Longtime Haines resident Ray Menaker died this week at the age of 93 in his home at Haines Assisted Living. Menaker moved to Haines in 1955 with his wife Vivian and three children. He was a school teacher for 20 years. He also served as a borough assembly member, founded the Chilkat Valley News, helped start KHNS and other organizations such as Lynn Canal Community Players and Lynn Canal Conservation. For decades, he hosted a weekly show on KHNS called Tales and Tunes.
In Tales and Tunes, Menaker read short stories and played classical music. We have an excerpt from one of those shows, from the 1990s. Throughout that recording you’ll hear from Menaker’s daughter, Terry Lambert, who was in Haines this week.
“I was never allowed to say ‘there’s nothing to do, I’m bored,'” Lambert recalls. “He would take me by the hand and show me the books that were around the shelves around the house and say ‘have you read this one yet?’ There was always something to do, something interesting…He always had an inquiring mind.”
Lambert says her family is planning a memorial service for Menaker at the end of October.
Ray was my counselor at Camp To-HO-Ne one glorious summer in the 1960s. He helped nurture leadership and compassion while telling stories about far away Alaska. A great man.
At age 15, in 1960, I met & was taught by Ray. He was a dedicated & good teacher. Haines was lucky to have him. He was an Outstanding Alaskan & will be remembered……………….
An excellent tribute, well edited, thanks from the family.
My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to Mr. Menakers family . He did so much goodness for the students and school.
I will miss my grandfather. He was a wonderful man, patient and understanding. When I introduced him to his great grandson, he smiled and said “Isn’t that something, I’m a great grandfather…” He always appreciated every experience.
I loved growing up with then such a great loss for Haines he had so much to give the whole family was loved to this day from the one and only Peaches A frome Haines America