Ray Gaitsch

[Mike Stelnicki]

Beloved musician, teacher, father and grandfather Ray Gaitsch left us this last Monday, August 6th 2009. He was 85 years old.

Ray was one of the last true masters of the Alkire E-harp and a truly gifted musician and teacher.

One of the greatest guys I've ever met.

He had survived quite a year: the loss of his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty; a battle with cancer; an aneurysm; and, lastly, back surgery. Through it all he was in great spirits;always with a wink and a smile.

He was recovering in the hospital from back surgery and making plans with his family; he passed quietly Monday night.


"what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

-Kahlil Gibrain

[Michael Lee Allen]

Mike...I posted at the same time you did but in ""Extended Family" . Here's a really old shot of Ray from the cover of a torn-up piece of music he wrote. It was a C& W tune so that's why the out-of-character cowboy duds and Multi-Kord.

[Michael Lee Allen]

Visitation and Funeral information posted in "Our Extended Family" a few minutes ago.

[Michael Lee Allen]

Visitation...
Friday August 7th 3PM - 7PM
G L Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland, Des Plaines, IL
Lie In State...
Saturday August 8th 930AM - 1030 PM
Funeral
Saturday August 8th 1030AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee Street, Des Plaines IL

[Paul Warnik]

I just found out about Ray's passing in an email from John Ely-My deepest sympathy to all of Ray's family and friends-I'm sorry we won't get to chat about Alkire E-Harps at Joliet again