by Bill Blinn
Ohio, USA
In the three years I watched a friend fight leukemia, I learned a lot about living. I knew Ray Jutkins for over 20 years. He was an unusual guy — never more so than during his illness.
More than once, Ray showed up in my driveway on his Harley. I should point out that Ray’s house was about 2100 miles away. Ray really liked riding his Harley.
Over the years we worked together, we met each other’s families. When I had a speaking engagement in San Diego, Ray insisted I stay a couple of days at Rockingham Ranch and enJoy. “EnJoy” with a capital “J” was Ray’s favorite word, and he lived by it.
In February 2004, Ray threw his own wake because “the dead guy never has any fun at the funeral.” A month earlier, doctors had announced he had at most six weeks remaining. Having already died and been revived twice during intense chemotherapy, Ray pronounced leukemia “good” because it had caused him to rediscover his sister.
Ray’s wake was amazing. More than 100 people from all over the world showed up at his house outside Roll, Arizona. Roll is 30 miles east of Yuma, and Ray’s house was five miles beyond the “Pavement Ends” sign.
Because the wake was scheduled for week five of his expected six weeks, I expected to find him in a wheelchair or on a gurney. Instead, he was running around, supervising 50 people who had shown up to help him pack for his move to California. Cheerful and full of life, Ray handed out coffee mugs as guests arrived. Next to his caricature, the cup read “I Survived Ray’s Live Wake.” I cherish it.
In the months following the wake, Ray and Nancy returned to California to be near his daughter. They traveled. Several times he appeared to be down for the count, but bounced back. I keep a photo of him playing his first game of pool with his granddaughter and her college roommates, right after he beat the double pneumonia everyone thought would kill him.
On January 7, 2005, the email I didn’t want to see arrived.
I never once heard Ray complain. I told him I hoped, should I face anything a tenth as stressful, that I could face it with a fraction of the courage and grace he and Nancy demonstrated. He replied he was doing nothing special.
Perhaps that’s true. We all will die. But facing death, Ray didn’t avert his gaze. He looked death in the eye and gave the old buzzard quite a battle. Throughout his life, and particularly during his final three years, Ray provided lessons for all of us on living life to its fullest.
Ray died on January 6, 2005. I miss him, but his lesson lives on. Remember Ray Jutkins and… EnJoy!
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From what I’ve read, Leo, you’ve put these stories on an automatic posting. How timely considering who just passed away, talk about going in style! I’m hoping for this courage as well. Yessssss, enJoy.
Semi automatic, but yes, the timing and sequence was set last month. Definitely a couple of serendipitous postings.
An important reminder to make the most of life – thanks.
There are many things out of our control, but how we react is all on us. What a great thing to share this with all of us.
I am fortunate to have known a man much like Ray; I met Him late in life. He lived a life most would envy. However; Most of his life was filled with work and high achievements, Much to busy to enjoy the fruits of his labor. The part of his life I knew was totally differant, all about giving joy and hope to others, and boy how he gave it, Prior to his death, which was totally unexspected. He gave the vast sum of his wealth to various hospitals, colleges and other charitable organizations, Totaling 10’s of millions of dollars.. While doing his best to keep it all a secret. His business, He gave it to his employees. who sold it soon after. But the Man had no regrets. He told them they made the business what it was and it was theirs to do with it as they desired. It seemed He received more joy giving most of it away, far more than earning it. Till the end, He; (like Ray) EnJoyed giving away a legacy much more than if He had received one.
Quality of Life, once you accept that premise, life becomes EnJoyment and the drudgery falls away.