Memories of Ray Bray
I first came to know Ray Bray when I enrolled as the only girl on the 1988 F/S Waterpolo team. Just a few weeks into the season I came down with chicken pox & after no longer contaigeous, but still not ready to swim, Coach Bray told me to clean the Blue Room. In all fairness, do you remember the condition of the Blue Room office? A bulldozer couldn't clean that office, but Bray's conviction had me convinced I could do it. I will be forever grateful to Coach Bray for his sensativity in letting me out of off-season waterpolo to swim off-season as a freshman with the girls swim team. He was overtly aware to how much taunting one 14-year old girl could handle from twenty 14-year old boys.
Mr. Bray knew just the moment to let business slide and let fun rule. When I was a sophomore Christine Zanolli, Mindy McIntyre, and Corinna Herbel & I wanted to have a slumber party and invited Suzie Bray to come. Mr. Bray wouldn't let her come so we decided to TP their house that night. The next morning Suzie called to invite us all over for breakfast. We suspiciously went...but there was no trace of toilet papter anywhere when we arrived! Bray was calm, cool, and collected. After some delicous pancakes, lovingly made by Mrs. Bray, we became convinced they didn't know it was us. We watched some swim meet videos and when the time came to leave...we discovered, not a car, but a mass of TP and FVHS Swim written all over our car windows. I still have no idea how they pulled that off, because I swear the whole family was there with us the whole time.
My favorite, most memorable, and quite frankly most painful days of HBJG were when Mr. Bray visited Mike Eich and joined the Captains for run-swim-runs, ins-and-outs, and Body Whompin' on huge surf days. I remember being bewildered at "how someone so old could do so much more than all us kids". (It's kinda ironic what a 16-year old considers "old".)
I am honored to have known Coach Bray and am grateful for the innumberable memories & lessons he has accorded me...From fitting 17 kids into what was probably a 4 person jacuzzi at swim team parties in his back yard to running through the neighborhoods around FVHS in our speedos during morning workouts.
For the family and close friends of Ray Bray, I wish you the happiness of his lifetime, a brief moment of grief, and your lifetime of his memory, as I take with me, mine.
Becky (Hoselton) Martin
FVHS waterpolo 1988
FVHS swim team 1988-1992
HBJG 1989-1992
Every other summer we would go to Santa Cruz for JG competition. In the 60's and early 70's it was legal to jump off the pier there. Needless to say this type of training opportunity could not be passed up. Even though the water was freezing, Coach motivated (or suckered) most of us out on to the pier. But unfortunately the pier was a bit lower than the HB pier so some of us were a little discouraged. Sensing the let down, Coach invented the JG sandwich. He had me stand on my hands a few feet from the edge of the pier and he bear hugged my lower legs. We shuffled to the edge and Ray had me bear hug his legs as we toppled over the edge. Coach landed in the icy water on his head allowing me to enter feet first. All the other JGs had to try it too, I don't know how his head took it.
As I watch current surf movies about Laird Hamilton I hear him referred to as a waterman. When I first heard this term I was brought back to my JG days. Ray Bray was a true waterman. From hugging the pilings, clam diving, pier jumping up and down the coast to body surfing in pier high surf, Coach was at home in the ocean. He could body surf like a seal. I have seen him body surf up behind surfers on waves and knock the surfers off their boards if they didn't heed the black ball flag. He taught me to respect and love the ocean. I feared the beach when I was 10 and started JGs. I became the first JG 2 year captain. My prayers are for his family.
--Steve Lee
Long Beach Wilson '75
Huntington State Lifeguard
Long Beach Lifeguard 76-82
Mr. Bray was truly an amazing person and someone I always admired and respected ever since I
met him. Granted, the time he called my house at 5:30 in the morning because I was not in the
pool made me furious. And, there was the time it was raining and lightning and cold as ever,
and he hit me (hard) with a kick board knocking, me into the pool, all the while laughing
some feverously demented laugh. Yeah, I thought he would live forever! It comes as a shock
to me that he is gone, but because he was so much to so many of us he will never be forgotten.
How can you forget someone who slides on his belly like a seal across the beach? I have so
many wonderful memories and wonder if I am going to be able to find my way back to that blow
hole in Hawaii where I followed him into some crazy twisting tunnel underground full of eels.
What an awesome man! Thank you Mr. Bray!
--Stacy Johnson ‘89
I was a young swimmer in Westminster when I first met Coach Bray. He encouraged me and wished me luck. Many years later, when I resumed a swim coaching career in Orange County, he once again encouraged me and wished me luck. He was a passionate coach and true gentleman who always had a kind word.
Our sympathies to the entire Bray family and the many athletes and coaches influenced over the years by Coach Bray.
Sincerely,
-- Jeff Boss, Swimming Coach, Mission Viejo HS
I remember the first time I met Mr. Bray was my freshman year of high school starting the summer water polo program. My sister had played water polo for Bray a few years before me and her advice was, “He’s an animal, so you better be ready to work hard.” After my first season of water polo, I found my sister’s advice to be true. I couldn’t believe the drive that Mr. Bray had. It was incredible. He was one of the most amazing people I think I have ever met. After my junior year of high school I went on the Hawaii trip. Mr. Bray ended up being my, Rachel Feichtmann, Erica Eldridge, and Shelby Gomez’s driver for the trip. At first we were all kind of bummed, but by the second day of the trip we were so glad that Mr. Bray was our “tour guide.” He knew so much about Hawaii, and you could tell how much he loved teaching us about the island. I think Hawaii was the first time I saw the “real” Mr. Bray. He went snorkeling with us, and swimming, running, everything. That’s one thing I truly admire about Mr. Bray—whatever he expected us to do, he’d show us that he’d do it too! He was a wonderful man, the best coach and teacher I ever had! I’m going to miss him, and his love for coaching and helping people. Mr. Bray is a legend…always has been, always will be.
Thanks for everything,
--Rayanne Bearden, Class of 2003
It's surprising how some people have such an effect on your life, but you don't quite realize it until they are gone. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Mr. Bray's passing. He was one of the most positive male role models I have ever had in my life. When I was in high school I got to know him first, as a coach and teacher. He was always supportive, but he brought a level of discipline to things that I had never before experienced. I remember waking up at some ungodly hour and riding my bike to school in the dark to swim laps. I learned from that what commitment required. Thankfully I realized early on I wasn't going to have a career as a swimmer or as a water polo player, but I did realize what it took to work hard at something you loved.
I got to know Mr. Bray on a much different level once I became friends with his daughter Suzi. I saw him to be just as supportive in all our artistic endeavors as he was as a coach. He was always there to help us do whatever we needed to do to make our artistic dreams a reality. I don't remember building a theater set without Mr. Bray being there or giving a performance when he wasn't in the audience. He just always seemed to be there whenever you needed him. I remember breaking my ankle on stage, and Mr. Bray came running back stage to give me medical attention. At a time when a lot of young men need good role models to show by example what being a good father and husband was all about, he was that person for me. I was so lucky to have had him in my life when I did. He was a wonderful man and he will forever be missed.
--David Lamb, FVHS, '91
The best memories of high school were, without a doubt, because of Coach Bray and my
swim team experience. He made you want to work hard, no matter what your ability.
He was tough, he was demanding, he was an inspiration. He may be gone, but the values
he instilled in those he coached will survive. I am proud and priviledged to have
known him.
--Jenny Huff Carriere, FVHS 1982
I was not one of coach Bray's swimmers; however, I was fortunate enough
my freshmen year at Fountain Valley High to have had him as my P. E. coach.
Although coach Bray and I never exchanged one word the entire year, I was so
compelled by his personality; his intensity, he was always so focused, and his
tenacity was fierce. ... 26 years later I found myself poolside sitting in the
bleachers at Laguna Hills High Schoolwatching my daughter doing the back stroke
and walking along side of her was a man dressed in white who was none other than
the man himself, Coach Bray, only this time he was referring. It was no surprise
that even though he aged, and was retired from coaching, he walked up and down
the length of that pool with every race, he was relentless, consistent, and his
fierce tenacity that I remembered from High School had not given way to age at all.
I sat and watched him with fascination, and curiosity. Finally, when the meet was over,
I thought, maybe I'll go over and introduce myself. I got within about ten feet
from the man and stopped, but continued watching. I didn't have the courage to face
the man whom I had admired from afar during my high school years. Now he's gone, and
on behalf of those who were also touched by Coach Bray from afar, I say God Bless to
Mrs. Bray, your kids, and grandchildren; from afar.
--John Oganeku
I remember one day when Jack Kitrell, Mike Eich, Mike Oldsberg, Ray Bray
and myself went on a hike in the San Bernadino mountains. I knew it was
quite a coincidence when we arrived and Ray announced that there was a
"Lost Mine" that just happened to be in the area. So, of course with Ray
leading the way we are off in search of this lost gold mine.
Ray wore a white windbreaker that day, that hours later was dotted in
crimson red from the Yucca plants stabbing his forearms, legs and torso
which caused him to bleed from the puncture wounds. We all soon became
aware that the Ray Bray way of hiking was quite unique because he blazes
his own trail and never stops to rest.
As daylight was soon diminishing, so were the hopes of finding the lost
mine. Like a bloodhound determined to follow the scent, Ray reluctantly
gave in to the group and abandoned the search.
Each time I go for a hike I think about that day and remember what a
great time we all really had. Thanks Ray for all the laughs and talks.
It's nice to know that a simple smile, firm handshake or just a Hello
can affect the way a person remembers you.
Thanks, Ray.........Your friend, Pete Talpash.
I am privileged to have known Coach Bray on many different levels.
After four wonderful years of being coached by Coach Bray, i was
honoroed to coach with him and learn from the man and the legend.
Bray was the toughest, most intense, but also most respectful and
caring coach I have ever had. His crazy tactics and workouts were
dreadful at the time, but looking back it helped me become who i am
today. Bray was all about working hard without giving up, reaching
goals we never thought we could, and continuing to become better
people in all walks of life. He didn't coach us to become better
athletes, he coaches us to become better people.
I remember knowing Bray was coming by the gingle of keys on his belt.
He always had dozens of keys on his buckle, almost warning us that he
was coming and we were most likely late for practice. I remember him
buying the entire team Baskin Robins ice cream after CIF relays. I
remember his crazy stories, drills, and demonstrations. I remember
Bray standing on a huge ladder in the middle of the bay while we
played water polo, sifting through algae and dealing with moving
goals. I remember a coach who could lift more weight than the entire
varsity team combined. I remember him welcoming the entire team into
his house for parties, and supplying all the food. I remember his old
school Winnebago he would drive up to Santa Barbara for our
tournaments. But mostly, I remember Bray for his ability to teach
without letting you know you are learning.
Coach Bray was not a man - he was a God. He was a man of steel.
Coach Bray was just....Bray. No one will ever come close to him. He
will truly be missed by thousands of people across the country. RIP
Mr. Ray Bray, I will never forget you.
-- Brandon Dotts, 2001
I still tell stories about Mr. Bray, over 20 years after I swam for him at FVHS. My brother still talks about what an influence Mr. Bray had on his life. Through summer league, high-school, USS and collegiate swimming I can honestly say that Mr. Bray was the most colorful person I ever encountered in my swimming career. He knew so well how to be challenging and creative at the same time. He will be missed...
--Amy Clark Hays, class of '84
I was so sad to hear that Mr. Bray has passed away. He was a great coach, mentor, and leader. He treated the swim team like family, always looking out for our well being and coaching us to success. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, we who have such fond memories of this amazing man.
One memory I will cherish forever is one morning, when we arrived for swim practice at 5am, Mr. Bray realized he had locked his gate keys in the blue room (all of us were excited, thinking Mr. Bray was going to cancel morning practice), but of course Mr. Bray would NEVER cancel practice!!! So, what he did next surprised us all..the agile Mr. Bray jumped the gate and--low and behold--got the keys, opened the gate, and told us all "YOU'RE LATE!!!" All we could do was laugh, and hope that this wasn't going to be a hard practice.
He was always so kind and generous...if you forgot your goggles, he would lend you a pair. He would encourage us to always swim FASTER and have a positive attitude. Although he would prefer us to win 1st place, he was happy just knowing that we had given it our all, in hopes that maybe next time we could win.
When we had big meets, like one in particular at Belmont Plaza in Long Beach, he would treat us to ice cream. And even sometimes he would have the bus driver stop at Inn-n-Out so we could refuel after a long day of swimming. Although we might not have won every race, we were always #1 in his eyes, and that is what I will always remember about the incredible Mr. Bray.
We all have Mr. Bray to thank for dedicating his life and life lessons to the success of our team. May his spirit and good heart live on in the lives of others who have passed through his classroom door, and who had Mr. Bray as a coach. I think it would be great to name the FVHS pool after Mr. Bray, he deserves to be honored in this way.
Rest in Peace Mr. Bray, may your legacy live on forever, we will always be your team.
-Gaby Hernandez, FVHS, '03.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ray Bray's passing. The Ray I knew was a man of principles who strived to live consistently the precepts he taught his athletes and his children. He was passionate about the aquatic sports. He was among the most generous people I have known.
I cherish my memory of a trip to Florida with Ray, Carolyn, Suzie and the FVHS Choir -- of dining with Ray & Carolyn at Benihana's in Epcot Center -- Ray and I dressed in garments he had purchased specifically for this occasion and so apropos.
Also prized are the memories I hold of his mien viewed from my perspective as the director of the Orange Coast Chorale when Ray and Carolyn sang in that group back in the early 90's. One sensed a quiet & gentle boyishness in this man -- it was most evident when he sang.
My association with Ray Bray made me a better person.
--Ted Reid
If you knew him, you probably saw this man as I did.
One word, amazing.
He is my definition of a tank. Hard as steel and has seen many battles. He pushed many of us to our ends, not to hurt us, but only to make us stonger. He noticed us, even when we thought we were so good at being invisible. He knew what we had inside of us, and pushed as hard as he could to have us see it. He wanted us to win.
He loved us like we loved him.
I found out that he passed away this morning. I don't think I could have prepared for the way it hit me.
He is, and will always be one of my favorite people. I will never forget the things he taught me. I will never forget the words of wisdom he would give me every afternoon is his office. He was a great man.
He is in a better place. Happiness is what he has now...
Peace out Mr. Bray.
We loved you.
Always,
--Cody-May Link
During the summer of 2002, on the swim team's trip to Maui, Mr. Bray took us on an all day adventure, showing us secret spots that mainlanders didn't know about.
He took us to this small body of water that ran into a wall. He told us he was going and he took off under the water. We didn't hear from him for about a minute and were wondering what happened to him. Then we heard his voice booming. He was in a small cave that could only be accessed by going under the dark water and swimming through and up. After another coach followed Bray, we all begin to make our way. When we emerged our heads out of the water, we were in a dark cave with a small light of tunnel coming from the top. We couldn't see much, but what we did see was amazing. We climbed our way out of the top and emerged near the side of a road.
This experience, I feel, best summarizes Bray. He often seemed like he was doing something crazy, but if you followed him, trusted him, and put forth your best effort, Bray would lead you to amazing places. Places you could never reach without him.
--Bian Webb
Coach Bray was the best swim coach in the world and I was glad to have him my
freshman year of swim. He would get into the water with us at practice
and I was saying to myself, this is no ordinary coach.. this is a
dedicated coach who loves his students and this school! During spring
break, we would all get together on the pool deck and have the biggest
barbeque and we had tons of fun.
The last swim meet that I saw him at was at Sunset Relays at the naval
base and he looked great. I said hi to him, and after all these years,
he remembered me and my mom! He cheered me on at my races and after the
meet, I wished him good luck and he said thanks. I heard that he was
going to Alaska and I thought that is good because he must be getting
better. Until today when I found out he passed away I was shocked! In
loving memory...Coach Bray...an inspiration...a leader...a great coach.
--Tiffany Libman, 2006
If you have a memory of Coach Bray or a comment about his life--and are willing to share it here--please email mpoff@fvhs.com
