Raymond Samson's Memorial Service Video I never pictured this day would come, but here we are.  My brave, strong man who could always find his way out of any sticky situation, has left us and moved on to his next venture.  After a long, hard fought battle against Covid-19, Ray passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on Saturday, January 22, 2022.  So how do I write an obituary for the man who was my whole world, the love of my life, my rock, my hero?  It seems impossible to put into words what an amazing person he was and what he meant to so many.  Ray liked people to believe that he was a "tough guy" but he wasn't.  He was funny and oh could he make me laugh!  You never knew what would come out of his mouth next (no filter).  He was patriotic and had many American flags displayed around our home  Ray loved animals and his dogs were family.  If you had a problem with his dogs, he likely had a problem with you.  He could always see the beauty around him....sunsets being his favorite (as most of you know from the many, many posts he shared).  The world was a brighter place with him in it.  I will always be grateful for the love that was ours and the beautiful life we shared.

Ray was born on May 7, 1966 in New London to Hugh and Judy (Stutzman) Samson and had five siblings.  He grew up outside of Bear Creek and attended school in Clintonville, where at age 15, he met the love of his life, Christine, the two were inseparable from that day on.  Ray and Chris were married on July 26, 1985 and enjoyed a life of adventure and memories to be cherished always.  Never short on courage and ambition, Ray decided in 2000 to leave his job at Neenah Foundry and pursue his life-long dream of owning his own business and he opened Ray's Cycle in Medina, which operates today.  In 2003, Jimmer's in Dale (named after a friend, James "Jimmer" Smith) was established.  In 2009, Perk's Supper Club in Medina was purchased and operates today as Route 96 Bar & Grill.  The continued support of so many wonderful friends, dedicated staff and customers, have made all three businesses what they are today.  Ray was proud to be a member of the Dale Fire Department and various snowmobile clubs.  He was such a kind man and truly enjoyed helping others in any way possible.  Ray had so many interests, he faced new challenges with courage and determination and he lived for speed!  This led to years of motorcycle drag racing on his beloved Harley Davidson V-Rod Destroyer.

Ray is survived by his wife, Chris; his siblings, Trina Delzer, Rebecca (Todd) Krause, John (Carrie) Samson, Alan (Davina) Samson and Curt (fiance', Gena Kranzusch) Samson.  He is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Ray's niece, Hope (Matt) Gieseke and their boys, Breckin and Miles, had a special relationship and a bond like no other.  It was Hope that referred to her uncle as "famous Ray" many years ago, a name that stuck until this day.

There are so many people to thank.  To everyone who sent kind wishes and encouragement, the countless offers of help and many things you took care of for us, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!  To the medical staff that cared for Ray, you are truly angels on earth.  Special thanks to Heidi, RN and Hope, NP in the ICU, who were with us until the end.  You are simply amazing and your dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.

The funeral service for Ray will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Dale Municipal Building (W9641 State Rd. 96). Visitation will take place on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.