (Hendren) Billinger
February 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "Uncle" Ray was a good friend to my family. The last time I saw him was at my Godmother's funeral and he was at my Mom's years before. All three went to heaven in February, the love month. Supportive, caring and respectful. He was the most thoughtful man I have ever known. I feel blessed and grateful having known him.
Doug and Maricela Angle
February 17, 2007
Ray, we will miss your contagous smile and your loving heart. We know you are shining down on us and we can't wait to be reunited with you in heaven. Thank you to all that have paid their respects to the Patencio Family, your prayers and condolences are truly appreciated.
Joe and Maria Carlini
February 17, 2007
Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you. Ray was a wonderful man who always treated everyone respect and dignity. A good man who encouraged us all to be fair, loyal and to persevere. Ray, you will be missed by all who knew and loved you; Our Dear Friend - God Bless You as I know he does and will.
Maggie Jackson
February 17, 2007
A wonderful soul that encouraged me and so many others to persevere. You will truly be missed by all who knew and loved you-God Bless
Bob Palmer
February 17, 2007
TOO THE PATENCIO FAMILY, I WOULD LIKE TOO SAY HOW BLESSED I FEEL THAT I HAD A CHANCE TO KNOW RAY.
I WAS A MEMBER OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH FOR 27 YEARS.
AND RAY WAS ONE OF THE PILLARS OF THE PARISH.
AT NIGHT I GO OUTSIDE AND LOOK UP
AND I SEE ANOTHER VERY BREIGHT STAR
IN THE SKY, AND I KNOW THAT IT IS RAY LOOKING DOWN ON US.
ANOTHER ANGEL TO HELP US THROUGH
OUR LIFE.
I ASKED GOD TO OPEN HIS ARMS AND
WELCOME RAY HOME.
THANKYOU TOO THE PATENCIO FAMILY
FOR SHARING RAY WITH US.
MY LIFE IS SO MUCH RICHER,FOR HAVE
KNOWING RAY.
GOD BLESS RAY AND HIS LOVING FAMILY.
ALL MY BEST.
BOB PALMER
Judi Simon
February 17, 2007
My prayers and sympathy are sent across the miles to all of you. Ray was a wonderful man who always treated everyone in the Tribal Office with respect and dignity. He is a major loss to you all as well as the entire ACBCI.
With Respect and Love
Judi Simon
Tammy Palkman
February 17, 2007
Mrs. Patencio~
Just a couple of weeks ago, I served the two of you at Michael's Cafe. We spoke about the people we knew and how long we've all been in the Desert. Please accept my condolences to you and Mr. Patencio's many family members.
~Tammy (Robles) Palkman
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