Following the news that industry veteran, resilient flooring expert and ProInstaller columnist Ray Thompson, Jr., of Cle Elum, Wash., passed away on July 12, we asked several of his former colleagues to share some of their favorite memories of working with him.
Larry Birunas, technical services, Nora Rubber: “So sorry to hear a brother has passed away. One day I will never forget is when the Twin Towers were attacked, I had a small car and Ray had to squeeze into the front seat. I have a lot of memories of Ray teaching me about the flooring industry.”
Mike Buckwalter, retired, research and development, Armstrong World Ind. Inc.: “He will be missed—a great guy and well-known throughout the industry.”
Jim Gaige, Master Installer and trainer: “Ray always had time to help, and I always enjoyed the information he had to share.”
Rick Herr, worked for Armstrong from 1968-2016: “I first came into the installation tech services dept in 2001. My manager handed me the concrete CEU and said, ‘Learn this. You will travel with Ray Thompson and sit in on his class.’ I learned so much in those six months traveling with Ray. After that first CEU, I went on to do the presentation many times over the next few years.
“I can remember going to World of Concrete numerous times with Ray and you could not walk five feet without someone saying, ‘Hi, Ray.’ Ray also put together a ‘Letterman Top 10’ list for flooring failures that was published in a flooring trade magazine. Ray was the most generous man sharing his knowledge to whoever wanted to engage.”
Skip Marsh, flooring installer and trainer: “Ray was not only a great man; he was always willing to give his knowledge without hesitation.”
Denny Moore: “I first met Ray in 1977 when we were both 35. He was visiting Armstrong in Lancaster, Pa., as a new Portland, Ore., Floor Fashion Center retail dealer. I was the national FFC manager at the time. A few years later I recommended Ray join Armstrong’s Installation School as their western region instructor replacing the ‘infamous’ Woody Miller upon his retirement. Ray displayed his own talent and soon became the leading West Coast flooring installation trainer and resource expert.
“I remember when Ray initially began writing for Howard Olansky [the late trade magazine publisher and member of WFCA Hall of Fame], you could always count on him to meet any deadline with all sorts of relevant detail. He was clearly THE expert when it came to dealing with the scourge of all floors … moisture problems.
“Ray had a fulfilling career in the flooring industry. His instruction reached thousands of installers and salespersons. He was a trusted resource for manufacturers, distributors and the retail trade. When he wasn’t working, he was always up to organizing a river trip down the Deschutes. Lots of memories. Lots of fun. Ray will be missed by all his friends and family. And I am privileged to have had Ray’s friendship for all these many years.”
Tim Provence; retired installation trainer, Tri West Ltd., Armstrong Flooring: “There is no way to measure the value of Ray’s influence in my professional life. He shared his incredible knowledge and demonstrated professionalism to me. He is well-known and highly respected in the flooring industry, best illustrated by walking with him through a trade show. Everyone always had a question for Ray and he was always willing to stop and answer.
“Whether troubleshooting an installation issue, teaching a concrete CEU to architects, sales, installers and builders or demonstrating flash coving sheet flooring to installers, Ray’s technical and practical knowledge was an inspiration to the many he mentored.”
Dick Schmidt, technical services, Tarkett USA Inc.: “I will be forever indebted to Ray for the knowledge I received from him. There are hundreds of people who could say the same.”
Roland Thompson; CFI Master Installer: “I’m sorry to hear of his passing; Ray was one of those types of people that made a difference in our industry.”
