Raymond L. Austin
Raymond L. Austin
Raymond L. Austin, 76, of South Dayton, passed away peacefully, under a Thunder Moon, and sur-rounded by his wife and children, and many other loved ones, on July 17, 2019.Ray was married to the love of his life, Lana Ruckh, on October 8, 1960. Together, they built a beautiful family and life, in nearly 59 years of marriage. He is survived by Lana and their children: Kendrick and Tom Bentham, Cheryl and David Vanzile, Kellie and Kevin Swanson, and Ken and Amanda Austin; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters: Alice (David) Sanders, Phyllis (Lynn) Butcher, Pat (Bob) Yager, Linda (Skip) Sticek, and Alison (Tom) Penna; brother-in-law Bob Morlock; and numerous nieces and nephews.Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, Esther and Earl Austin, and siblings: Tom Austin, Eugene Austin, Dennis Austin, Richard Austin, Sandy Morlock and Claudia KelleyRay joined the United States Marine Corps, with his brother Dick, in 1960. He was stationed in Quantico, VA for most of his enlistment. Upon his discharge, he and Lana returned to South Dayton where he began his life of entrepreneurship. Some of his most notable endeavors include: Owner/President of Austin-Newton Electric, Energy Control Unlimited, The Copper Kettle Restaurant, and Great Lakes Ostrich Ranch. Ray retired from Al-Star Ambulance
Service as an EMT in 2014 and since then he has been a groundsman at Tri-County Country Club, and dabbled in internet sales. In 2014, Ray was also recognized by the Chautauqua County Legislature, the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office, the Chautauqua County Fire Chief Association, Senator Cathy Young and the American Red Cross for his act of heroism in saving the life of a young woman from a
burning car.Throughout his lifetime, Ray offered himself in public service. Some of his former roles included: Pine Valley Central School Board of Education member, American Legion Post 1593 Past Commander, South Dayton Volunteer Fireman/EMT, and SEIU Local 200 Union Steward. His final act of service was to donate his body to the University at Buffalo for research.Ray enjoyed a variety of interests. He had a spirit for political debate, he loved to watch and predict the weather, he loved playing and watching golf. Ray
enjoyed traveling with Lana. Some of their previous experiences include trips to Rome, Spain, Jamaica, Hawaii, with Cancun being a favorite spot. In more recent years, Ray also enjoyed camping, and campfires. He loved the smell from a campfire and he could often be found in his yard, with his bride, sitting by a campfire, day or night. Ray has always been known as the life of the party, and he kept all those that were near, laughing to the end.Ray’s greatest source of pride was his family. He enjoyed every visit from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.There will be a celebration of Ray’s life Sunday, July 21, 2019 from noon to 4 p.m., to be held at his home at 8643 Cottage Rd., South Dayton, NY under a tent. This will be an informal open house for-mat, with remembrances being shared at 1 p.m. Bring your memories and lawn chairs. Donations in Ray’s honor can be sent to the South Dayton Volunteer Fire Dept.