Raymond "Salamander" Straley

I just wanted to put the link to the Facebook Memorial Page for my brother Ray on here for those who might find this site but not the memorial page on Facebook. We had so many friends and he had even more, so I know there's more out there who would like to know this link so spread the word.

Rus

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/inmemoryofsal/

Man, where to begin...

 

It hurt me so bad knowing none of his true friends were unable to be closer to him during his last days of struggle...I always thought maybe he'd still be here.  I always loved spening time with him...back in the day alot of people made me laugh but he truly made me smile. He was so cool, so different...and remember, we were a pretty cool and different crowd - so that's saying something. I never really knew what he'd come over looking like...a nerd w/ coke bottle glasses and tape in the middle in a crazy suit on Monday, all black with some eye make-up and a "micro-mini" mohawk as he called it, dressed to kill no doubt. I miss him...a big part of me passed with him...as I'm sure most of you feel the same. I kinda started looking at life from a different perspective...three very good friends gone in such a very short time...something had to change. The phrases we lived by like "laugh now - cry later", "live fast die young", "to hell with tomorrow, live for today", "F**K the world"...all that stuff wasn't working for me anymore...I feel Ray's presence EVERY SINGLE TIME I write anything musically that touches on the inside...after learning of this page, I will make a promise to record a few short pieces I've done over the years that were inspired or "for" Ray and post a link for everyone to check out.

 

He was one of the best friends I ever had growing up...and he was one of only a few I would actually trust to watch my kids...lol...Billy, Terry, you're on that list too...

 

Time doesn't heal all wounds...

 

 

Ray I met you in a casket....I was one of the few that never knew you in real life, but I've lived my life listening to stories about you....some good .....lots of crazy....and some bad.......I think if we had gotten the chance to know each other we would have been friends......but as of this life I was introduced to you in a casket....and I was overwelmed by all the people that came and loved you and was there for you in death....Vickie

Ray was everyones friend, He could light up a room with his laugh and make me smile when i wanted to kill someone, We had an almost secret laungauge that refrenced 80's movies and bad punk rock. We would drink coffee and he would talk about the random girl that he was obsessed with at that moment. He would show up at my house and store his records, stay up all night and eat all of one item at my house ( Toast, eggs). Ray had an impact on my life that is almost immeasurable. He kept me passionate about music and art. By turning me onto Music and books i would turn others onto these ideas Via Headquarters, Ray started the entire crust Punk rock scene in daytoon in the 90's and helped shape alot of peoples political and musical beliefs. Ray touched all he came into contact with. He was Family, my brother RIP .

Ray was just a total free spirit, and a leader, though he didn't know it. As Kurt Cobain said "The worst crime is faking it"  Which you never did.  
   When Ray was staying at my place, I had the whole town through there (including the police), and I didn't mind, it was fun looking through his eyes, and listening to all that glorious punk rock music that only he could get his hands on.  He took me to the underground shows in Dayton too, it all seemed so exciting and raunchy and hardcore!  There was more than a little magic in Ray Straley and the way he looked at the world.  My only regret is that he didn't live long enough to see that magic and influence mature into something great, that he could pass on to others. 
Leaving you with this other great quote from aanother great punk, Cobain:
"“Vadalism: beautiful as a rock in a cop's face.”  Cheers to you Ray, you did it your way, all the way, all the time.