Raymond R. Brown, 64, of Tiffin, died Sunday, February 21, 2010, at St. Francis Home, Tiffin.

On October 9, 1945, he was born in Toledo to the late Merlin O. and Mildred (Vandenburg) Brown. On May 15, 1971, he married Karin Ehren in Memmingen, Germany.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Karin, a son, Marcus and his wife, Tonya Brown of Pickerington, a daughter, Rebecca and her husband, Alexander Sharayera of Laurel, MD, three sisters, Julie Quick of Cincinnati, Carol (Thomas) Graham of Tiffin, Lois (Robert) Loar of Gibsonburg, a granddaughter due to be born July 4, 2010, many nieces and nephews.

In 1960, Ray came to Tiffin with his father, mother and siblings. They started the Tiffin Hardware Store of which Ray became president in 1983, retiring in 1998. He loved his Tiffin Hardware family and was always available for everyone. In 1986 he was c0-founder and co-owner of Northcoast Ace Hardware until his retirement. It was second nature for Ray to help his fellow man even if it meant setting aside his own wants or needs.

Ray enlisted in the Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam era and remained a patriotic American throughout his life. He was proud to be a veteran and donated regularly to the Disabled American Veterans.

Through his entire life, Ray never complained about the medical trials and tribulations he endured. He considered his children, loved ones, friends and siblings, a gift which he cherished over everything else. He enjoyed volunteering on many city and county levels. He and his wife were so proud to have started the Oktoberfest at Garlo Park, where he found peace and solace in his last years. He loved nature so much and marveled over the circle of life... after every rain there was always sunshine again.

Ray graduated from Columbian High School in 1963 and Tiffin University in 1967. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and Kiwanis. He was a former member of Tiffin Boy Rangers, Tiffin Jaycees, Knights of Columbus #608, Tiffin Parks and Recreation, Optimist Club and Ohio Hardware Association.

His Memorial Service will be March 6, 2010, Noon, Saturday, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 46 Madison St., Tiffin, with military services conducted by the United Veteran's Council. Rev. Dr. Neil Shadle, a cousin of Ray, will officiate. Private burial will be at a later date.

Friends may visit with the family 10:00 AM to Noon, March 6, Saturday, at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to Tiffin Parks and Recreation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 3450 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250, ASPCA, Doctors Without Borders or a charity of the donor's choice.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424, assisted the family with arrangements.