Remembering Ray Winn

Written by Lisa Duncan

Birnam Wood Golf Club glowed in soft coastal light as friends and family gathered to honor Ray Winn, a man whose warmth, wit, and wisdom wove through every room he entered. Guests flew in from across the country and Europe, including Mike and Claudia Weber from Pennsylvania, attorney Carl Kolb from Texas, Montecito Journal founder Jim Buckley from Utah, Dr. Dennis Horvath from Florida, and Reinhold and Reimar Burchhardt from Germany, and our former D.A. Joyce Dudley, who flew in from Colorado – a testament to a life widely and wonderfully lived.

Peter Kavoian, Ray’s partner of 38 years, and Mary and Bob Gates graciously welcomed family and special friends Cynthia and Eric Spivey, Marlene Veloz, Peg Finefrock, Nancy Gregory, Alex and Bob Nourse, Annette and Richard Caleel, Suzette Chafey, Hiroko Benko, Anne Towbes, Melissa Dvorak, Nancy Kimsey, Morrie Jurkowitz, Patricia Griffin, Beth Wood, Wendy McCaw, Arthur von Wiesenberger, Val and Bob Montgomery, Robin and Bob Fell, Monica and Jim Carder, Marcia Constance, Kate Packer, Dilling Yang and UCSB Chancellor Henry Yang, forming a constellation of cherished companions that sparkled with friendship and far-reaching connections.

Pastor Randall Day opened with a prayer, offering words that rippled like gentle waves: “Grief, by definition, means that love persists. So as we gather today – we know that Love Persists.”

Peter Kavoian shared about Ray’s remarkable life: “He was a true Renaissance Man.” Mary Gates reflected, “Curiosity isn’t something you outgrow, it’s something you live by,” while Bob Gates added, “The breadth of what Ray did in his life was stunning. I feel honored to have known him.” Eric Spivey noted, “Ray and Peter’s relationship was a testament to what a wonderful relationship looks like.”

Ray’s grandson Zach gave a tender tableau, observing, “We all gained perspective every time we interacted with him,” followed by touching remembrances and readings from Ray’s daughter, Lisa Winn. Music mingled magically with memories, sung by Micaela McCall of American Idol, Will Breman of The Voice, with pianist Jacopo Giacopuzzi adding melodic magic, while Ray’s devoted physicians and nurses – including Dr. Tom Jones, Dr. Babji Mesipam, Dr. Dennis Horvath, and Dr. Steven Gundry – stood in quiet, caring tribute.

In the hushed closing moments, Peter Kavoian shared the words Ray often spoke to him in life: “Peter, wherever you are, wherever you may be, that is my home,” and “I’ll be here at home, waiting for you.” And in the most poignant, tear-stirring farewell, Peter recalled Ray’s last words, “You are my hero.” It was a tender testament to a bond that neither time, distance, nor even death could ever diminish.

Ray Winn will be remembered as brilliant, benevolent, and boundlessly creative – leaving a legacy that sparkles as brightly as his spirit.