On Monday, September 19, 2022, Raymond Ahlich, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-one. Ray was a bright light in this world who loved his family and his business. He learned the trade of bookbinding at the early age of 15. Dick Rowbothom saw him selling newspapers on a corner and brought him in to learn the business at Dependable Bindery, where he started sweeping the floor on the weekends.
After a brief stint in the Korean war, he met his incredible wife, Gen, in 1955. They married in 1957 and had two beautiful children, Lucy and Tom. Ray worked his way up in the bindery business to journeyman and ultimately opened the doors to Area Trade Bindery in 1964. Ray did things his way and he always got the job done. He had an unconventional way of working, but he was an entrepreneur at heart and left a lasting legacy of tenacity. Area Trade was a huge part of his story; as it also was for many friends, family, and friends-turned-family who spent a lengthy part of their careers working at Area Trade. He worked there for 43 years until he retired and closed the business in 2007.
In 2006, Ray was diagnosed with dementia. Though it took his memory away, he enjoyed spending his days with his family, telling stories, and reliving his colorful life.
Ray was best known for his quick-witted humor, joyful smile, fierce determination, and generous spirit. He is survived by his wife, Gen, and their children, Lucy and Tom, along with his son-in-law, Chris, and his grandchildren, Rebecca and Sarah.
A viewing will be held on Monday, October 3rd from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home in Burbank and a funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 4th at 10 a.m. at St. Finbar Church in Burbank. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks those who are able instead to donate to the American Heart Association.
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