On a stayover at my home in New Jersey a few years before his death, Ray reached into a bookshelf and removed his biography of John Lennon. I recall thinking of John's line, "Just give me some truth," and how Ray had worked himself to the bone to give John the truthful portrait he deserved.
Ray held the book in his hands a few seconds and stared at the cover. Then a warm smile filled his face. I interrupted his thoughts by snapping a picture. He looked up.
"Memories of John?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Wonderful memories," said one of the very few people who had ever seen life through the fabled eye of the Beatle hurricane. "Wonderful memories of all of them. There was so much laughter. So much music. So much great music. And so much life."
Ray's own life turned around in late 1995 with a four-hour operation during which a cancerous kidney was removed. He described himself afterwards as being at "30% energy" - which was still a good deal faster than most people at 100%.
Unfortunately, the cancer spread during 1996. In my last conversation with him, he was having trouble breathing. There was a tumor pressing against his lung. He talked about how his wife Pamela was, as he put it, "a tower of strength" in attending to him before and after his several operations in the past year. He also talked a bit about his two sons, Miles and Mark.
Then he asked me how a book I was working on was progressing, and if he could be of any further assistance. Here he was, heading for his last moments, and he wanted to help. It reminded me of how so many of the truly great ones — from Michelangelo to Sandy Koufax — are so gifted that they don't just run their race and win it; they also keep an eye on everyone running with them, and they stop and go back if someone is down.
They dust him off, see if he's all right, and get him started again. Then they start again, graciously, and regain the lead with the speed of the 1966 Beatles leaving Candlestick Park. When one sees such a rare race, the kindness is even more dazzling than the talent.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
wow, beautiful stuff Jim, thanks and welcome!
2 - Ishraq A. Hafiz
This is a beautiful sentiment honoring a beautiful person, thank you. I have several of Ray Coleman's biographies and completely agree with your remarks about his real and complete, yet totally entertaining style. I hope all's well with his lovely wife and family. I'm glad to know RC hasn't been forgotten, I know I'll never forget.
3 - Jim O'Donnell
Eric-
I'm glad you liked the piece. I appreciate your taking the time to write.
Jim
4 - Jim O'Donnell
Ishraq-
Thanks for writing and for your comments . . . Yes, all is well for his lovely wife and family. I was talking to Ray's wife yesterday and, as you can guess, she continues to feel his absence every day. After all, if WE miss him so much, imagine how much his family misses him . . . I completely believe you when you say you will never forget him. I won't, either, and I doubt we're the only ones. Thanks again for your heartfelt note.
Jim
5 - MP3J
nice....but Leicester is not in the north of England!.....get a map!
6 - Mark
Jim,
This is a truly touching tribute; thank you for saying such kind things about my father. He would have been the first to say you're a fine journalist, too - not to mention a wonderful friend.
Mark (Ray's son)