Remembering Ray Perchinski, Jr.
(Montoursville) – Welcome to the Henderson NCAA Tournament.
Every March, for 14 years, we have enjoyed bringing to you the premiere basketball tournament in the nation. For three weeks, we set aside the hustle of life to focus on a sport we love, hoping to again watch the improbable unfold before our very eyes. “Did you see that?” starts more conversations now than at any other time of the year.
The late, great coach Jim Valvano once said that we should laugh every day. So if we can use this tournament to infuse a bit of humor into the long, gray days before spring has finally sprung, then all the better. It’s become a tradition we enjoy at the tournament as much as the games themselves. And we’ll do it again.
But not this year.
In this, the 15th anniversary of our Tournament, we pause to remember one that we lost. On January 15, 2014 Ray Perchinski, Jr. passed on to the next life. He left much too soon for us all; though someone above must have thought that his work here was done.
Frequent participants may recognize Ray as our Montoursville Regional Administrator, if only for a few weeks each year. Many others know him as a friend, and the luckiest know him as a loving father, husband, son, brother and uncle.
He was also a coach, and his first love was softball – followed closely by basketball. Ray knew sports were the test run of life. Patience, perseverance, teamwork. Commitment to something greater than yourself. He loved to coach, because he loved to teach. He enjoyed the competition – the fulfillment that came from hard work. He loved the effort.
Ray was always quick with a smile, and an encouraging word. Quick to help, and generous with time.
So we mourn, but we remember a life well lived.
We know not the hour – so be in a hurry to do good.
Matt Henderson
Patrick Henderson
Michael Henderson
Tony Lisi
Sim Basta
Many of us have participated in our Tournament since its onset 15 years ago. One of our longest supporters and the eternal optimist was Ray. While we still grieve his loss, we also want to remember the happy times, the funny times or just Ray being Ray. We ask you to share your stories so we may help create an eternal legacy of our friend Ray.
2 Responses to In Memory of Ray
- Anonymous says:
Ray was the eternal optimist and his participation in this tournament really brought that out. No matter where he was in the standings, he did the math and did have a legitimate chance to win. While he never took first place in this, he was a true winner in life as seen through all his family, friends, co-workers and all those he came in contact with. He was one of the good guys and is missed more each day. Those who knew Ray well know he would tell us to continue on, to live life to its fullest. In time we will. I share this poem below as a tribute and rememberance to our friend and for all of us who grieve.
Remembered Joy
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
- Anonymous says:
We will never do this tournament, or go to a softball, basketball or soccer game, without thinking of Ray. Gone too soon, but if one’s wealth is judged by their friends and loved ones, he lived a very rich life. All who knew him are better off. There is no better testament than that.
We will see you one day.