Howard Rayon's passing

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From theysaid 10/20/09:

Howard Rayon's passing

It is with great sadness that I share with the fire community the passing of Howard Rayon. Howard finished his battle with cancer yesterday morning after nearly two years. I know many of you have tremendous thoughts about Howards incredible career. My own are his service to CIIMT 2 as Safety Officer. I came on the team while Don Studebaker was the IC and Howard was Safety. Howard always gave you that confidence that he had his end of the operation well in hand in his quick assessment of the situation and his smooth and deliberate deliveries. As I grew to see this master work, I gained incredible respect for him, both as a person and professional. Howard never bragged although he had plenty to boast about. There are many people out there I know who can fill in some of Howards career highlights better than I can, so please share with the rest of us what you know and loved about Howard.

To Howards wife on behalf of CIIMT2 I extend our deepest sympathies.

Howard, we will miss you.

Bill Molumby
Fire Management Officer
FWS Southern California Zone
Incident Commander CIIMT 2

[abercrombie]

from theysaid 10/20/09:

Howard Rayon's passing

It is with great sadness that I received word of Howard Rayon’s passing yesterday morning. I have never met a more professional firefighter and chief officer. Howard came to work for me in 1976 as my Fire Engine Operator at Descanso Station on the Cleveland National Forest. To me he was more than an outstanding employee, he was tremendous friend! And we stayed close friends over the last 33 years.

Howard left the Forest Service in 1977 and joined Santee Fire Department and worked his way up from a rookie firefighter to Deputy Chief. And in addition to this new career, he went on to earn a Law Degree, pass the California Bar and practice law, specializing in fire litigation. After his retirement from Santee he continued to work as a Safety Officer on California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 and teach fire service classes around California. As an outstanding fire service instructor Howard was recognized this year by the California Fire Service Training Institute; receiving their Distinguished Service Award.

And here is a little know fact: It was Howard who convinced the Santee Fire Chief, way back in the late 70's, to put drip torches on their Type I Engines! You couldn't get the "wildland fire" out of him!
He was the consummate professional and personal friend who I will miss very, very much! The Fire Service has a big hole to fill!

Greg Greenhoe
Missoula, Montana

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from theysaid 10/22/09:

God bless you Howard

I believe Howard Rayon was the original designer of the traditional Laguna Hot Shots Oak Tree crew logo
back in the 70’s when he was on the crew.

I miss that voice already

John V Estes

Thanks, John. He was on that crew. Is this the right Laguna HS logo? I believe Howard's wife Kyle actually designed that one back in the day, '74?? Does anyone have old stories of Howard, or new stories...? Ab.

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from theysaid 10/23/09:

Ab,

I do believe that is the original logo, at least it was when I started on the crew. And now you mention it I
remember something to the effect that Howard’s wife did design it.

Still missing that voice

John

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from theysaid 10/27/09:

Ab,

The Santee Firefighters have announced an informal gathering in memory of Howard Rayon. Here is the information I have:

Hooley’s Pub and Grill
5500 Grossmont Center Drive
La Mesa, CA
1700 to 1900 hours on Wednesday (October 28th)

We will be updating any changes at: www.heartlandzonenews.blogspot.com

Thanks

Mark Grow
Captain
Lakeside Fire Protection District

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from theysaid 10/27/09:

Here are some photos of Howard Rayon at the Tripod Fire, 2006.

howard-rayon76.jpg
howard-rayon57.jpg
howard-rayon53.jpg

Mark

Howard's Life

April 11, 1948 - October 19, 2009
Proudly served from January 1977 - December 2005


I had the opportunity to meet Howard in person only once. My loss. He was a member of this wildlandfire.com community. Knowledgeable and helpful man. A loss for all of us. Wish I lived close enough to attend the LaMesa gathering in his honor tomorrow evening. May the spirit prevail. Ab.

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from theysaid, 10/27/09:

Ab,

Here are some more photos of Howard, I had the great opportunity to work with and along side
of Howard on many incidents, projects and on Team 2. He was a close friend and a leader that the fire
service will miss. The wildland community has lost another great brother.

howard6.jpg
howard28.jpg
howard38.jpg
howard3.jpg
howard20.jpg
howard8.jpg


Ken

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from theysaid 10/30/09:

For those that are interested we have posted a video of the gathering at Hooley's for those that could
not make the event. The video is available at:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=23rnZPO-D4A

Thanks
Mark Grow

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from theysaid 11/2/09:

Howard Rayon:

I have many fond memories of Howard during my tenure on Team 2. His commitment to safety for all firefighters was
unwavering whether they were on the line, in camp, flying or even a PIO . Besides his skills in fire, he was also a great
debater. It must have been the lawyer in him. He was always my “go to guy” when I needed an “live interview” with the
media. He could charm the “reporter” out of the interviewer and before they knew it, they had learned a valuable lesson
about fire and fire behavior. I wanted share one of my favorite pictures of Howard. I took this one when Team 2 was
on assignment in Lincoln, Montana.

Signed…Paula Martinez