As I placed one of Ray’s favorite hats in the branches of an ancient oak overlooking the canyon he loved so much, I realized that this was truly a man of mythic proportion. Of all the men I have known in this life, I believe he is the only one I would grant such a stature to. The unshakeable commitment to his vision; his radical trust, gentle spirit and ability to love nearly everyone that crossed his path taught me a great deal. His respect and fierce love for Earth never, ever wavered and by example, rubbed off on all who spent time with him . . . the secret really, to the success of Ekone. I learned much about being a father in watching his deep affection and some times, "tuff loving" ways with children. And watching his beautiful first training with horses just days after they were born often made me cry. 

"Death is life's greatest adventure . . . that's why they save it for last."
- author unknown

Ray has been the most important male in my life besides my father and I will miss him deeply. I remember early in our friendship, long ago, he started saying "I love you" at the end of our phone calls or visits. I had never heard that from a male friend, and seldom from my father. I started saying it too, back to him, and eventually to a few select other men. His simple act changed my life. Yep, you were one of a kind Ray. I thank you and will miss you deeply.

Perhaps leaving the Earthly plane in the prime of life, rather than in the depths of decrepitude, or after a long illness, is the best way to go (though who of us would agree to such an idea?).  His mythic countenance and spirit is imprinted in my memory. His inspiration will be huge and long lasting. And when I look up into the stars at night, or at an eagle passing overhead, I will smile and wonder what his soul is up to now . . . for certainly, Ekone will be a tough act to follow! 

One other thing . . . when I got the news and turned on the key to my car to make my way out to Ekone, a song so exactly appropriate came on, almost as if it were written for the moment. Listen . . .

Daniel Dancer, Mosier, OR, December 13, 2007

Ray always found a place for what came to him. from the earth, from the sky, from the clouds and from all of wonderful creation that gushes forth from the great mix of these things on earth and Ray found a way to embrace whatever anyone had to offer, and then fit in to the great work of saving the earth... simply the biggest most generous, gracious and loving vision that showed us to how to start with the big picture, and then see how the little things fit perfectly into it. - with respect, inspiration, and love, Nick Beer Bainbridge Island, WA

dearest Ray iam loving you always in eternal love the news of your passing was too much for my little ole heart of course i had to accept this intense news joseph and i lived with you in ekone so many years ago i loved my ekone experience i remember you telling me that you never lived with someone so clean (i use to clean and clean and clean) living in your home i did get to ride some horses and fall in love with Joseph who iam now married to for 25yrs this february we laughed together and enjoyed each others company while we lived with you iam honored that i knew you and recently i got to see you after many years of not seeing you at Vibrance and Ashwins beautiful wedding it was thrilling seeing you and meeting nancy who shares the same birthday as one of my sons oh yes i also have many pictures of you now Ray i hadnt had one picture of you in our home over the years til the wedding and now i have many of your beautiful smiling face since your passing i feel your spirit very strongly in me iam also saddened that you left this mother earth so soon we will miss you and will love you always
in eternal love siloam

The thing about Ray was that he lived life on his own terms, utterly. It allowed for a creative power that became Ekone. And Ekone became a Rembrandt, for so many people; filled with the kind of meaning and purpose that we all need. But under all of Ray’s movements and moments was his spiritual connection to Earth, and by Earth he just wanted to do the right thing. His passing on to where we can’t see him leaves a great big hole in our hearts.

Ray, I am so thankful we reconnected.

In love and peace,

Michael Jennings

I wrote this poem for Ray who was a great person and friend.

Life is short.
Live while you can
because you never
know when your
life is at an end.
Peace is good
keep it in your heart
and your life will be
happy and silent
when you part.
This world is violent,
Heaven is the
dove of peace,
when you pass
you will be free
to love.

Natalie Zanone - 6th grade
A camper at Ekone for the past three years.

Portland, Oregon

When we lived with you. When the porcupine was eating the swiss chard and the horse tack. When you were thinking maybe a few buffalo would be nice around the place. When our daughter was born in your sunny room. It was sometime around then, we rode three days through the closed Yakima reservation. We mended the fence behind us. We avoided the tribe in their four wheel drive rigs. We slept in the draws and milked Duster (you were weaning her baby) drank the warm sweet milk and saw maybe a million stars at night. There were three of us on ponies, long braids back then, (Bart had feathers stuck in his.) when after racing after the wild horses we came out of the hills and onto our first road in three days. The truck and fifth wheel approached, slowing way, way down. There was that small moment when they stopped. There were three of them. They wore cowboy hats. We looked at each other, all of us. It was a very big, small moment. They were looking for a lost cow, had we seen one? No. You asked where the border of the reservation was. “Right here” they said, and pointed to the ground. We all grinned and went our ways. You once told me an old timer had said to you, “If you pick up a newborn horse every day for a year you would become very strong indeed.” I watched you walk up the hill every day radiating delight as you hefted the long legged colt off the ground. Day after day until, still very happy about it, you couldn’t, or maybe wouldn’t. It’s all a joy to you. See you on the trail dear brother. Bruce

When my friends and I first heard of the passing of our loved friends and instructor, we just couldn't believe it.
Ray was always cheerful and full of joy that it was the last think that we thought could happen. From his riding techniques and care for the horses to his compassion and hope, we always loved him. He was the heart and soul of Ekone, and to us, he was the shirtless cowboy who made even the hardest times fun. To have Ekone go on means the world to me, and even though it will be different without him there, it will keep the memories going.
To everyone out there, Ray was like an uncle to me, he cheered me up when I was sad, he made working in the fields or with barbed wire fun. I will always hold the memories passed on from him dear and I will never forget the cowboy who rode like the wind and taught me so much of what I know now. We love you Ray, and we are hoping your family the best for the time to come. We will miss you, but the most important thing, is to remember the good that came and to cherish it. I know you are in a better place now, so I will let you go, but never will I forget you.
-Amaya Gracie, 12

Out of all the camps I've been to Ekone has been the best. Everyone
takes you into a new family for a week, Especily Ray! I can remember how
good Ray was at chearing up homesick campers, I was one of them. He was
one of one of the most kind hearted peope I know. I am honored that I
could meet such a wonderfull person. I have learned so much from ray,
every one has.

Iris Arnold-5th Grade,

A camper at Ekone.

Portland, Oregon

 

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Ray has helped my family and me to become more of who we are meant to be. In an instant, he welcomed me into his home and saw and loved my essential core. In a sense it was not totally unconditional love because Ray expected me to live up to his standards. Fortunately, his are the standards that I aim to live up to. Simply, Ray asked us all to strive for "right living" which is sustainable and supports the spiritual, physical and emotional growth of the individual and the whole. Ray made me confront my fears so much, that some years I was literally afraid to come to Ekone. (He would say, "Just come and heal; you don't even need to work!") Ray had patience knowing I would face my fears when I was ready.
When I confronted Ray with camp concerns, he always listened and encouraged me to speak my truth and he shared his. "Just get it out there," he would say. I learned a lot about telling the truth no matter how much it hurt. I thank Ray for Ekone and all the lives (young and old) that he changed with his example, with hard work and with tough love. I thank all of you who also worked to make Ekone what it is today. For Ray's legacy is not just Ekone. It is something that lives on in each of us as we remember all the lessons, love and the model of a man who lived his beliefs to the fullest.

Molly Mamma Harrison, Ekone Camp Cook Various Weeks and Various Summers Since 2001

There's so much to say and I don't know where to start. This past summer, the fates were conspiring against me and I wasn't able to come to Ekone. For the first time in years, I wouldn't have something to look forward to. Last summer, after unsuccessfully trying to persuade my parents to let me stay one more day, we'd almost reached the main road on the wistful and reluctant ride home when I realized that I'd left my cd's in the kitchen. When I leapt out of the car to race down to the kitchen to retrieve them, I remember Ray's smile as he shouted, "I knew you'd convince them to let you stay!" If I'd known that that would be the last time I'd hear his voice, I would have tried harder. Part of me will always look over my shoulder at sunset and expect to see him sitting on the steps of the lodge, looking for all the world like he belonged - unequivocally - to the earth. Another part of me knows that he will always be there. He's out at the barrels, kicking up dust and inspiring future top hand wranglers. He's at the hitching post, demonstrating the finer points of grooming for the young campers and hosing down hot horses [and people]. He's in the kitchen, moseying through the breakfast line [and putting ketchup on everything ;) ]. He's out on the canyon loop, teaching others to see the world through humble eyes and to appreciate the beauty around them regardless of what form it takes. He's that little voice in my head reminding me to be a better person. He's everywhere, but most importantly, Ray Mitchell is in our hearts. All of my love, Paige Milton ekone kid for life

The phone rings, Molly answers, places her head in her hands weeping and tells me “Ray is gone.” How could this possibly be? There is no known Kryptonite in Klickitat County.

An image of Ray came to mind, this larger than life character, mounted bareback on Ozzie … wearing only pants, boots, necklace and that beautiful smile. Not Ray? My first thought was it must have been in an accident! He is too strong and alive to have passed away so young.

Some of the details of his transition are reveled to me and I begin to understand. The way he left us was a passing of dignity. Surround by loved ones, not old and weak, but rather in the prime of this life, full of appreciation in what has been accomplished. Ray protected sacred lands, opened his heart and home to those in need. Shared with us his knowledge and love for the earth and just a few short weeks ago walked his beautiful daughter down the aisle.

Ray Mitchell was not perfect man, and like all of us he made many mistakes. But, I also have to believe he was able to forgive, to let go of guilt, fully accept his humanity and through this, find that higher place from which he was able to completely love us all. Ray lived in the way that many of us only dreamt of. Rays life was a life well lived, an example for us all.

I believe, for all of us, our time with Ray was seemingly too brief. But, our relationships cannot be measured in time. The true measure is by the love and laugher, stories and interests shared, songs sung and the qualities of spirit we embrace. It has been a gift and blessing to have known Ray. I will always think of him as a brother.

Ray has always been a leader. He strode ahead of us in his vision for this beautiful earth. This Spiritual Warrior has gone before us once again. I will miss your beautiful contagious smile, heart to heart hugs and your love for all … large and small. I will see you in my dreams, my actions and ultimately on the other side of the veil, my friend.

Warren Pfahl, Nevada City, Ca, December 17, 2007

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