Many of you have expressed your kind comments about the recent
passing of Ray Siou, who left the mechanical music world and those who
knew him on May 22, 2013.  I thought I'd pass on my thoughts as well.

The last time I spoke with Ray was last January, shortly before he
left his tiny apartment over a restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown for
a nursing home.  Ray hated the thoughts of a nursing home, but he knew
that it was time, and was certainly necessary.  We talked about his
health issues, which were many, including the complications of diabetes
and gout.  His quality of life was not very good, and he sounded like
he was ready to go.

We had some pleasant conversations over the past few years, often with
him recalling his years as a musician in several bands, his years as
a "roll mogul" and his profession as a butcher.  I worked my way
through high school while working in a butcher shop for four years,
so we had those experiences in common, in addition to our love of
mechanical music and the machines that produce those happy sounds.

I have Ray's 165 band organ, built in Texas, which he called his
"church-pipe organ", as well as Ray's inventory of style 165 rolls.
The organ needs a lot of work before it sings again, as it had fallen
into disrepair over the years due to Ray's declining health and
interest.

I spoke with Ray's brother recently about his passing.  He said that
Ray did not want any kind of ceremony or remembrance after he was gone.
Although he was on dialysis and a very strict diet, I was happy to hear
that he enjoyed a good hamburger during his last few hours -- I know
that he loved red meat and that certainly must have satisfied him
greatly!  He had chosen not to continue with his dialysis routine and
he died shortly thereafter.

He was certainly a unique and interesting man, and will be missed by
all of us who knew him or had done business with him in the past.  Some
of you have expressed your desire to send a card to Ray's family, and
I know that your kindness will be appreciated.  Please email me for
contact information.

Chuck Schoppe
Los Gatos, California
chuck_sch@hotmail.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]