I like this picture of Ray the best because it was taken back when I first knew him, at one of the first shows where the 'Goners headlined a weekend night in Toronto

Everyone else had gone upstairs, it was the first time I was alone hanging with Ray, who was one of the coolest people I then (and still) knew and he played a song for just me. I was 26, Ray was 10 years older than me and I was awed by him.
Gayle Hurmuses April 29, 2004
Toronto, Ontario

I was honored (or should I spell that honoured?) to write the Maximum Ink article (from May 2000...although he shaved a few years off of his age at the time of the interview) - Ray's dry, deadpan humor offstage and zonked-out frantic presence on-stage made for quite a vibrant dichotomy. Healso had a special acumen for drawing upon material from a broad array of genres. Case in point: one of Ray's adaptations that blew me away was his take on Little Walter's "Crazy Mixed Up World," illustrating the spiritual and musical connection between backwoods country and Chicago blues. But to Ray, it was all interrelated. Not many other musicians respect that breadth.

In the next issue, I'll be including a little obit, with some photos from his appearances in Wisconsin the past few years. But the dance floor won't be as lively without Ray's hoots and hiccups.
Dave Leucinger April 19, 2004
Madison/Milwaukee, WI

the first time i met ray condo, i was introduced to him at the side of the stage at the night gallery, in calgary. i had played the opening set, and from my elevated vantage point i had seen ray walk in just as i finished. when i was introduced to him as the opening act he smiled and said to me, "very musical." it made me chuckle then and still does now.
matt burgener April 19, 2004

I had a band in the mid nineties known as the Crawlers. Some of our first shows that we ever did were with Ray. Shit the guy was funny!!! And extremely insightful!! Others may offer this same story, but He always told me he had a problem with Celtic music, because there was no Elvis in it. That is just the way he said it. He encouraged my band, and even though he did not know us that well, he offered advice, and gave us the time of day right off the bat. Some local musicians aren't so kind to new bands in the beginning. Ray came across like an old friend who would love to tell you a story right away. He gave his all at his show's, and even at some impromptu outings when he wasn't playing! He was truly an original, no phony!! He surely will be missed!
Ryan E Hynd