Old time Chicago TV stalwart, Ray Rayner, passes away, age 84

[Dan Murphy]

Bozo's Circus, Garfield Goose, Breakfast with Bugs Bunny, Ray Rayner and His Friends, Dick Tracy Show, Ray Rayner Show.

Anybody growing up as a kid in Chicago in the 50's and 60's, or the parent of one of those kids, knows Ray Rayner, a Chicago TV legend. So many great laughs, memories and smiles. He passed away today, age 84. Another star for the heavens. Thanks, Ray.

Ray Rayner--click here

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[robinb]

I loved Ray Rayner and Garfield Goose!

 

[KimRaye]

Ray Rayner was hysterical! I'd watch re-runs now if they'd show them!

Very sad. I called my Mom when I heard, he was such a part of my childhood.

Thanks Ray!

 

[WDWLVR]

Definately a part of my childhood! DH and I went down to the Chicago Broadcast Communication Museum (located in the old library building). They had one of Ray's jumpsuits on display as well as the original Cuddly Duddly (shown in Dan's first picture). It really brought back memories.

Here's to a really nice man who made growing up in Chicago fun! May he rest in peace.

 

[Battleship Bob]

That's sad.......I loved Ray Rayner and that duck, Chauncy (I think) , and Diver Dan, Garfield Goose, Clutch Cargo (with his buddies Spinner & Paddlefoot).

Ray Rayner in the morning............Cubs game and/or Garfield Goose in the afternoon.......Thanks Ray.

 

[redbirdgrad]

Ray Rayner was king when I was a kid - a must see in the morning getting ready for school - and when he announced your school was closed - it was the best. I still call people Ray Rayner if I see them handling a lot of post-it notes. Great Guy.

 

[BethanyF]

I loved Ray Rayner, watched him every morning. I even had my own Cuddly Duddly and I think I had a stuffed Garfield Goose too.

 

[padams]

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and I watched Ray Rayner every morning before school. I had a Cuddly Duddly that was almost as big as me as a little kid. My parents unsubscribed and resubscribed to the Chicago Tribune so that I could get a CD as part of a Tribune promotion. My parents would put CD on the floor next to my bed at night in case I fell out of bed (no bed rails back then, I guess).

Thank you Ray for being a part of my childhood.

Thank you Dan for letting us know.

 

[cubsfan]

loved Ray Rayner and that duck, Chauncy (I think)

I believe the duck's name was Chelveston.......

Anyway, my favorite Ray Rayner show was Dick Tracy. I used to watch it every day after school......right after The Three Stooges.

Thanks Ray.

 

[KiminChicago]

Our kids will never have the same memories, that's the saddest part. I loved Oliver O. Oliver (the character he played on Bozo's Circus) -- I actually got to be in the audience for the show when I was 6. My aunt had gotten on the waiting list for tickets when I was born. I was the envy of all my classmates!

And yes, the duck's name was Chelveston -- that's where Mr. Rayner was stationed in England during WWII.....

 

[Jeafl]

LOVED Ray Rayner as a kid. Kiminchicago is right, our kids will never have the same type of memories as we do. I can't think of any similar TV shows that are on now. They are all cartoons, and most are REALLY bad.

 

[Raysplus1]

I loved watching Ray Rayner in the morning. Still to this day I know the song he sang "We are off to Cuddly Duddly's house".

At least he is now in a much better place.

 

[mamajoan]

oh wow... I loved Ray Rayner and his cast of characters and friends. I begged Santa for a Cuddley Dudley dog! On our farm, I know many of our ducks were named after Chelveston! Do any of you remember the little craft projects he used to do.. oh the poor fellow was always covered in paste! LOL
In 1976, my hometown HS got to appear on one of the shows singing Christmas tunes. How thrilled I was to hear my name on TV ( my friend Laura read a list) for the very first time! A big deal for a kid from Wilmington!!! In the winter we listened to Ray to see if he would announce the eagerly awaited SNOW DAY school closing!!!

During my adulthood, I found the subject of Ray Rayner to be a great icebreaker when I would find myself among strangers from Chicagoland. Once the topic of Ray was brought up stories and laughter erupted from everyone around. The names Cuddley Dudley, Chelveston, Oliver O. Oliver would fly. Grins would appear and friends were made.

I am sure Ray Rayner ambled into heaven with a slow grin. He was surely greeted by many fans and colleagues.

I will take Ray Raynor over Power Puff girls and SpongeBob anyday!!!

 

[MJames41]

I remember Ray, followed by Frazier Thomas with Garfield Goose. I remember Ray had this one video he would show at Christmas time - "Hardrock, Cocoa and Joe". Still brings smiles.

mamajoan, I agree with your last statement 100%.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You've got me singing the "Hardrock, Cocoa and Joe" song now. I loved WGN when I was a kid. They had the best shows for kids.