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Mark and Heidi Kock posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
To the family of Ray Kock I just wanted to let you know how wonderful Ray was. He was always caring and will to share anything. He always wanted to know how Landan and Eva where doing. We give you our sympathy and we will forever remember our Uncle Ray. Love you and take care Mark Heidi Landan and Eva Kock
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Gene Ives posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray was special. His kindness and humor were comforting. The quilt moments memorable. . .and the banter he and my husband shared on occasions, delightful. I miss them both. Thanks to your family, Ray, for sharing you,
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Barbara Tricarico posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Quilters Unlimited has truly lost a wonderful friend. Ray was always generous with his quilting talents for so many years. (I enjoyed his airline stories as well.) He will be missed by all!!
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Angela Barnes posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
What a great guy. He is often discussed (about quilting) and I personally found him a joy to be around. Spent car time with him going to the Virginia Quilt Museum to docent and will never forget him chiding me about using a recipe to make french toast. Was just telling a story last night about his use of coumadin and the overdose he got at Giant Pharmacy which almost did him in. He will definitely be missed.
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Susan Risty posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray, you will always be vivid in my my mind, wearing your wonderful red robe of many fabrics. I will think of you whenever I look at my progressive quilt, and I will smile. And now I think of you and Karen, sharing needles and thread and swapping stories about all of us down here. Peace
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Carolyn Harris posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
I have some wonderful memories of Ray during Arlington QU meetings. His enthusiasm for using a variety of materials and creating his works was an inspiration to me. He will be missed.
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Nancy Ray posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray, I'll never forget you. You've remained so vivid in my memory even though I hadn't seen you in some time--we both moved away from Northern Virginia. Knowing you was a special pleasure, one I was fortunate to have. Lovingly, Nancy Ray
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Cathy Eckbreth posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
What a shock to hear of Ray's death. Where ever he went he entertained quilters with his stories of creative projects and life. Due to his cheerful spirit and his height, we was accepted into any group he visited. The quilting world has lost a friendly member and I extend my sympathies to his family. We will always remember your first project with Falls Church QU, that light blue polyester-cotton quilt.
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Kitty Bull posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Thanks for the memories, Ray. I am so glad I got to talk with him at VCQ's Celebration 2008. He was an inspiration and a creative wonder with fabric. I will miss him, his stories and his sense of humor.
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Nan Losee posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray will be missed by all who knew him. I was one of the fortunate who visited with him during his attendance at VCQ in late April. His humor, positive attitude, great conversations and shared quilting talents will be in my memories of him. He was such a very nice man. My condolences to all his family.
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Barbara E. Tucker posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
As a member of Mount Vernon Quilters Unlimited I had a the pleasure of meeting Ray. My prayers go to his family and friends.
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Lois Bates posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
At Celebration I had quite a few conversations with Ray and enjoyed his company. My condolences to his family.
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Joan Knight posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Dear Mrs. Kock and Family, Deepest condolences from all of Ray's quilting friends here at the Virginia Quilt Museum and from my husband and I. We will always remember Ray, his wonderful sense of humor and his dedication in keeping up with all his quilting friends across the country. He was one of a kind and truly the gentle giant. We will miss him. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Joan Knight Director, Virginia Quilt Museum
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Beverly Hilbert posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
To the Kock family, I was at the Arlington quilting bee last Monday and was delighted to see Ray there. I have missed his bigger than life attitude and always, always his delightful stories that he told with humor and his great laugh. I have not been making as many quilts as I used to and my current interest is making books. He was so excited about a possible collaboration. He wanted to buy one of my books on the spot and take them to sell to his quilting "ladies" at home. He was a delight and joy to know. He was talented and so very charming--a very special person and friend. He will be sorely missed. With deepest regrets, Beverly and Jim Hilbert Arlington, VA
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Lisa Brunk posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
As a member of the Sioux Falls Quilters’ Guild in Sioux Falls, SD I would like to thank the family for letting Ray being a part of our lives. To all of us at guild he was a great person, quilter, story teller and a friend. He was so excited about the upcoming bus trip which he has been on so many with us in the past. We will surely miss him. I was given this poem from a fellow guild member at our meeting the night after Ray passed and thought I should pass it on. You will be missed in the Midwest, Lisa Brunk Quilt of Holes Author: Unknown As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you." May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!
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Connie Thompson posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
I was so sorry to learn of Ray's passing. He was one of the first QU members to introduce me to the group. He will be sorely missed in the quilting community.
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Carol Mergen posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray was one of a kind. He would bring so much life to the Sioux Falls, SD, Quilter's Guild with his ideas and stories. He left an empty spot in our guild and hearts. Extending my sympathy to his family.
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Pat Winters posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray certainly livened up the recent VCQ Celebration. I enjoyed having lunch with him, chatting about this and that. I admired his quilting talent. Sincere condolences to the Kock Family.
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Diane Johnson posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
I met Ray through his niece Roxane and spent many 4th of July celebrations with the Kock Family in Inwood and Ray was usually around. His large laugh and easy to talk to manner made him a favorite of many, there was always fun when Ray was around. He will truly be missed. My sympathy to his family.
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Andre Emmell posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray will be missed by all who knew him. I was one of the fortunate I roomed with him during VCQ Celebration 2008 and 2006.His humor, positive attitude, great conversations and shared quilting talents will be in my memories of him. He sence of humor and willingness to share his ideas will always inspire me in my quilting. I found him to be a good and fast friend I will miss him. I wise him God speed and happy quilting in the hereafter. My condolences to all his family.
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Donna Gruel posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
I was on the train when Ray boarded on Wed. May 7th. I wasn't certain it was him as I knew he had moved to Iowa about 5 years ago so I had not seen him in 5 or 6 years. (He boarded in Alexandria and before we arrived at the Franconia Station He was stricken.) Rest in Peace, Ray. Your talent and sense of humor will be missed by many.
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Rosalie (Whittle) Mangen posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
Ray, I will always remember you fondly. Not just because of your funky hats and your silly purple cow vests. But because of your welcoming smile on my first visit to a QU meeting in Arlington/Falls Church. You taught me a lot - and not just about quilting. How to have fun. Not to take yourself too seriously. And to be yourself. You certainly had no problem being the only man in the room (for most of the meetings). You seemed to enjoy the hen parties like nobody else. I still remember that HUGE quilt you made a few years ago where the blocks are all a bit wonky. I said at the time "This has to be Ray's quilt. It is just like him." I was not surprised to see that it was in fact yours. Goodby my friend. Your work on this earth here is done. Knowing you, you won't be idle for long. Where ever you end up - keep us in stitches. We will all miss you. Don't forget to send some inspiration to the fabric designers. They could use some help. Liven things up a bit - okay, a lot. (grin)
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Barbara E. Tucker posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
The members and friends of Mount Vernon Quilters Unlimited send sincere condolences to the family of Ray Norman Kock, the Gentle Giant. The quilting community will miss him.
Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory
721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com
