Ray was born on June 24, 1933, to Max and Emma Muhlethaler in Bell, California. Ray grew up in Burbank, where his father worked as a craftsman at Lockheed Skunkworks building the wooden prototype of the U2 spy plane. Ray was the first generation of his family to attend college. He chose University of California, Santa Barbara where he was very active in campus life as president of Kappa Sigma fraternity, as a student government officer, and in R.O.T.C. Ray was honored to be appointed to the Cal Club by then-University President Gordon Sproull, in recognition of his service to the university.
Ray graduated with a B.A. in Industrial Arts and a teaching credential, but prior to beginning his professional career, he entered the U.S. Army to fulfill his military obligation. After completing his active duty, Ray remained in the Army Reserve until he
retired with the rank of major.
He began his teaching career in 1956, teaching wood shop at Madison Junior High School in North Hollywood for 34 years. Just teaching wasn’t enough; Ray wanted to do more to affect young people’s lives. He enjoyed being youth services coordinator and advisor to the teen club. This allowed him to take students to Disneyland, Clear Creek Outdoor School, and chaperone school dances. He volunteered as president of Western Boys’ Baseball Association for three years and later as president of the Van Nuys High School Booster Club.
Ray was one of the school’s favorite teachers, being named teacher of the year in 1974. His woodshop was available after school and during vacations for students to finish special projects they were making as gifts or for state competitions. He always looked upon the most troubled youth as his greatest challenge. Knowing that not all kids possess the academic gene, he could somehow connect with them to cultivate a passion and skill for working with tools, finding respect for knowledge that did not come from a book.
In 1991, after Ray and his wife retired from teaching, they moved to Arroyo Grande. Shortly after arriving, Ray volunteered as chairman of the Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest
Festival for three years. The Harvest Festival banners seen in Arroyo Grande in September were conceived by him to promote the festival.
Here’s to a memorable, successful season. We thank those of you who made contributions to our team in memory of Mr. Ray Muhlethaler. Go Eagles!
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