Thread: A Message From Ray at ClassicShaving.com

Greetings All,

After having tried to compose this post several times, and not having been satisfied with any of my previous attempts, I have concluded that there is no easy way to say what I have to say. Rather than continuing to struggle for just the right words I'll just lay my cards on the table and let the hand read for itself.

After a recent visit with my doctor I am informed that I have a very short time left to live. To spell it out in numbers, I was given 8-12 weeks, and that was 3 weeks ago.

As some of you may know, I was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, underwent successful surgery at that time and have been cancer-free since. At that time I was told that I had a 50% chance to survive 5 years - It has now been 6 years, I guess one could say that I've beaten the odds. Recently however, a visit with my doctor turned up a new area of concern that proved to be a recurrence of my old cancer. It has already spread beyond the ability to be treated radiologically, and I am told that chemotherapy would buy me at most an additional 4 weeks, while making what little time I have left a living Hell. Obviously, I have opted not to partake.

Over the past year, and especially these past few weeks, I have been involved with training my daughter, Danielle, and my son-in-law, Will, to carry on after I have gone. My wife, Laurie, will remain active in the business and all present staff, Ray-Ray, Barbara-Ann, Misty and Laura, will also remain on-board to help provide the necessary continuity. We expect there will be no outwardly visible change in the daily operations of ClassicShaving.com as we move forward into the future. The only difference being that my own personality will be missing - Some might say that this would be a good thing!

I have already discontinued coming into the office on a daily basis but have remained active and involved in over-seeing routine matters as the baton is passed from one generation to the next.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the loyalty and support that this forum has shown toward ClassicShaving.com over the years. I ask that you extend the same toward the new owners who pledge that they will carry on as I would have.

Wishing you and yours the Happiest of Holidays and a Successful New Year...

Ray Dupont
ClassicShaving.com

Hi Ray,
I just read your post about your recurring cancer. I feel very sad about the news. I have only talked to you once when I ordered the SRP Limited Edition razor and after words I felt that I knew you pretty well. You were very friendly and helpful. I know a lot of guys have nothing but good to say about you and I feel the same way. Your products with ClassicShaving are top notch and I feel that your family will keep up the good tradition.
Ray you will be in my prayers and with the grace of God maybe he will help in some way. Just try to stay in as good a spirit as you can which I know will be hard to do but maybe it will help.

Bill Watkins

Ray,

I am so saddened by your message. It has been wonderful dealing with your company over the past year--so responsive and honest. Though I know others can step in, it will be difficult knowing that you will not be involved. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this most difficult time.

Chaplain James A. Buckner

Ray, I'm very sorry to hear this news. As I've mentioned before, words never seem to be sufficient at a time like this, but I will say I'm sorry I never got the chance to know you better. You seem like a great guy that is well worth getting to know. I'll miss seeing you around the boards, but my prayers will be with you and your family. Take care and I wish you the best always.

-Mark

Ray, I would like to say a heart felt "THANK YOU!" for all that you have done
for this art/obsession of ours. I will continue to recommend your firm to anyone who is interested in wet shaving.

With tears in my eyes,

God bless you Ray. You are in our prayers.

Ray,
I know that you will be comforted by your family over the coming weeks & months. You, and they, will continue to be in my prayers.

Parry

It hurts! Ray, you're in my thoughts.

Joel

Ray,

My heart goes out to you and your family. You will be in my prayers. .

-Keith

I am incredibly saddened to read your message Ray. You have been a pillar of our online community, a true ambasador for fine shaving products and exceptional customer service. I am pleased your family will continue ClassicShaving.com -- the world wouldn't be the same without it. May peace be with you and your family.