Passing of Ray Hess - 92 years

[whiteymet]

I too had the pleasure of meeting Ray in the early 70's at a few of the early "conventions" in places like Detriot, Cincy, and Indy.

Always the gentleman, very tanned, SoCal laid back. Really made an impression on a 20 something from NJ!! He always came with stacks of Bell Brands! Completed my sets through him and got ad sheets as well as I recall.

One of the real good guys!!

Fred

[gnaz01]

I never met Ray, but I do have the honor of owning his hobby publications and guides that belonged to him! Mark referenced above to them being sold on eBay and I purchased them. It is an honor to know they are in my collection, as well as many articles written by him and about him.

[Greenmonster]

Thanks to all who have posted remembrances of Ray, the family has been on line viewing your comments and sends their sincere appreciation of your good words and wishes.

[Mike Jaspersen]

I was saddened by the news of Ray Hess’ passing. I first met Ray in 1970 at a collector gathering in Southern California. Although just a teenager at the time, the age difference didn’t faze Ray in the least. In Ray’s mind, we were all just a bunch of collectors. The 1970’s was an exciting time in the hobby. Card gatherings were quickly turning into actual baseball card shows. For Ray, those cordial get-togethers became his very own national road show. I still remember asking my dad on the way to the show, Is Ray Hess’ table next to ours? Most of the time, the answer was yes. My dad was a big Ray Hess fan too. It was always better when Ray was in the room. He was the original “most interesting man in the world!” Will never forget our good times.
Pic is from Jim Nowell's 1970 Brea, California show with Irv Lerner, Ray Hess, Ray Medeiros and Lionel Carter.

[Griffins]

Mike- do you know if Jim Nowell, Gavin Riley, or Steve Brunner are still in the hobby?

[oaks1912]

Mike, Is it just me, or does Irv Lerner have more hair today than he did in 1970 It was great seeing you in Culver City a few weeks ago & I'm glad to hear that you're living back on the Coast..... Anthony. I think that Nowell and Brunner are out of the hobby (Brunner was doing records awhile back if I'm not mistaken). Riley sold his vintage collection years back (core of the Copeland collection) but I did see him set up selling new stuff several years back...may have been the last National in Anaheim... Good to hear all of the positive comments on Ray. Its rare on net54 to have all positive reviews to a single personality, but if it's going to happen, this time is sure appropriate