[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 91 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND MAGNON

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2017

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
Raymond Magnon, who passed away in California on Monday, April 24, 
2017. Raymond, or Ray as he was known to friends and family, proudly 
served our nation as a plane mechanic in the Air Force during the 
Korean War and he will be deeply missed.
  Ray was born to Frank and Caroline Magnon in Niles, Ohio. In 1944, 
when Ray was 14 years old, his family moved from Ohio to Riverside 
where he attended Poly High School, served in the Air Force as a plane 
mechanic during the Korean War, and later attended Chaffey College. 
After college, Ray worked at Lockheed and at a local fiberglass 
company. Shortly after Ray started his career working as an 
electrician, he would eventually start his own company, Service 
Electric. Over the years, Service Electric would provide the electrical 
construction for many notable buildings in the city of Riverside, 
including Tyler Mall. At one point in the 1970s the company was the 
largest electrical contractor in California, employing hundreds of 
electricians and staff.
  Later in life, Ray ventured into commercial real estate development. 
In 1977, he founded The Magnon Companies which developed and built many 
of the buildings constructed in Riverside, including buildings in the 
Sycamore Canyon Business Park, Hunter Park, and other areas of the 
city. Ray also was responsible for the construction of several 
apartment buildings in Canyon Crest including Bunker Hill. Ray had many 
passions in life such as Formula 1 races, tennis, traveling to Europe, 
collecting sports cars, and a fondness for classic jazz and crooner 
songs. One of his strongest passions was being a business leader in the 
community and working to advance important causes for our region.
  Ray is survived by his wife, Kelly Magnon, their son, Ryan Magnon and 
by his daughters from his previous marriage to Elaine Timmons Taber; 
Patti Oldham, Cheryl Cliff and Deanna Magnon. Ray was preceded in death 
by his son, Douglas Magnon. He is also survived by many loving 
grandchildren, nieces, nephews and step-children. I had the distinct 
privilege of knowing Ray for many years and I will deeply miss him. I 
extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Magnon family. Although 
Ray may be gone, his selfless dedication to our nation will long be 
remembered.

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