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zee
Dec 8, 2003, 5:35 AM
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Houston rock climber Ray Hutchinson was killed today in Mosul, Iraq when his convoy with the 101st airborne was ambushed with an explosion.
He was a stout climber and shared many great times with the folks at the Texas rock gym, where he was one of the top, if not the top climber.
Ray was an all round great guy and will be sorely missed. Modest, strong, smart, brave and honest.
The tragedy of war has taken one of the worlds shining lights from our midst. He will be missed and remembered.
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dlintz
Dec 8, 2003, 5:37 AM
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My condolences to all that knew him.
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indigo_nite
Dec 8, 2003, 6:45 AM
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that is really awful. sorry to hear of it.
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timstich
Dec 8, 2003, 6:46 AM
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Very sorry to hear that.
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couloir
Dec 8, 2003, 6:58 AM
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My condolences to his family...My thoughts are with him...although I don't know him I feel connected to him and feel the pain...May there be a perfect granite cliff where ever you end up....
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philbox
Moderator
Dec 8, 2003, 7:07 AM
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Really very sorry to hear about this. Is there any way of passing these condolonces on to the family.
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overlord
Dec 8, 2003, 1:24 PM
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condolescences. damn war
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fanederhand
Dec 8, 2003, 2:00 PM
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I add my condolences to family and friends as well.
It is far better to climb than ...
War, Huh, what is it good for ...
May Ray find his style at its peak
all his cruxes a piece of cake
and the scenery the best and no mistake
and lastly may the Lord bless those of his family he did not take
Rock on my friends
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justsendingits
Dec 8, 2003, 2:09 PM
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To all friends a family of Ray,my condolences!!!
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curt
Dec 8, 2003, 2:13 PM
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My condolences as well. What a terrible shame.
Curt
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gblauer
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Dec 8, 2003, 2:18 PM
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Rest in Peace.
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tim
Dec 8, 2003, 3:10 PM
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My condolences to his friends and family. Only the efforts of women and men like Ray stand between America and those who would take our freedoms away.
Rest in peace, Ray.
(edited to remove superfluous political content)
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bitsofsod
Dec 8, 2003, 4:57 PM
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First, my most sincere condolences for his family and friends. What a tragedy.
Second, a note to posters: Please, people, please do not interject your thoughts on the politics of the situation. We all have our opinions, but this is not the forum.
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paganmonkeyboy
Dec 8, 2003, 5:35 PM
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In reply to: First, my most sincere condolences for his family and friends. What a tragedy. Second, a note to posters: Please, people, please do not interject your thoughts on the politics of the situation. We all have our opinions, but this is not the forum.
double ditto...sorry for all that are touched by this tragedy
-tom
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gene
Dec 8, 2003, 9:16 PM
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Ray was a friend, and part of my girlfriend's family through marraige.
He was a very selfless guy .... not an ounce of hate or pride in his body ...
He'll be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Please pray for his family ...... it's obviously a very tough time, and they can use all the positive thoughts the universe can send their way ....
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mrmons
Dec 8, 2003, 9:53 PM
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I am very sorry to hear about his passing. May his family and friends find peace. :cry:
Mr. Mons
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harrisha
Dec 8, 2003, 10:20 PM
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For anyone who knows the family pass along my thanks and my condolances. As priorly stated, it is men like Ray that stand between our freedoms and the people trying to take them away. Whether you agree with Bush and his politics or not, please support men like Ray and the rest of our troops all around the world.
FDR: "I have seen war; I hate war."
There is a whole lot in between those two sentences but that is what sticks in my mind.
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gekko
Dec 8, 2003, 10:35 PM
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Thank you to anyone who wishes to post their regards to the family. I have e-mailed a link to my sister and her husband, Rays brother. The family will be able to read any kind words that you have for them through this post. Both of Ray's parents are climbers as well and will probably visit to view these posts, so please no politics, thank you so much.
Jules
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time44teens
Dec 8, 2003, 11:55 PM
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I knew Ray for the first 3 years i began climbing..always looking up to him, he was one of the nicest guys you would ever have met..he would have givin you the shirt off his back, he had my respect going into the army and still does...may he rest in peace.
Allen Peters
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moabbeth
Dec 9, 2003, 12:46 AM
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So sorry to hear. What a tragedy. Condolences to his friends, family and climbing partners and prayers that the violence over there has an end in sight sooner rather than later.
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offwidth
Dec 9, 2003, 2:30 AM
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:cry:
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nnichols
Dec 9, 2003, 3:25 AM
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my condolences and prayers for Ray's family and friends
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gekko
Dec 9, 2003, 6:34 PM
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All I know about Ray Joseph Hutchinson is that he was good. There are not that many people that we can say that about anymore; he was good.
Ray was a charming and handsome young man, always with a smile and hoping to engage someone in laughter or play and his joy radiated from him to all those around him. He loved not only his family and friends but people in general; the urge to protect his family, his country and our future (coupled with his sense of adventure!) led him the the military. As a marine friend of mine once said - some people feel the call, some don't.
He excelled at physical activity, including climbing and mountain biking, along with various team sports that he played recreationally and this active lifestyle transferred easily to the army, where he stood out and performed exceptionally well.
Honest and selfless, he would give you anything that he could if you were a in need. When the soldiers called home to request items not available overseas I was prepared to send some climbing and sports magazines or other stuff, but he asked for toys. He wanted his friends and family to send toys and school supplies for the Iraqi children who followed the American soldiers through the streets.
During his service in Mosul , he was touched by the plight of Iraqi women and children. In nonor of Ray, a memorial fund is being set up to benefit the women and children of Iraq who have been affected by the war that took his life.
Ray has been awarded several medals during his service, but more importantly he has also won hearts. A grieving soldier called Ray's mother to tell her that his life would never be the same after meeting Ray, that so many lives were touched by his love for others, his bravery and willingness to give all, and his love and faith in Jesus Christ.
The world has lost a hero, but God has won, and Ray is with Him.
As this light from heaven is taken from our world, may the embers and sparks that he left behind ignite an even brighter flame.
To God be the glory.
He will be missed.
Please pray for the two other soldiers who were critically injured and lost limbs in the explosion that killed Ray, pray that they may be comforted while in the hospital in a foreign land, and pray comfort for Ray's family in their time of loss.
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wideguy
Dec 9, 2003, 6:37 PM
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Condolences to his family and the families of all those lost in war. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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adventureman
Dec 9, 2003, 6:48 PM
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My condolences as well. I hope his family and friends can find some light in this dark time. Take care.
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