Kevin Siska
Silver Member
IAF State Director
Albany, NY
Posts: 393
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Post by Kevin Siska on Feb 22, 2013 18:16:40 GMT -5
Dear Armwrestling Community,
A few days ago Ray went into the ER and was dianosed with endocarditis (heart valve infection) and they had to do an emergency surgery and replace the valve again. After a hard fight Ray never recovered and passed away this evening.
RIP Ray. You were an inspiration to many, a major embassador to our sport of Armwrestling, and a true friend. You will be missed dearly!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arrangements:
Relatives and friends (Pullers) are invited and may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m at the Moris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge funeral Home, 312 Hooskick St. Troy NY.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street in Troy.
Interment with military honors will be held in Grafton Cemetery, Grafton.
It is desired by the family that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205, in memory of Ray L. Darling, Sr.
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Post by Greg Arnold on Feb 22, 2013 18:18:11 GMT -5
That's awful to hear! Prayers sent!
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Post by Rob Vigeant Jr. on Feb 22, 2013 19:26:25 GMT -5
Very Sad Update. Ray has passed away..  This is terrible, ray has been one of my favorites since I started.. And even given his age was still a bad draw for everyone just a few years ago.I just sat and talked with him for a bit at Addison county fair.... He looked solid. Man, bums me out... God bless you ray... RIP |
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Post by Bill Cox on Feb 22, 2013 19:51:20 GMT -5
So sorry to hear that, my condolances to his family. I have know Ray for about 35 years and always considered him a friend and great armwrestler. We will miss him and keep his family in out prayers
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Post by Bob Brown on Feb 22, 2013 20:14:39 GMT -5
A true Statesman and very dear friend. Rest In Peace my friend.
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Post by Eric Roussin on Feb 22, 2013 20:27:02 GMT -5
This is very sad news. He's always been an inspiration to me. I think many people may not realize the role he played in two major developments in this sport. First, he was the main person involved in the development of the Yukon Jack series of professional events, which were the top events of the early to mid'90s. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, he was the main organizer of a trip to the USSR in 1989, which first exposed Russians to organized armwrestling. Basically, this trip can be credited to opening up the world of armwrestling to eastern Europe...
Ray was a great man, who truely helped progress the sport.
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Post by Bill Sinks on Feb 22, 2013 20:48:11 GMT -5
Ray was a great friend as well as an inspiration . I talked with him a bout a month ago Karrie and I were going to stop by and visit but he said he had a bad cold so maybe next time, although he sounded good . I could not help but like Ray the first time I met him We had many good times together . My thoughts go to Jody and his family Ray was #1 in my book !
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Post by Jeramie Towle on Feb 22, 2013 21:22:05 GMT -5
I am very sorry to hear this, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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Post by michaelmeador on Feb 22, 2013 21:36:05 GMT -5
Very sad news.
Sorry for his friends and family.
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Post by David Marrocco on Feb 22, 2013 21:43:53 GMT -5
Thoughts and Prayers
From Marrocco family
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Post by Ron Bath on Feb 22, 2013 21:54:25 GMT -5
Sad news. A great friend with many fond memories. Are prayers to his family. RIP Ray; God Bless.
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Gene Camp
Silver Member
Founder/ President New York Arm Wrestling Association
New York
Posts: 448
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Post by Gene Camp on Feb 23, 2013 7:46:05 GMT -5
Message taken from Facebook
Dearest Family and friends of Ray Darling,
The members of the New York Arm Wrestling Association and so many others who knew Ray; we offer our deepest sympathy on his sudden passing today. Although it is little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know how much Ray was loved by his family, friends and the entire arm-wrestling community. Ray was a true champion and nice guy. The measure of a life well-lived is not in how much money one has or what possessions they have accumulated, but rather through, the lives Ray touched and the sorrow that he left behind. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that the outpouring of sympathy on the loss of Ray is felt by all who knew and loved him.
In Sympathy,
Gene Camp, Dan Fortuna, Bobby Buttafuoco, Jason Vale and the entire Arm Wrestling Community
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Post by Chris Gangi on Feb 23, 2013 8:40:43 GMT -5
Sorry to hear such terrible news....our prayers go out to the family...God Bless
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Post by CHRISTIAN BINNIE on Feb 23, 2013 8:46:47 GMT -5
I am in shock, utter shock.
I started awing at the NY'S police Olympics in 1988. The 2 gentlemen who were running the event were Ray Darling and Butch Bonnier. I remember seeing this skinny guy, Ray, with huge forearms, talking about pulling at Vegas. Ray and I started talking and he invited me to a meet he was putting on in Albany.So. I guess you can say Ray got me started in this" sport" , so it's all his fault. Anytime we were at a meet we hung out together, he was so much fun to be with, we always had a great time, always laughing.
This " sport" lost a great one. I will miss Uncle Ray. A true gentleman, AND LEGEND.
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Post by Ron Ermini on Feb 23, 2013 9:02:46 GMT -5
Wow in shock Ray will be missed my thoughts and prayers to his family.
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