Raymond Ralph Lochhead dies at 95
Raymond Ralph Lochhead said goodbye to Emilie, his beloved wife and partner of 72 years, on Mar. 3, 2018.
Vanilla and family were two great passions of his large, fearless life. Born in St. Louis Apr. 28, 1923, Ray founded R. R. Lochhead Manufacturing Co. in Paso Robles in 1963, towing his family and a prized ‘53 Studebaker west on Rt. 66 to start his vanilla business.
Proud graduate of Cal Tech, chemist, engineer, salesman, entrepreneur, single-engine pilot and traveler, Ray was a polymath who shunned convention, relying on a deep Mormon faith. He flew his own planes, fixed his own cars and built his own house. He skied, fly fished, sailed, photographed, hiked, painted, played the piano and sang to Emilie and their five children.
Ray gripped life powerfully and gave all to his family, his life’s driving force. The loss of his son Angus was his greatest grief.
He is survived by his life’s love Emilie, his children Guy, Louise, Carolyn and Josephine, grandchildren Raymond, Emilie, Louise, Angus, Rudy, Susannah, Jeanne, Jesse, Margaret, George and Henry, nine great grandchildren, and his brother James. We love you Dad.
Services are 11 a.m., with viewing at 10 a.m., Tues. Mar. 13 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2600 Ramona Rd. Atascadero. Burial 1:30 p.m. at Cambria Cemetery, 6005 Bridge St., Cambria.
