In Appreciation-Ray Geierman

by Rhonda Sandberg

special to the LW Weekly

During my 12-year tenure as the Leisure World Chorale director, many wonderful people came to join our group. Among them was Ray Geierman.

Ray bounced into our rehearsal room just as we were finishing for the day. He entered with great energy, personality and positivity, happily chewing gum having just come from umpiring a game. He asked if he could join the chorale. The moment he arrived, I knew I wanted him in my choir, whether he could sing or not, so the answer was an emphatic yes!

To my delight, Ray could sing, act, dance, emcee, tell jokes and so much more! But most importantly, Ray was genuinely humble and helpful, and was always encouraging everyone, particularly those who were shy or disabled. His interactions with people were a pleasure and an inspiration to behold.

As a born-again Christian, I tend and hope to see others through the lens of Jesus, so this is how I saw Ray. I never inquired about his personal faith but upon observing Ray, I consistently saw many godly qualities in him. In my view, Ray personified the encouragement nature of Barnabas, the Apostle Paul’s first partner in his ministry. Ray also had an innate understanding of leadership and servanthood. Jesus said, “He who is chief among you will be servant of all.” The centurion told Jesus he understood how to be in authority and under authority. These scriptures perfectly depict the being and demeanor of Ray Geierman.

I could put Ray in authority over the chorale, and he rose to the occasion. I gave him both serious and silly things to do, and he did them with 100 percent enthusiasm. Ray helped me to set up decorations indoors and outside of Clubhouse 4 for our shows, and he always arrived early for every rehearsal to set up our chairs.

When I stepped down from leading the chorale, I encouraged Ray to take over. So he, with great help from his beloved Dorothy Ferrington, successfully did so, even though he had no experience conducting choirs.

Every Saturday during these past four years, Ray, Dorothy, and I had a “family chat,” as we called it, where we did joyful commentary on their weekly, videoed karaoke performances.

We also discussed everything under the sun, often staying on the phone for three to four hours at a time. I will sorely miss our chats.

Jesus said we know people by their fruits. The fruits of Ray’s life certainly blessed me abundantly. Ray was, and is, one of the finest men I have ever known.

Thank you, Ray, for lighting up my life with your bright and shining being. You are a treasure and a precious gem to forever be admired, cherished, and hopefully emulated by others. As one of your favorite songs says: “Unforgettable... that’s what you are.”