Raymond C. Westrom
I met Raymond while working as the weekend security officer at the Roosevelt Hotel in January 1983. I always made my way through the Apartment Lounge where Ray would be dancing the night away. I had no idea it would be the beginning of a long and memorable relationship.
Seems Raymond and I had a fondness for many things. Dancing, CR history, antiques and jello. Ok, stop laughing... During college I took ballroom dancing lessons and have memories of meeting him and Mary at the Ponderosa in Walford. Sometimes I would stop there on my way home from National Guard Drill in Des Moines, changing cloths in the parking lot.
Dancing was the center piece of my friendship with Ray, that turned to Tuesday lunches at the eastside Bishop's with my mother and her friends. And in the past 10 years, we've had a once a week breakfast theme.
One of my fondest memories was having his suprise 75th B-D at my house. I was happy that Herbie and Maxine were able to be there as well. My last venture with Raymond was to the Glenn Miller Festival in Clarinda, IA in 2005. I wish we could have taken more trips like that, we both had a great time.
Raymond was always proud of my military service but I regret it was that service that kept me away from Raymonds company the most. Especially so over the past 5 years.
Raymond truely was one of "The Greatest Generation" and it was my honor knowing him the last 25 years. He is a dear friend that I will truely miss!!
Doug Eggers
Cedar Rapids
IA
Just wanted to extend my sympathies for your loss. We were neighbors of Raymond and he never crabbed about any of us Marshalls running through his driveway to the alley and over to Grande or Blake Blvd., where we lived. He was always friendly to us and I know my Mom was a longtime aquaintance of Ray. He also used to chat with my brother Greg from time to time and I know he was an antique expert.
Anyway, got on the CM website to address another passing and saw this. Another good man has passed on to a better place, but I know Ray enjoyed this one. He always had a smile on his face.
Chip Marshall
Chip Marshall
Glenview
IL
A gentle and caring man. It was always fun bumping into him at the Goodwill store. He would always find something for me to buy!
Kathy Bullock
Fairfax
IA
Raymond and I went to Johnson School together, Franklin High together and even entered the Navy together. Growing up, our fathers each had offices on the fifth floor of the Merchants Bank Building. I have many fond memories of Raymond, but the one that stands out is that "he could out dance anyone." May God bless Raymond and be with his family forever. Guy Linville
Guy Linville
Punta Gorda
FL
I first met Ray many years ago while working at Armstrong's. Ray invited me along with my brother to view his collections. From that day on, we forged an unforgettable friendship. Ray will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss our talks, listening to the music we both loved, his afternoon lunches, his tours, his knowledge of the city and the many people he knew. No one who knew Ray will ever forget his jello creations and his eclectic personality.
I will forever remember our talks,and the music we shared together.Ray always had a special greeting for everyone, and when I left he would hug me, kiss my cheek and say I love you. Ray helped make my wedding day a special one for both Stacy and I, we danced our first dance together on his front porch, the day was beautiful, the sun shinning in the windows, "Unforgettable" softly playing, tears running down his face as he watched..
My heart aches, and feels weighted down, I will never forget this wonderful man his spirit will live on forever. Through the years I did lots of work around the house for Ray, and no matter how big or small the project he would always say, "How much do I owe you." I always told him " nothing that's what friends are for" And no matter what happened in my life he always had time to lend an ear.Raymond, Richie and Dad we will always be together side by side in my quite nightly walks.
Richard King
cedar rapids
IA
I met Raymond while clerking at an auction house he frequented. Raymond was a charmer - always inquiring how my children were as well as myself. Raymond could find the good in everyone. He was a very giving person. He was an avid collector and his themed rooms were definitely memorable. I enjoyed my opportunities to visit with him and learn the stories behind his collections. The angels in heaven will certainly blush as we all did when he charmed us. A true gentlemen in words, deeds and living.
Anita Ehmsen
Mount Vernon
IA
Ray became a friend by chance. When I taught College for Kids photography each summer, we explored the neighborhood near Coe. Ray's yard, the big cannon, his gazebo, his garage adornments, etc, stood out. He personally greeted my young photo students and let us photograph him, his house, his collections. He was a true gentleman, story teller and friend. His memory is preserved in the dozens (actually hundreds) of photographs we took of him over the years. Ironically, at the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center in Cedar Rapids, I have a portrait of Ray included in an exhibit which opens September 20 (and runs through November 29), the day of his funeral. It's display is intended as a tribute to his great spirit. Blessings to you always, Ray.
Bob Campagna
Mt. Vernon
IA
We always enjoyed seeing Ray at our Jim Beam Bottle Collectors Club. Always smiling and happy to see everyone. He will be greatly missed.
Phyllis & Jim Sliger
Cedar Rapids
IA
I met Ray many years ago and he definately made a lasting impression on me. His kindness and gregarious nature was so impressive. Such a sweet, caring man. Bless you Ray, and rest in peace.
Tamara Johnson
Las Vegas
NV
Ray was an incredible man, humorous, great host, cook, story teller, and so very proud to show off his collectibles around his homes. To Ray, it did not matter what time of day to visit I first met Ray on a tour of his home after midnight. I really am going to miss Ray. I would like to hear what will become of his homes and all his collections and hopefully they will end up in a good place. Ray, I am sure you are dancing in Heaven and planning your next feast for the other Angels.
Bgosn27945@aol.com
Brian Gosnell
Phoenix, AZ
Brian Gosnell
Phoenix
AZ
Ray was a lovely man, a great cook, and a wonderful host and friend. I'm sure he'll be missed by all who knew him.
Kat Eichacker
Cedar Eapids
IA
Hi Doug, we are so sorry to hear about Ray. We remember how nice he was to us when we visited his home(s) and he showed us all of the neat stuff he had collected. He treated us like he had known us forever. We are thinking of you with sympathy and caring and all of those who were lucky enough to know Ray. Special thoughts to Nicole, we know she really loved Ray. The world just got a little smaller. Love, Harry and Diane
Diane
Daytona Beach
FL
I am so sad. I loved Ray soooooo much. The world won't be the same without him in it. He ALWAYS made me happy when I was SAD!!!!! I wish I could've seen him again. I'm so sorry to hear this. Love always, Nicole
Nicole Grabowski
Ft Meyers
FL
I will always remember Ray going back to the early 1970's when he manned the roast beef line at The Roosevelt Hotel. Ray had very unusual collections and antiques and always restored and kept his homes filled with amusing items the houses were immaculate. He was a kind man and gentle spirit and my mother so enjoyed his many projects. Bless this gentle man and may he find the peace he deserves.
Cort Stapleton
Cedar Rapids
IA
It was with a heavy heart to hear that Ray had passed away. I had met Ray about six or seven years earlier, by all things, his mustache as an introduction. This world will not be the same. Loosing a person like Ray is a great lost to humanity. As Red Skelton would always say: " May God Bless and good night".
Jon Marty
Coggon
IA
I first met Ray in the early 1960's when I rented a room from him on Grand Avenue. We ran into each other often after that and he was indeed a wonderful person. The tour he gave my wife and I of his beautiful home on Second Avenue a few years back will always be remembered. But we'll remember his kindness more.
Don Elarton
Martelle,
IA
I first met Raymond when I was a checker at 1st Ave. Hy-Vee. I didn't know him personally, but I'll never forget all of his beautiful rings he wore. I would tease him & say "one of those rings are worth more than my car!" I also remember when he would pay for his groceries, seeing his wallet just crammed with unique items. So crammed he could barely fit any money in there!!! I was just looking at the newspaper & my heart is just broken. He was my favorite customer. So warm & gentle. I could tell how much his family loved him because every time he went shopping, he would have 3-4 family members with him! I am so sorry for your loss.
Jes Driscoll
Cedar Rapids
IA
I never met Raymond, but I have heard his name many times. My mother, Dora Cargin Blake, was a singer in Cedar Rapids. She often spoke of Herbie and Raymond when telling stories about singing in First Christian Church and on the radio. We moved to Minnesota in 1956, but memories of the Westrom brothers stayed with Mom until she passed away in 1998. I know Mom shared her love of music and dancing with two fine gentlemen. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to Raymond's family and friends. Judith A. Blake Thompson judithathompson@gmail.com