Ray Morgan

The world lost a great Southern Gentleman on October 23, 2012. Ray Morgan passed away peacefully in his Santa Barbara home with his life-long partner, Terry Ryken, by his side. Ray lived in and loved Santa Barbara for eighteen years and was fond of walking each day along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. He was well known for his gentle, gracious manner, sense of humor and universal kindness. Ray Morgan was born on September 4, 1925, in San Antonio Texas to Elsie and James Morgan. He moved to Chico, California in 1952 where he built â€" with great passion â€" the RAY MORGAN COMPANY, representing such mega-companies as 3M, IBM, and CANON. The company is still thriving successfully under the guidance of Jim Scarff who purchased the company in 1990. Ray won many awards and traveled all over the world in connection with his company, as well as being one of the 1975 founders of Tri Counties Bank of Northern California. In 1962, Ray and others created the Butte Creek Country Club, "Northern California's Finest Private Club." Ray absolutely loved animals. As a child he enjoyed making pets of wild animals, including a rooster, Tony, two chipmunks, and deer. He raised horses and had five Boston Terriers over his life time. Yanni and Manna, two Birman cats, brought him a tremendous amount of joy during the last dozen years of his life; never leaving his side. Ray loved LIFE and enjoyed his to the fullest. He was a modest man as well as a strong leader. He had true friends all over the world and enjoyed keeping in touch with each and every one. Ray had no regrets in life. He had a talent of analyzing a situation, making the decision, and moving on knowing he had done the best he could. He was always happy. One of Ray's favorite sayings when people would remark to him, "Ray you are so lucky," was "Yes, and the harder I work, the luckier I get!" Ray will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him as a true "gentle man." He had a warm smile and kind word for everyone, and enjoyed joking with people to bring more smiles to their lives. He is survived by his loving, and devoted Partner for over 33 years, Terry Ryken, his caring son Stan Morgan, his brother Jack's wife, Joan Morgan, nephew Jim Morgan, wife Sheryl Morgan, their two boys Christopher and Matthew Morgan, his niece, Janet Linton, fiance, Rob Ginno, children Ryan, Jennafer, Jessica, Linton and Bryan Ginno, along with his long time friend and business partner Jim Scarff. Everyone who knew Ray was touched by someone special.