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Post by Elaine Blik on Feb 23, 2013 9:21:20 GMT -5
Joel and I were both so shocked to read this on Facebook! It is sad beyond words. Ray was an inspiration in the sport and an ambassador as well. We had many good visits when we found ourselves at the same event. He was such a gentleman and fun to be around. He will be missed greatly!
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Post by Glenn Brooks on Feb 23, 2013 9:31:26 GMT -5
Tearable news! Ray was a great guy. Rest in peace ol friend.
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Post by Duke Sarkisian on Feb 23, 2013 9:59:31 GMT -5
horrible news....very sad to hear this...
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Post by Erick "Zap" Szczap on Feb 23, 2013 10:05:42 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. Thank you for posting this. I've followed/participated in armwrestling since 2004 so I know Ray Darling's name, but I never met him or really knew his legacy. I had no idea of Ray's involvement with Yukon Jack. Armwrestling, as a sport and as a family, has lost a great one.
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Post by John Wilson on Feb 23, 2013 11:24:24 GMT -5
Ray Darling was a real legend of the sport. Every memory I have of Ray is him smiling and being the most friendly person in the world when off the table, but a true warrior on the table.
A great puller, and a fantastic human being.
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Josh McEllrath
Gold Member
National Champion
PNW Armwreckers
Posts: 508
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Post by Josh McEllrath on Feb 23, 2013 11:59:01 GMT -5
Ray was on my short list of people to meet in this sport, i won't get to meet him but his legacy will live on. My sincere condolences to the Darling family.
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Post by George Sheldrick on Feb 23, 2013 14:27:31 GMT -5
Man sad news... such a great man, fellow armwrestler and most important good friend. thoughts go the Darling family.
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Post by Bill Caldwell on Feb 23, 2013 14:52:11 GMT -5
in speaking for team Granite Arms ,Rest in peace Mr Darling
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Chris Ceci
Silver Member
S.W.FL. Armsport Club- Founder / President
Posts: 399
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Post by Chris Ceci on Feb 23, 2013 17:12:42 GMT -5
Kevin, thank you for the post. Sorry to hear this, please pass on my condolences to the family.
First time I met Ray was at the Old Home Days tourney and I think it was 1994. He was incredible then and only got better. I won my very first trophy at that event.
My prayers go out to you, Ray!
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Post by Max Maxwell on Feb 23, 2013 17:32:03 GMT -5
I am so sorry and saddened to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with Rays family. Rest in peace Ray.
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Post by Gary Roberts on Feb 23, 2013 17:40:20 GMT -5
I am so saddened to read this news. Thoughts and prayers going out to the Darling family. Ray you will be missed buddy!
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Post by Bill Collins on Feb 23, 2013 19:03:44 GMT -5
RIP Ray. You were an inspiration to many and a true friend, loved having you on Team USA, awlays offered to help...!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by John Parton on Feb 24, 2013 13:11:49 GMT -5
Wow what a loss to our community! Not only a great puller, but a great man. Ray could always seem to find a way to win over a stronger or quicker opponent. I have ben thinking a great deal about him laterly, and now I know why. See you later old friend.
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Post by Christina Casto on Feb 24, 2013 17:36:55 GMT -5
The Casto family sends their condolences to the Darling family. Ray was an outstanding leader in this great sport of ours. He will not only be greatly misses but more so GREATLY REMEMBERED. GOD BLESS.
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Post by Keith Potts on Feb 24, 2013 22:55:38 GMT -5
Very sad news. I wish his family the best.
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