Cedric Bubba Ray

December 28, 1996-March 18, 2009

Cedric Bubba Ray passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday March 18, 2009. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Dianne; his siblings, Patrick, Chad, Lisa and Scott; and his nieces and nephew, Tiana, Kairi and Sora.

Cedric lived a full life. He spent all his years at his parents' house in Lafayette, CO, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the joy of life.

Cedric enjoyed many adventures in his 12 years of life on this earth. As a pup, his family had to be careful to keep the house pretty clean, because within his first week at his new home he had eaten so much trash and tree bark that he had to have his stomach pumped. His parents had to replace the screen door on the front of the house because one day Cedric figured out how to open it and decided to take himself on a walk. (The neighbors down the street recognized him and brought him back home.) Cedric enjoyed playing in the water in the summertime, and he used to try to eat the bottom of his swimming pool. Cedric also enjoyed when the tulips would bloom in the springtime. He loved tulips--exactly the way you think a gentle "giant" would. He never tried to eat them, but instead would simply smell them. He enjoyed the winter at least as much--if not more. He loved to stick his face down into the snow and plow his face through, earning himself the nickname "Bulldozer."

As a younger dog,Cedric did not enjoy his time in obedience school. His stature earned him the nickname "Barrel Boy," and somehow his family ended up more trained than he did. Eventually he learned "sit" very well, because he knew there was a treat for him if he listened.

Cedric's favorite time of year was definitely the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. His Dad always let him participate in the carving of the turkey--which meant he had a steady stream of turkey pieces to munch on. Cedric loved to be surrounded by his family, and the holiday season always brought his brothers and sister home to visit.

In his golden years, Cedric was still a best friend to many. There wasn't a soul that he didn't love, from the cats that were just brought into his home to the rabbits in the yard; he loved them all. Cedric was always the most gentle creature--even though he did not sound gentle in the midst of a raucous game of tug-o-war. He loved to win, and had the tenacity to do so.

Cedric endured many health problems toward the end of his life. Cedric survived a spleenectomy only two days before his beloved "turkey day," and despite not moving for 24 hours after surgery--was ready to eat the turkey as soon as it was pulled from the oven. He lost his hearing, suffered from arthritis and in the last couple months withstood seizures. Despite his growing health concerns, Cedric always loved life, and always carried a sense of joy within himself.

His family has been greatly blessed by his presence in their lives, and Cedric will be sorely missed.

Cedric's ashes will be spread around the yard of his parents' house.

All dogs go to heaven, and heaven just got another angel.

He last wishes would have been for you to eat a turkey in memory of him. Just make sure you pay the "Bubba Tax," and set aside a piece for him.