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Ray Hahn passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 28, 2011. He was 85. Ray was born in Arapahoe, Nebraska on November 13, 1926 and lived on the family farm until he joined the U.S. Army. He was very proud of his service to our country during World War II and had recently become active in the Bakersfield VFW, where, of course, he could be counted on to visit with the most people while selling poppies on Veteran’s Day. After the war, he joined his brother, Ralph Vopat (deceased), in Porterville, California, where he started working as a bread delivery person. He transferred to Taft in 1956 and really loved his job, especially the talking and joking with everyone on his route.
Ray’s most well-known traits were his sense of humor and his desire to talk to everyone he saw. While working in Taft as the “Sunbeam Bread Man”, he never passed up a chance to visit and goof off with his customers. He had different nicknames along his route, the most memorable being “Polar Bear” and “Cuz”.
Ray was married to Louise, and they had two children, Greg and Cathy. The family also included Louise’s children, Ada and Bob. Their home was always open to friends and neighbors, and it quickly became the place where the children’s friends liked to gather. Ray and Louise hosted many events, and one special event was the dinner hosted before Greg’s (son) Senior Prom. The house was filled with laughter as several couples enjoyed the company, dinner, and excitement of going to the prom.
Ray was always eager to attend the children’s athletic events, school events, and even Cathy’s painful piano recitals. He especially enjoyed watching Greg and his friends play football, baseball, and basketball, as well as watching Cathy’s softball games. He and Louise never missed an away game, and, typically, the car was filled with friends who also wanted to attend the games.
Ray married Mary Steelman in 1976. He greatly enjoyed and loved Mary’s children, Gary (Richard), Mary Lee (Ray), and Mike (Pam). Mary and Ray owned Hahn’s Café, where Ray again enjoyed striking up a friendly conversation with anyone who entered. Ray and Mary later moved to Pine Mountain and Bakersfield, where they enjoyed many happy years of retirement. While living at Pine Mountain, Ray was well known for his plentiful Christmas decorations. Many people drove or walked by to see them, and soon it was not surprising to see people walking in the yard and even across the front porch to see his trains, lights, and his home made animated rocking horses and toys.
In addition to his wife, children, and step children, Ray is survived by his sisters Eleanor Fahnholz, Geraldine Petersen (Allen), and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his loyal pup, Ricco.
Services have been held. The best way to honor Ray is to take a few moments to enjoy some chuckles as you recall a memory of him. There is no doubt that he would want to go out with lots of laughs.
Dad (Ray, Pa), we already miss you and all of the love, laughter, and joy you brought us. Thanks for being such a great guy.
Ray Hahn passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 28, 2011. He was 85. Ray was born in Arapahoe, Nebraska on November 13, 1926 and lived on the family farm until he joined the U.S. Army. He was very proud of his service to our country during World War II and had recently become active in the Bakersfield VFW, where, of course, he could be counted on to visit with the most people while selling poppies on Veteran’s Day. After the war, he joined his brother, Ralph Vopat (deceased), in Porterville, California, where he started working as a bread delivery person. He transferred to Taft in 1956 and really loved his job, especially the talking and joking with everyone on his route.
Ray’s most well-known traits were his sense of humor and his desire to talk to everyone he saw. While working in Taft as the “Sunbeam Bread Man”, he never passed up a chance to visit and goof off with his customers. He had different nicknames along his route, the most memorable being “Polar Bear” and “Cuz”.
Ray was married to Louise, and they had two children, Greg and Cathy. The family also included Louise’s children, Ada and Bob. Their home was always open to friends and neighbors, and it quickly became the place where the children’s friends liked to gather. Ray and Louise hosted many events, and one special event was the dinner hosted before Greg’s (son) Senior Prom. The house was filled with laughter as several couples enjoyed the company, dinner, and excitement of going to the prom.
Ray was always eager to attend the children’s athletic events, school events, and even Cathy’s painful piano recitals. He especially enjoyed watching Greg and his friends play football, baseball, and basketball, as well as watching Cathy’s softball games. He and Louise never missed an away game, and, typically, the car was filled with friends who also wanted to attend the games.
Ray married Mary Steelman in 1976. He greatly enjoyed and loved Mary’s children, Gary (Richard), Mary Lee (Ray), and Mike (Pam). Mary and Ray owned Hahn’s Café, where Ray again enjoyed striking up a friendly conversation with anyone who entered. Ray and Mary later moved to Pine Mountain and Bakersfield, where they enjoyed many happy years of retirement. While living at Pine Mountain, Ray was well known for his plentiful Christmas decorations. Many people drove or walked by to see them, and soon it was not surprising to see people walking in the yard and even across the front porch to see his trains, lights, and his home made animated rocking horses and toys.
In addition to his wife, children, and step children, Ray is survived by his sisters Eleanor Fahnholz, Geraldine Petersen (Allen), and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his loyal pup, Ricco.
Services have been held. The best way to honor Ray is to take a few moments to enjoy some chuckles as you recall a memory of him. There is no doubt that he would want to go out with lots of laughs.
Dad (Ray, Pa), we already miss you and all of the love, laughter, and joy you brought us. Thanks for being such a great guy.
