Ray was born on Feb. 14, 1932, in El Modena, Calif. Ray leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Penelope Hilton Barnds, and sons, Bradley Alan Barnds, Martin John Barnds; stepsons, Bryan Victor Hilton and Brett James Hilton; and his sister, Helen Jean Shoup. Ray served his country in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Crash Rescueman and received an Honorable Discharge Jan. 19, 1954. Following his military discharge Ray received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1957 and a Master of Science, Business and Petroleum Engineering degree in 1959 both from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Ray went on to an illustrious career that spanned over 30 years with Union Oil Company of California (Unocal) until his retirement in November 1992. During his career Ray held key areas of responsibility and had many notable achievements and accomplishments. Ray headed up oil and gas operations within Unocal throughout his career including numerous assignments in Anchorage, Alaska, Pasadena, Calif., and Ventura, Calif.

Ray retired in 1992 and moved to Gig Harbor, Wash., and eventually back to Ventura where he began yet another chapter in his life as an author of fictional books. Ray enjoyed writing almost as much as he did finding solutions to complex engineering problems. Ray has two books to his credit and each is a masterpiece to those of us who know and love him. Ray was an active learner and intelligently explored both his creative side by writing books and his practical side by delving into everything with a "can do" attitude preferring to do things from the ground up.

There was virtually nothing Ray would not attempt to master on his own from being the captain of his own boat to casting a fly rod to assisting his family when in need. He was persistent in his ways and lived his life with integrity, dedication and honesty. Ray will be greatly missed by all those who loved him dearly none more than his immediate family who were by his side in his final days. We miss and love you as a husband, dad and friend. There will be no funeral or memorial service.

A celebration of life will be June 18, 2011. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from May 18 to May 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Barnds

16 Entries

J. McDuff

December 1, 2022

Haze, gray and underway, Mr. Barnes.

Andrew DiConti

May 12, 2022

Ray, as well as wife, Penny, were great neighbors to me and my wife, Diane. We had many social interactions with both he and his wife Penny, as well as connection with the Ventura Yacht Club. He was a fine, intelligent gentleman and we both shared our love for writing, which were part of many of our conversations.

Roger & Nancy Muir

June 3, 2011

Penny,

During the very few years we've known you and Ray, we've come to admire your good spirit, perseverance, and ingenuity. Ray was a strong personality with a quirky sense of humor we liked. We are praying for you during this time of sorrow.

Roger Jewett

June 2, 2011

Dear Penny,
Please accept my condolences on Ray's passing. I fondly remember working with Ray when Jim Monahan was running for County Supervisor and our conversations at numerous Assistance League functions. Best personal regards.

Glen Roberts

May 27, 2011

Dear Penny and family
I was so shocked to hear of Ray's passing, he was a frue friend of mine, I first worked for Ray when he became the area supt. for the Santa Paula area in the late 60's, I worked with him through the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969. Ray was a great organizer, he knew how to get the job done. he helped me so much with my career with Union Oil Company. He will be greatly missed by all. Ray was a very good man and a very good citizen. Penny you and the boys are in my prayers, let his memory help you through this difficult time.

May 24, 2011

Penny,
I was so sorry to read of Ray's passing as such a surprise. You had many wonderful adventures together. I so enjoyed those fun Xmas parties at your home in Ventura and reuniting with former Unocal friends.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys at this time.

Susan Lewis

Cynthia Loughman

May 24, 2011

Dear Penny,
Gene and I are so sorry for your loss. Although we didn't know Ray well, the picture of the two of you dancing, attending and supporting so many Arts functions in town together are legendary This wonderful mental picture of Ray with you will forever remain warmly in our memories and hearts.
With love,
Cynthia Loughman and Gene Martin

Roy Alsup

May 23, 2011

Dear Penny and Family:
I was very saddened to learn of Ray's passing. I worked for Ray as far back as the late 60's, I enjoyed every assignment when working for him, he was a great example, and organizer.
Ray was a real friend, he treated everyone with respect.
I'll miss him.
God Bless You

May 23, 2011

Dear Penney -
Floyd and I are so sorry to hear the news - We are sending you a hugh hug and lots of love - My favorite memory of you 2 is at the club - you getting Ray up to dance - very special.
Love, Jan and Floyd Hester

May 21, 2011

Dear Penny,
It was such a shock to learn of Ray's death. Paul and I did not know him well but knew of his many talents. The world was a better place for his being here. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy and Paul Swanson

Russ & Ley Coziar

May 21, 2011

Penny and Family.
We were saddened to read about Ray passing. Russ always looked forward to having lunch with Ray. He truly will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss. Russ and Ley Coziar

Andrew DiConti

May 21, 2011

Ray Barnds was a friend in a very special way. We lived close, only separated by one property. In years back, that property was an access route to many conversations about a myriad of topics. We had more in common than one might think, in spite of his extraordinary career as an top executive in the Petroleum Industry and mine as a high school teacher. We were both Southern Cal boys with backgrounds in sports and we both served in the military. We both loved the Central Coast,especially Ventura. We both had boats, although Rays dwarfed my own tiny sloop. And our involvement in the ocean was very strong.Ray loved nothing more than "messing around" his boat. Ray and I both had written books. His were unusually creative mysteries. We talked frequently about the many tribulations of getting a book written. Ray tried unsuccessfully to get me to join his writer's group, which he seen to enjoy enormously.
Ray had an extraordinary background in many practical things and he could always be counted upon to give very logical and worthwhile advice. He was extremely well-read and always had a thoughtful opinion on just about any subject. I never had the chance to know Ray as well as many others, but the little amount of time I spent with Ray was priceless. I certainly shall miss Ray. He was a friend.

Peter Drake

May 20, 2011

I am deeply saddened to learn of Ray's passing. He was a great guy and always helpful in giving advice as to boating and my penchant for collecting books ( I believe he felt I should stop!). My condolences to Penny and family and friends. Peter

May 18, 2011

Penny: I am truly sorry to learn of Ray's death. I am still in shock. As one of his former secretaries, I am really saddened by his passing. I thought he was a great guy. He was a rather amazing person.

Bettylou Wunder Steadman
San Dimas, California

Jack & Jo Eberts

May 18, 2011

Penny and Family. Jo and I were so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Although we knew Ray only through the dance club, we enjoyed knowing and talking with him. Our prayers are with you.

Mike Kinworthy

May 18, 2011

Penny and Family: I am so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Over the years I have thought of you two often and wondered where you were and what you were doing. I have told everyone that Ray was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known and provided me the opportunity and direction in the environmental field. I give thanks that I had the opportunity to have known him. My prayers are with you at this time and wish you the best.

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