National Corvette Museum - Ray Quinlain Tribute

Ray Quinlan

Thanks for the memories and giving a young, wild tech his first job. The chance to work on and enjoy the many cars and vettes were unforgetable.My wife and I will always be thankful for all you did for us.You will not be forgotten.Fly high Ray,your friends,Dan, Jackie,Justin,and Natalie.
Dan Tharp
Bellflower, IL USA - Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 17:07:20 (EDT)

We had the extreme pleasure of meeting Ray Quinlan and his daughter, Peggy on the 2002 Historic Motorama. We will never forget the many stories that Ray shared with us on those infamous 1,000 miles -- stories about WWII, his Corvettes, his other cars, and his family. It always astounded us that Ray drove his '57 Corvette (with no air and the top down) the entire 1,000 miles -- What an incredible man -- may we all have that much spunk at the age of 81 !!! God bless you, Ray !!! Hope you are driving around in a beautiful '57 up there in heaven.
NCM Lifetime Member Jim & Diane McCracken <dmccrack@ompus.jnj.com>
Harleysville, PA USA - Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 15:53:16 (EDT)

Thank you, Ray, for your commitment and drive. You will be sorely missed.
NCM Individual Member C8R2NO1
Vancouver, WS USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 22:01:38 (EDT)

Ray, as a Vette-fan from overseas I read about you and I found you an true Vette-man in Heart & Spirit. Rest in Vette-Heaven with Godspeed!!! Han Klems from the Netherlands, Europe.
NCM Founding Member han klems <j.m.bklems@freeler>
maarssen, utr the Netherlands - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 17:10:08 (EDT)

I met Ray through my parents several many years ago as they were a part of the Corvette Club of Illiois together. I later got the opportunity to attend Corvette events with him when I joined the CCI. He always had an intersting story to relay and was always there to help.

We had a new "Corvette" friend from New Zealand come to visit. While he was here Ray, and my father, showed him all the Corvette sites here and even took him to the museum. As we all know, there was no better person to take you to the museum than Ray. Needless to say, they got the "Elite" tour. Aside from sharing any information on Vettes and cars with people, the museum was Ray's joy. He was very proud of the museum and loved to tell anyone and everyone about it. Thanks Ray for all your efforts with the museum, your work is greatly appreciated and will live on for many years to come.

I know that Ray is not alone right now. He and my father are together again discussing their cars, I mean, Corvettes.

Ray will be deeply missed by everyone that ever had the luck to meet him (which was quite a large number of folks). My condolensces go out to his family at this time.

Laura
Laura Brunkow <akrazy1@hotmail.com>
Champaign, IL USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 11:39:35 (EDT)

God Bless You, Ray Quinlan. We first met Ray on the Historic Motorama and enjoyed all of his energy and stories of his life and Corvettes. You could not help but marvel in his youthful spirit. God loves Corvettes, so you know God loves Ray Quinlan.
NCM Lifetime Member Bob & Vicky Hardt <torch@scbn.net>
Aiken, SC USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 10:48:30 (EDT)

Anytime someone of note passes it makes us all sad. I think that instead of mourning Ray's passing, we should celebrate how he lived his life.
NCM Individual Member Steve Schuermann <steve@londoff.com>
St. Louis, Mo. USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 10:35:47 (EDT)

I met Ray for the first time on the NCM Historic Motorama and was instantly drawn to him. The beautiful 57 Vette he drove, the Hat he wore and the Huge smile he always displayed when talking to him are moments I'll never forget. He made you feel at ease and really enjoyed talking about his Family, Corvettes, his other cars and his WWII flying experiences. I will miss him greatly and my deepest condolencies go out to his Family.
NCM Lifetime Member Henry Younger <hyoung42@bellsouth.net>
Gurley, AL USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 09:50:44 (EDT)

I've been photographing cars for books and magazines now for 20 years--Ray's Avanti was one of the first I shot way back then. I guess you can say that he was the guy who got my career rolling. He was always there for me when I came calling and he opened countless doors. I, too, got to hear all the stories, and my only regret is that I didn't make the time during the last few years to visit Ray more. I still owe him so much. He was a true friend and an inspiration to us all. Ageless adventurers like him are hard to come by. I'll always remember, Ray. Mike Mueller
Mike Mueller <mueller.mike@mindspring.com>
Kennesaw, GA USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 09:28:13 (EDT)

I had the pleasure of meeting Ray Quinlan at the Grand Opening of the NCM in September 1994. Through the years of our affiliation with the NCM as Founding Members and then as Lifetime Members, we have always admired Ray's passion not only for the Corvette but for the Museum he so loved.

He always came by the Museum whenever he can. Sometimes on his way south to vacation and other times to participate in NCM events.

Our fondest memories of Ray was when we had the good fortunes of sharing the "NCM's Historic Motorama" experience. Ray's 1957 Corvette was picked from a random drawing held and it represented the 1957 model year.

We all knew how excited he was and how much he looked forward to participating.

When he checked in with us in Flint, MI for the kick-off of the HM, Ray mentioned to me that he had problems with his windshield wipers and will have to make the 1,000+ mile road trip sans windshield motor/wipers, and with only a "good coat of Rainex." I wasn't surprised by his bravato as I know of his exploits as a bomber pilot in WW II and later adventures amateur racing his Corvettes and AC Cobra. But nonetheless was concerned for him.

On second leg of the Historic Motorama, as we were en route from Sawyer, Michigan to Joliet, Illinois we encountered a severe thunderstorm.

I could see the black clouds gathering as we made a quick stop just outside of the Indiana state line.

I was thinking of everyone's safety as I knew we would not only hit severe weather but also heavy traffic coming into Chicagoland.

Got one of the NCM staffer, Glenn Darwin, by cellular phone. Glenn came along as one of three NCM staff member in support of the road trip. He was driving the NCM's Silverado truck equipped with a camper shell. I asked Glenn to find Ray and "stick with him through the storm." Glenn did. He took the front lead with Ray in his '57 following directly behind.

Between Glenn, Ray and his "Rainex'ed" 1957 Corvette, we made it through. Not just through the heavy rain and thunderstorm, but safely passed the heavy traffic to our overnight stop in Joliet. The rest of the Historic Motorama, Ray and his fellow Historic Motorama friends made history, and in the process bonded friendships the likes still to be matched.

I know deep in my heart that Ray was one of the catalyst that gave the Historic Motorama, life. For these and his friendship, we will always hold Ray close to our minds and hearts.
NCM Lifetime Member Larry & Brenda Hayes <hayes@corvettemuseum.com>
Bowling Green, KY USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 22:58:23 (EDT)

Ray,we first met you at the Corvette Museum Annex on Scottsville Road.We were impressed that you had donated your 1953 Corvette to the Museum.We saw your passion for the Museum which we soon caught.We also saw you at the Grand Opening and a lot of the Labor Day Birthday events.We were fortunate to spend a week with you on the Golden Princess cruise this year where we learned about your other cars and life events.We will miss you. Say hello to all the auto nuts in heaven.Condolences to your family.Lifetime #3
NCM Lifetime Member Larry & Donna Boyd <lebdkb@aol.com>
Hamilton, OH USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 22:25:54 (EDT)

Do you actually have to guess what this great man will be driving in those puffy white clouds? Only the best for the best!!
NCM Individual Member Clark & Stephanie Tippens <tippens@charter.net>
Jackson, TN USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 22:20:12 (EDT)

To all family and friends of Ray. We met Ray in 1991 through Vernie Thomas. We were hosting the Solid Axle Corvette Club National in conjunction with Bloomington Gold. I called Vernie to gather Corvettes to enter our convention. Vernie had just helped Ray with his '53 in prekperation to send it to the NCM. They would be thrilled to bring Ray's '53 was the reply. We kp;laced it in the mail lo;by of the Holiday Inn East, Springfield. From that day forward we met with Ray at Bloomington Gold and at the Fundfest in Effingham each year. Always enjoying his love for the car hobby, his service in the war and love of family. Our life was enriched by knowing him. My God bless. Max & Mary Rae Brockhouse, Vice-President SACC
NCM Family Member Max & Mary Rae Brockhouse <saccmb@hotmail.com>
Chapin, IL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 21:27:33 (EDT)

Always a Gentleman, and best friend to all things Corvette. The Corvette world lost a great patron this day. All the lives you touched are much better for having known you. God's speed!
NCM Lifetime Member Andy Roderick <andrewredrocket@aol.com>
Bowling Green, KY USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 21:18:49 (EDT)

I have known Ray for many years although I am not a Corvette owner. I have had alot of old cars, most of them rotrods. Ray loved all cars. He was a car nutlike me. He will be missed very much. I am very proud to have known him and call him a friend! Tom.
Tom Strater <ttommon37@aol.com>
Champaign, IL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 21:00:09 (EDT)

It was a pleasure to meet Ray and his daughter during the Historic Motorama/50th Anniversary Kick-off festivities. My prayers are with the Quinlan family and friends.
NCM Individual Member Lori Smith <VetteSmith@insight.rr.com>
Columbus, Ohio USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 20:59:50 (EDT)

Thank you for your committment...You will be missed!...My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. I sort of know how you family feels. I lost may dad at the age of 83 September 8, 2003. I never met Ray, but I think I would like to be like him with his commitment to the Corvette hobby. God speed Ray. Lonnie.
NCM Family Member Lonnie <lonnie.armstrong@comcast.net>
Petaluma, Ca. USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 20:17:38 (EDT)

It was truly an honor for us to know Ray and hear his stories while on the Motorama. He added so much spice to the trip and will always be dear to us. His knowledge of the Corvette and its people was very dear to him. He will be sadly missed!
NCM Lifetime Member Sandie and Glen Paluso <spaluso@hotmail.com>
St. Clairsville, OH USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 19:43:53 (EDT)

In remembrance of Ray and his outstanding commitment to the Corvette family, especially his efforts with the initial battle for founding The National Corvette Museum, and his continuous support and engagement all these years. Ray just did a great job for all of us. Dearest of thoughts and deepest sympathy – and thanks – my condolences to the Quinlan family. Manny Jagerfeld of Sweden – Editor Corvette Magasinet
NCM Charter Member Manny Jagerfeld <manny@clubcorvette.se>
Skarblacka, SE Sweden - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 19:12:02 (EDT)

Ray lived his life the way we all should! He was passionate about his life and the people and things he loved. Shirley and I also shared special times with Ray and his Daughter during the Motorama. Ray asked me to adjust the carb on his 57 in Michigan after I had difficulty with our 66, which was a confidence builder for me. He always seemed to know just what to say and how to make someone feel special. At Breakfast on the road, he shared many of his life's stories and we laughed so hard we could barely eat. We are so happy to have known him and to have shared even a brief moment of his life. We thank his family for sharing him with us! He will always be a jewel in our bank of memories!!! God is already being fitted in a Corvette, if Ray has anything to say about it. Drive safely up there Ray! Jim and Shirley Hornaday Lifetime members 1966
NCM Lifetime Member Jim and Shirley Hornaday <corvetteharvest@aol.com>
Harvest, AL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 18:37:15 (EDT)

Ray flew 41 missions in World War II. He loved sharing war stories and I loved hearing them. Our country is losing over 1,000 WWI veterans per day, a group that has been called America's Greatest Generation. A generation that should remimd us each of us that "Freedom is not Free". This generation is largely responsible for the Corvette. We owe them our deepest respect and admiration!

The 1953 that Ray donated to the NCM was being used as a dog house for a Great Dane when Ray purchased and restored it. There were several individuals who greatly contributed to the NCM becoming a reality. However, I am not aware of anyone that made the commitment that Ray did when the idea for a Museum was being discussed when he said if it is built, I will donate my 1953 to the Museum. He kept his word!

I hope and truly believe Ray felt at home here at the Museum. He came to many events. He stopped every time he was traveling. He had a graduation party here when his granddaughter graduated from Vanderbilt. He particpated in our first Corvette Cuise in the caribbean and was looking forward to the Alaskan cruise.

He always had time for Corvette enthusiasts and loved to talk with them about his experiences.

Ray will be missed. The Museum and the Corvette Community lost a great friend. America lost one of its finest sons.
NCM Founding Member Wendell Strode <strode@corvettemuseum.com>
Bowling Green, KY USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 17:47:17 (EDT)

Thank you for your committment...You will be missed!...My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. Bill Legg
NCM Lifetime Member William Legg <wlegg206@yahoo.com>
Brookfield, Il USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 17:32:56 (EDT)

Ray and I joined the Corvette Club of Illinois in Chamapign,IL in 1973 and from the very first moment I knew that RAY was a very SPECIAL person. Ray told all the members that he was going to make sure that there would be a Museum just for the America's only TRUE Sportscar. There just is not enough room to tell everyone just how SPECIAL RAY was. He is definitely going to be MISSED by all the members of the Corvette Club of Illinois, especially his STORIES.
Doug & Delora Hanner <dugdee@soltec.net>
Oakwood, IL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 17:27:04 (EDT)

Our deepest sympathy to the Quinlan Family. From our Corvette family to yours
NCM Lifetime Member Circle City Corvette Club
Indianapolis, IN USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 15:55:31 (EDT)

GODS SPEED HE KNOWS A GOOD MAN SO I GUESS YOUR TALKING CORVETTE'S RIGHT NOW THANKS FOR BEING YOU .
NCM Individual Member MIKE AND BECKY MEANS <MMEANSUSA@NETSCAPE.NET>
MEMPHIS , TN. USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 15:54:51 (EDT)

My condolences to Ray's family. Wish I had been given the opportunity to meet him. Save a parking spot for me in Corvette Heaven.
Julie Rosier <vette4ever@webtv.net>
Evansville, IN USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 15:35:08 (EDT)

As a Corvette lover myself, I salute you Ray! Your contributions on this earth shall live on, as others continue to join your dream.
Ken Wilson <cwoswo@cs.com>
Terre Haute, IN USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 15:00:38 (EDT)

Thank You Ray for everything you have done to make the National Corvette Museum what it is today. I too will remember you for your signature hat,and for sharing your Corvette experiences with anyone who had the pleasure of meeting you.
NCM Lifetime Member Joe Moncado <Jmoncado@aol.com>
Olathe, KS USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 14:37:00 (EDT)

As the first President of the museum, Ray Quinlan approched me and offered his 1953 corvette to the museum as the first car to be donated. We accepted his offer and displayed the 53 at the Museum Annex prior to opening the museum. Ray was one of my favorite people and between his love of flying and his Bomber group, Corvettes were high on his list. He will be missed but not forgotten. Ray you are now in the heavens and speeding your self around with the best. From the other Ray!
NCM Lifetime Member Ray Battaglini <hobbschamber@leaconet.com>
Hobbs, NM USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 14:36:44 (EDT)

My condolences to Ray's family. I had the pleasure of meeting Ray on the 2002 Historic Motorama. I will always remember his stories and his dedication to the Corvette Museum. Ray, we're gonna miss ya'
NCM Lifetime Member Jim Smith <corvettekid2@neo.rr.com>
Mansfield, OH USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 14:25:14 (EDT)

I was honored to have had the opportunity to meet Ray and interact with him on the Motorama, He had a wealth of Corvette experiences,and I am sure he is sharing them with his current companions. Thanks for the memmories. Hank
NCM Family Member Hank Engel <partsman427@starfishnet.com>
Atlantic Beach , NC USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 14:20:33 (EDT)

Thank you Ray for all you did to help make the museum possible. If you had not helped me, I would have not had opportunity to be a museum member. I will miss you very much! #1961
NCM Lifetime Member Dale E. Lael <dale.lael@sj-r.com>
Springfield, IL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 14:06:00 (EDT)

What a great guy! We had the pleasure of spending 1000 miles with Ray on the Historic Motorama in 2002. Hope that we are all so fortunate to still be cruising in our Corvettes when we are 81 years old.... and beyond. God Bless Ray and his family. Bev and Jerry Kohn NCM lifetime #11
NCM Lifetime Member Bev and Jerry Kohn <bkohn@corvettecentral.com>
Sawyer, MI USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 13:41:05 (EDT)

My wife Cindy and I met Ray for the first time on the Inagural NCM Cruise in March. We truly enjoyed spending time with him and his wonderful wife. He surely will be missed in the Corvette community. I am sure Ray is driving his own special edition Corvette in Corvette Heaven. God Bless.
NCM Lifetime Member Joe & Cindy Owens <joeowens@mindspring.com>
Marietta, GA USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 13:04:41 (EDT)

What a pleasure it was to pull up this site and see the wonderful words for my closest friend Ray. He is gone but, he will be forever remembered as not only a Vette lover but as a kind, decent human being that adored everyone he met. And I dare say, everyone he met adored him.
NCM Founding Member Tom Sellers <gtstom@aol.com>
Champaign, IL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 12:44:49 (EDT)

Ray was a wonderful man, When I made my video, of the first caravan to the Natl. corvette museum, ray not only offered to be in it, but was the first to purchase, quite a few of them. He also took a lot of time to tell us, not only about his experiences, with corvettes, but about being a bomber pilot during world war 2, and all the missions that he flew. He was a true american, and I'm sure will be missed. Gary Burwick
Gary Burwick <fastgary@bellsouth.net>
Boca raton, fl USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 12:41:12 (EDT)

My most sincerest condelences to the the family and friends of Mr. Quinlan. Our family prayers are with them. As a Corvette enthusiast and a fellow NCM Lifetime member (#2003) I applaud his long term dedication and hard work to help make the NCM a reality. Rest in Peace Mr Quinlan and may God Bless You. Les, Debra , Chritopher & Keith Kaufteil
NCM Lifetime Member Les Kaufteil <fubu@z06vette.com>
Coral Springs, FL USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 12:39:57 (EDT)

Didn't know you on this plane but appreciate your love for the vette, see you in Corvette Heaven! Love, Annie and Bill Flader
NCM Family Member Annie Flader
Newport Beach, CA USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 12:32:45 (EDT)

Thank you for your inspiration and generosity, Ray. You will be missed.
NCM Individual Member David W. Shultz <Z06DWS@AOL.com>
Morristown, NJ USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 12:32:02 (EDT)

Ray, you will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure knowing you, and may you rest in peace. Adam Boca
NCM Lifetime Member Adam Boca <adam@corvettemuseum.com>
BOWLING GREEN, KY USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 12:00:34 (EDT)

I remember Ray for his 53 at the museum, his cap, the Historic Motorama and the wipers that did not work on his 57. But, most of all, I will always remember him for his stories, laughter, and friendship. I can still see him wearing that cap and am pleased that it is on display at the NCM. It is an honor to have known him.
NCM Lifetime Member Al Hill <alhill_ms@msn.com>
Oak Hill, VA USA - Monday, September 15, 2003 at 09:16:29 (EDT)