Ray Laub

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May 23 1941
Jan 25 2021
79 Years
Lititz, Pennsylvania

Ray Laub, 79, passed away peacefully at home on January 25th, 2021. He was the son of Rafael (Cutro) and Edwin Laub. He was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth, sister Adrienne, and his twin brother Edward who passed in October of 2020.

He is survived by Robin Stryker, his partner of 37 years and wife of two months, his sister-in-law, Mary Laub of Seaford, NY, brother-in-law Rick Stryker and his wife, Maureen of Parkesburg, PA, favorite niece Mary Ann Laub, and nephews Kenny Laub, Bobby Laub, Johny Laub, Glen Stryker, Austin Stryker, Tryston Stryker, and Logan Stryker.  Ray led a life full of adventures and endeavors.
 
He toured the United States with the Ice Follies, which led to a job managing the ice skating and skiing at the brand new Host Resort in Lancaster, where he formed lifelong relationships with skating clients and co-workers. He and two partners briefly owned and operated a fledgling ski resort in Drumore. With yet another partner, he traveled the college circuit with Spanky McFarland, reliving and celebrating the famous child actor’s past with the Our Gang Comedies. Then he became the winter sports director at Grossinger’s and The Concord in the Catskills where he invited the top skaters of the time to perform weekly exhibitions, in addition to teaching skating to the hotel guests. In the summer season, he served as a cruise director for Holland America and on the Russian ship, Maksim Gorkiy, where he made friends across the Caribbean.

As an athlete, he developed an interest in healthy eating, and that led to Ray and a partner opening McRay’s restaurant on Lincoln Highway in Lancaster, the first all-natural fast-food eatery in Lancaster. From that, he and two local investors purchased Beechdale Farm in Intercourse, PA, and began the process of creating a high-end spa based on healthy eating, exercise, and meditation. Unfortunately, a surprise zoning issue curtailed that project.
 
Ray then returned to his role as an ice-skating coach in the Lancaster and Reading area. He was known and loved for his kindness and devotion to his students, and his intense attention to detail in the intricate sport of figure skating.  Many of his students competed locally and regionally and earned many medals.

Ray was also an avid car collector, with air-cooled Porsche’s being his favorite. He used his knowledge to help friends and family in their own car searches and was always attending car shows, reading car magazines, and looking for the next best deal!

Ray will be remembered for his gregarious nature and gift of gab. He loved going to restaurants with friends and many meals lingered long into the night. He was a great cook and a lover of good wine and entertained many people with his favorite Italian food and his crazy stories.
 
Above all, he valued the time spent with his extended family and all the families that counted him as one of their own. He was universally loved and will be universally missed.
Ray and Robin would like to acknowledge and thank the many health care workers for their incredible kindness, knowledge, and compassion. They were the bright spots in a difficult journey.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Northwood Cemetery in Emmaus, Pa at 12:00 noon. A celebration of his life affair will take place as soon as the covid virus is under control. 

In lieu of flowers, Ray asked that donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He also wants everyone to stay positive and to always eat healthy!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com

Service Date: 
Apr 18 2021 - 11:59am
Service Location: 
Northwood Cemetery, Emmaus, Pa.

Condolences

What an amazing man and an awesome life.  Ray will be grately missed bo all of us who knew him.  Sending prayers to his family and my friend Robin who loved him and took such wonderful care of him.  God bless you all.

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Mary and I are sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was a wonderful person and teacher. We truly enjoyed our time with him. Our condolences to Robin and to Ray's family and many friends, especially his friends who spent so many hours with him on the ice, one of his favorite places to be.  Peter and Mary Terranova.

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I have very fond memories of my sister, mother and I taking skating lessons from Ray in the early 80's at Grosinger"s. Ray was a great teacher and very patient. My condolences to his friends and family.

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Joanne and I send our condolences to Robin and both families. Ray was fun to be around and always had something interesting to say.  We pray for him and you.

John and Joanne Schell

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So sad to hear of Ray's passing . I always considered him one of my best friends and will truly miss him , our conversations , his well intentioned advice , and our shared passion for cars and motorcycles . Hope they have Porsches in Heaven Ray !!! 

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Robin, I was so sorry to hear about Ray. What a talented and kind man gone too soon!  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. 

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Despite the 5+ decade difference in age, we immediately became friends through our shared passions for figure skating and food. So thankful to have had him as a great friend, mentor, and my figure skating coach for the last few years. I'll always cherish the knowledge he shared, dinner nights, after skate coffee breaks, his stories, and his unwavering faith in my potential in figure skating. I'll always be encouraged by his positive words. My condolences to Robin, and the rest of his family.

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Ray taught me how to ice skate when I was a children's counsellor at the Host Corral back in the mid 70's.  He was such a wonderful, kind soul. Such fond memories fill my mind and heart. Sending my condolences to everyone Ray's life touched.

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We lost a great friend and a coach.  Our condolences to Robin and Laun family.  

Ray,

You have earned your citizenship in heaven.  Thank you for your wonderful friendship.  You were the best coach ever.  You will not be forgotten.  

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My daughter and I learned skating with Ray...and it was a great bonding experience for us.  Now, my twins also join us in the rink and it all started with Ray's lessons.  Thank you for the time you spent with us!  

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Rest in Peace Uncle Ray, so many nice memories of Skiing and ice skating with you.

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So sorry to see of Ray's passing. Ray was very helpful and knowledgeable in assisting us in selecting sporty cars in Manheim years ago. Ray certainly was a Master of many trades and skills. Ray, Rest in Peace.

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