Birth date: Jun 12, 1948 Death date: Mar 1, 2014
Ray Nichols Doan passed away after a long courageous battle with ALS on March 1, 2014. He was 65 years old. Ray was born on June 12, 1948 to Lewis and Florida Doan. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1967, fought fo Read Obituary
I remember when Ray started working at IMT. He was one of those people you couldn't help but to like. He was sure one of a kind. I haven't seen him in the last couple of years but I kept in touch with his niece, Brenda to see how he was doing. Thanks Brenda. And thanks Ray for being a part of my life.
In November 2003 I began my job as a security officer at Herman Miller in Spring Lake on 3rd shift. I was told, "You are in for a real treat.....your partner is Ray Doan." Well, they certainly were right about that.
Ray taught me many aspects of the job and all the buildings we took care of. But, perhaps most importantly, he taught me about the people. How to handle certain situations and treat folks with firmness but with dignity and respect. And his sense of humor was marvelous. We shared many a laugh together.
My work life with Ray was much too short as his illness forced him to retire. But I will never forget him and the lessons he shared. Thank you , Ray. I look forward to seeing you again on the other side.
Al Overway
Well, I reckon, I have pushed this posting off long enough...I am still in disbelief that Dad is no longer here with us, physically. I can still feel the numbness when I got the news...My work shift could not end soon enough, so I could get there to say, my Good Bye. I prayed that I could make it to his bedside before the time came, but, this time, I was the one too late.
I've known Ray, since getting hired in at Herman Miller in January 2000. From February 2000, he was just a Security Guy at work....by August 2000, we were co-workers, Friends, and now Family.
Ray took me under his wing and adopted me as his Son. From our Weekend Men's Ministry Weekends in Ludington, to our trips to Menards, and to our many, many Breakfasts at Perkins, Bob Evans, Getty Street Grill, Steak 'n Egger, and Cozy Corner Cafe in Cloverville...eating was something we had in common.
No matter what trials and tribulations I was going through in my life, he was always there for me...regardless. His infamous quotes, "If It was me, this is what I would do..." will always make me smile...and "Thats What She Said"...too...always seemed to come in right on cue.
As I reminisce with the many photos and memories of years gone by, I have tears in my eyes knowing that his end of life was coming sooner than any of us wanted. I cannot recollect 1 time that Dad ever complained about how rapidly his life was ending, yet we were all still living. His advice, encouragement, and knowledge...is what has helped me become who I am today...
I couldn't have been Prouder to call him, Dad.
I have been Blessed to be welcomed into the Doan Family: Mom Doan, Uncle Bobby, Aunt Dot, Aunt Rosie, Aunt Lou, and Uncle Jesse...extended Family I can Thank enough for being so AWESOME!
I look forward to the day that we meet again...we'll have alot to talk about...
I Love You Dad...I'll see you when I get there...
Your Adopted Boy,
Kevin Hartman Jr.
There is no way to say goodbye to my big brother. That is what it was like growing up with you, not like being your niece. You looked out for me, you teased me, you joked with me, you were kind to me and you tolerated me. I learned to flirt with boys on your friends that came over to the house. No fears...hey, that's Doan's niece, and they all walked away. I remember the early 60's and the leather jackets, turned up collars, duck-tail hair dos...Grease, the movie, had nothin' on you and Freddie. People watched it and I lived in it. hahaha. Of course, with my mom, I felt like a Sandi who Never got to participate. lol. Then I remember you and Jess going off for war. Confusion between pride and fear. Being with Granny and talking about how they couldn't send you both to Vietnam. I remember Michael and how crushing a blow and how it brought home how lucky our family had always been in not experiencing those types of losses. We just didn't have to face those things. We were so protected. We aged, we grew up. We didn't play cowboys and indians or cars and trucks in the yard anymore. We didn't climb trees and look how far we could see. We shared a lot of things together. A lot of childhood. I have a lot of good memories.
As we grew up, as we went in different directions, as we had families, we always "caught up" at get togethers, we always had time for a hug, a "how you been", "what you been up to?" and when we left it was always knowing we would see each other again and it would be like no time at all. You always wanted to know about everyone. You always showed your interest and concern. You still teased. You still had good jokes. We still loved each other. You were still my big brother even though you were my uncle. I always knew if I needed someone you would have been there. You were a stable piece of my family, like part of our backbone, we were more complete because you were there with us.
When you were found to be ill it just blew the family away. Yet to be around you was like being in a calm world. You never seemed depressed. You never seemed angry. I had cancer and I got depressed and angry. I have had some times that I felt strong but you sure put me to shame. You were such a role model. You had such character and such a zest for life and family. You seemed to know how to live in the moment and simply deal with that. To be in the now and take in both hands all it had to offer so you didn't miss out on anything you could get. How rich you made all those about you. We live our lives in such pitiful circles of jealousies and pettiness and can't see past the little things that happen and we won't let go of. Who did this to me and who has more than me and doesn't deserve it and why don't I have more in my life and I got cheated....we never stop to think about how much we cheat ourselves because of our own attitudes, because of our own pursuits, our smallness and our refusal to forgive others and love. You sure seemed to have figured all that out. You always had a smile for everyone not only on your lips but all the way up and into your eyes. A real smile. That comes from love and I think from peach. I think you had come to understand that love is what it took. Love of family, love of God, love of mankind and forgiveness...of those you felt had done wrong, and of yourself for anything you felt you had done wrong or had failed to do.
In your hospital room, at the end, one of the things that went through my mind were the words to a song we sing: And I will raise you up on Eagles wings....over and over. I just kept thinking about how you had a new body that was whole and how you had earned your reward. I could imagine your old laughter and your big smile, and walking down a street of gold looking for your mansion for most assuredly "it's near the throne".
Ray__Ray in my heart you will always be. a wondeful brother in every way. so thoughtful and careing you always thought of someone not your self .never leaving anyone out . not easy saying goodby to thoes we love so dear . God has his plan for each of us . he let you teach alot of us what faith in God is all about .Ray your faith was amazing, and everyone who meet you ,.you was a blessing , one of my great times was to see you Dean and Todd get started it was a heart warming experance . the love there was one of a kind you or Dean takeing title , you was in high honor of you nephew, he wanted you in your new home and you was, I will always miss my baby brother, knowing you are happy and no more pain . i,m ok , you love,d life and family your family was your focus. your life was liveing for Jesus as well as family . you choose a wondreful wife . Barb. she is amazing loveing and careing for you i,m proud to call her my sister . Ray , in my heart you will always be . I love you very much and miss you so much .; much love Dot_Dot xo
Ray, I don't know why I am writing this, I speak to you everyday and you know how much I love and miss you. I guess I just want others to know what a great person has left this earth and writing it is easier than saying it because my throat tightens up and my eyes leak uncontrollably when I try to speak.. As the youngest, you were always the first to get to mom and dad and you have done it again as you reconnect in heaven. The strength you showed these past several years as you confronted ALS leaves me with total admiration. Forgive the expression, but you showed others the way to die. You never complained about your plight, you summed it up by doing what you could as long as you could and only lamented when you could not help out with physical tasks and did not want to be a burden on others. You were always right there to help out and it was always a pleasure for me when you would be there with mental suggestions about how you would do this or that when you could no longer use your hands/arms. It saddens me beyond my control that I cannot expect to have you tell me, "Dean, if it was me, I would do it this way." You had such a grasp on the realities of life and relationships. You had total dedication to your family and friends, never criticizing, always finding the best in everyone. Your love and commitment to family was unconditional and is reflected in their reciprocating respect and admiration. You wanted the best for them and did the best you could to see to it they got the best. I somehow suspected you knew the end of life was near when during your last day in the hospital you said, " I have had a good life."-----another example of your unending strength and peace. With you, I want to thank everyone who has been so thoughtful and kind to you these past several years. I cannot do it by name because I would surely leave someone out and you wold not like that at all. You thanked them for their sacrifices (although none of your family would call their time with you a "sacrifice") as you went along. They know you were grateful. I could go on and on but I don't want you to give me that look that only you (and Jr) could give when enough was enough. Actually, I would give anything to see that look again. I will be talking to you soon. Love, your brother, Dean, to you.
Jesse and Rosie, so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. I think of you two often
Ray and I hired in at IMT on the same day. He was always such a friendly, fun guy. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He will be greatly missed.
I remember Ray's sense of humor. He will be missed by his family and friends.
Tom Erickson
Uncle Ray, you were one of a kind forsure, always kind, joking, laughing, and just all around great guy. You were a great Uncle and you will be missed a lot, Love You and RIP now Uncle Ray with God.
