Raymond Gustav Hein Jr., a 3rd generation American-German, was born on December 17th 1938 to Raymond Gustav Hein Sr. and Dorothy Jackson. He also had a younger brother David Hein.

Ray's father and grandfather came to American from Germany with modest beginnings with two nickels in their pockets as they say. The family were self-made entrepreneurs/ real estate developers - building homes since 1889 – with a specialty in German bricklaying. The homes they built for families in Cleveland were made of sturdy brick along with a hard work ethic and infused with pride.

Ray's childhood home, in Collinwood, Ohio, was a wedding present for his parents. In this home, Ray's parents began their life together creating a multitude of traditions, memories, laughter and tears. Ray loved to be in the kitchen with his mom and she taught him to cook many German favorites.

Ray, who went by Butch in his younger years, attended St Joseph's Catholic School and Collinwood High School graduating in 1956. As a teenager in the 50's, he like to spend a lot of time in his muscle car drag racing at Neff Park with his "boys" looking cool in a black leather jacket, white T-shirt, cuffed jeans and greased hair. He also spent time in the summer getting his own carwash business of the ground at a neighborhood gas station to earn spending money.

Ray married his first wife of 13 years, Karen Ungrearth-Hein, having 6 children together. Ray and Karen lived in Highland Heights Ohio and he was often referred as Mr. Mom. He lived for taking care of his kids blending great times with the same work ethic and pride as his parents instilled into him.

After his first marriage dissolved, he soon married Virginia Flanagan-Hein in the mid-1970's.Virginia brought child # 7 into the mix adding even more boundless kid-energy to the Hein family home. Ray and Virginia were married 13 years.

Ray had a successful career as a computer software programmer for Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company where he worked his entire career. His claim to fame was taking everything from original real to reel over to microchip. Legend has it he may have even help Microsoft a time or two.

Ray loved big celebrations from Saturday movie nights with popcorn, candy and pop to festive Christmas celebrations. He loved music, concerts, going to the Metro Parks, swimming in the backyard, picnics and all cultural museums Cleveland had to offer. Let's not forget all the animals!  Ray was often referred to as the "Animal Whisperer" with a menagerie of pets from horses, dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. He even inherited a goat!

Later in his life, Ray married his high school sweetheart Louella McGowan-Harvey. With this union, the number of children grew by 6 giving a total of 13 adult children which then further grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ray and Lou lived together in a few homes during their marriage. In all honesty, home was wherever they were together. During their time together, Ray's spirituality and love for God deepened. He and Lou were very active in their church.

Ray treasured being a father, a husband and most of all a grandfather bringing him so much love and delight. One of his most cherished tradition was dressing up as Santa Claus for his kids and grandkids. Louella jumped right in and became Mrs. Claus. What a site it was when everyone gathered and the Santa bells rang! Over time, older grandkids became Santa's Elves bringing this wonder and joy to the younger grandkids.

Ray had a love for life and his family. He tried to make everyone feel welcomed usually with a dad joke or prank. Ray was not perfect, but he had a huge heart and he tried to made amends where he could.

Ray's life was a tapestry of what it means to be human – triumphant highs and shattering lows. In between, he was thankful for the mundane day to day. He knew he was incredibly lucky to love and to be loved and he said his heart grew bigger each year.

As a lover of rock-n-roll, one of his favorite songs was "Two Tickets to Paradise" by Eddie Money. Well, he's got his ticket to Paradise. May he rest in peace with the Lord and his family and friends who went before him.