His name had been mentioned many times before, but we didn’t meet face-to-face until the summer of 1996 when I flew to Los Angeles, CA, for an interview. I have to admit I was nervous and somewhat intimidated about meeting this man I had heard so much about. But after only a few minutes, his sincerity, professionalism, and good-natured personality eased any worries that came with me that day.
After serving the rendering industry for three decades, Ray Kelly, Baker Commodities, is taking a much-deserved retirement. His dedication and service to both his employer and the industry are to be admired and praised. Those who have worked with him and benefited from his commitment to the industry and its membership organizations know his are some big shoes to fill. But we also know that it’s time to be unselfish and let Kelly enjoy more time with his wife, Cindy, his children, and grandchildren.
Render would not be what it is today if it weren’t for Kelly. From its first 24-page issue in February 1972, Kelly has been actively involved in and supportive of Render. But, to this editor, his biggest role in Render came on a warm July day in 1996 when he took time to meet with a de-termined young woman who had high ambitions, and ultimately decided to hire her as Render’s new editor.
There are no words that can express the gratitude and appreciation I have for Kelly, for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a dream of publishing the national magazine of rendering and for bringing me into an industry that I now consider my extended family.
And while I know we will all miss seeing Kelly, and Cindy, at the various conventions, he will forever remain a part of this industry and a part of Render. And I think I speak for all of us in this now “not so invisible” industry.
Thanks, Ray.
April 2004 Render