In Memory of Ray Gomez, our News Director
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Nov 17, 2009
Story Updated:
Nov 24, 2009
The Pro 8 News family is mourning a huge loss. Our leader, our mentor and our friend has passed away. You may not know his face, but his name is Ray Gomez. Over the last several years Ray has been arguably the most important journalist in our area. Ray was the News Director for Pro 8 News, the CW and Telemundo. Without Ray, many of us would not even work here. Ray launched countless careers of broadcast journalists. He became ill over a week ago and passed away at Laredo Medical Center on Monday night. Ray kept us on track, reminded us why we were here, and kept our heads leveled. He was also a pretty funny guy. He is survived by his wife Diana Fuentes, the editor of the Laredo Morning Times. Arrangements are pending.
Our hearts and our prayers are with his wife and his family at this incredibly difficult time. Ray was the heart and soul of our newsroom. It will not been the same without his leadership and his determination to get the story and bring it to you the viewer. We will never forget him or his laugh and these next days and weeks will be difficult, but as Ray would say “We've got a show to do.” Although this loss is hitting us very hard, there is other news to cover and we will do our best to report it.
If you would like to share any memories about Ray or to post a comment, you are welcome to visit our blog section.
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Jenny Suniga said on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 7:56 PM
I was very sad to hear of Ray's passing. He was a good man and a great friend. He was the 5pm producer when I first started at KGNS. It was my first tv job and I made many mistakes that messed up his show but Ray never lost his temper or patience. He lived life to the fullest and made everyone laugh, I feel blessed to have known and worked with him. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers tonight. You will be missed Ray!
32267971Thomas Piland said on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 8:58 PM
I'm still in shock that Ray passed away today. He was my first news director. Newsrooms can be stressful places to work at times and Ray knew how to calm the waters without losing his composure. He had a big heart, offered advice, forgave inexperienced reporters mistakes and started many people's careers by giving them their first job in television news. Ray always knew how to make light of a situation and make you laugh. Thanks for everything Ray and you will be missed.
32270304Descansa en paz amigo said on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 9:42 PM
Rest in peace my friend.
32271791Michael Pearson said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 9:43 AM
I, like Ray, but much later in my career, switched from newspaper journalism to television news. I made that transition at KSAT-TV in San Antonio. And Ray was there working as a news editor who took the care and time to teach me the difference between a VO and VOSOT. Yes, Ray, I do know that sound over tape is "kind of like a tape recording, but with pictures." Take care, Ray.
32288561Brandon Rittiman said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 12:06 PM
I cannot say enough about what Ray Gomez did in life. As a young journalist, he helped me to find myself. Losing him is a source of deep personal sadness, but it's a bigger loss than that. We need more people like Ray in newsrooms around this country to help the next generations of journalists to find their wings. So let me say right now what I'm quite sure I never said enough: Thank you, Ray. You've helped make me the person I am. -Brandon Rittiman Former Pro8News Anchor/Reporter
32297841Gary Ainsworth said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 12:18 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. I only spoke with him a few times, but thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family and news family.
32298836Larry Sanchez said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 12:41 PM
Having been in the news business for many years I have worked with many News Directors. I must say that Ray was a hard worker and a very good human being. During my three years as the Morning Anchor for Pro 8 News Today Ray and I talked on a regular basis and he always had a good word to say. Ray will be missed not only by his family, but also by his second family at KGNS as well as those who had an who had the opportunity to work under his wing in the past.
32300559Amanda Salinas said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 2:46 PM
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Ray's passing. He was a true broadcast news professional. Ray had the desire to teach rookies the ropes and teach them right! Ray made a difference in Laredo Television News. Whoever succeeds him has big shoes to fill. Mi mas sentido pesame a su familia.
32308599Tregg White said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 3:40 PM
My condolences to the KGNS staff. From Tregg White and the rest of the News Staff at KGWN-TV, Cheyenne, Wyoming
32312181Division for Blind Services Parent Support Group said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:13 PM
Our condolences to Mrs. DeDe Fuentes, Ray's wife, and the KGNS staff. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for everything Mr. Gomez. You will be missed. Descansa en Paz.
32320634Joe Larger said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:56 PM
I am very saddened by the passing of my friend Ray. We worked together in Austin, at the time, he was an editor and I was a new photog. Ray always had a positive view on any situation. I could go to him with questions and he always had constructive advice. He taught me how to mix audio and video to get the most out of the simplest VO and convey the truth of the story. I will miss your humor Ray, you made me laugh! My heart goes out to the staff and thoughts and prayers are with you DeDe.
32322724Gloria Gomez said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 8:11 PM
I am trying very hard to come to terms with the reality that i will never see my first cousin again. I live in Selma, TX and did not have the opportunity to say my goodbye's. My cousin Ray was a true inspiration and motivated many of his family members. I love you dearly Ray and miss you so much this coming days will be very difficult but you will forever live in my heart.
32325896Mindy Casso said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 8:43 PM
There are not enough words--or scripts--to explain how much Ray meant to everyone in the newsroom. To say he was the backbone, the glue, the sounding board, the friend, the colleague, or the boss, doesn't describe what he meant to us. Sitting on the desk reporting the news is simply a reflection of what Ray would insist on--but we do it with a heavy heart and a forced smile. We'll always love you Ray and we are better anchors, reporters and photographers today because of you. Thank you Ray...
32327036Jackie Gil, former reporter said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 9:22 PM
Ray has been the most caring and understanding person I have ever met. He gave me my first on-air gig and I will always be thankful. He was a mentor, a marriage counselor, a boss, but most importantly, a friend to my husband and me. I admired him for seeing the good in everyone, and he taught me to appreciate the good people had to offer. My condolences to DeDe, his immediate and extended family at KGNS.
32328771Lalo Garcia, De La Raza said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 10:31 PM
I've had the pleasure to know Ray and Deedee for over twenty years. I'm a Laredoan who grew up down the street from Deedee and then I worked with Ray in Austin back in the early years of TV. I remembers Ray's love for Sci-Fi and a good laugh. The care he took to make others feel at ease was amazing. My heart goes out to everyone that was touched by his infectious love of life. My prayers go to Deedee and the rest of the family.
32331501Wally Crow said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 1:02 AM
Very sad to hear the news that Ray is no longer with us. I worked with Ray in Austin at KVUE back in the day.I met him first with his friend Larry Burns in San Antonio. Ray got my foot in the door at KVUE. He changed my life helping me get that job. You will be missed Ray.
32336296Michael Blake said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 2:14 AM
I'm gonna miss talking Cowboys with you on Monday mornings. Thanks for taking a chance on me. I wont let you down.
32337409John Almendarez said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 9:57 PM
I met Ray when he worked at KENS 5 in San Antonio. He was on the assignment desk at the time sending me on Auto Peds and Car crashes. As frustrating as the job can be, he always seemed to keep his cool. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.
32390014Robert Hadlock/KXAN Austin said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 10:00 PM
I had the pleasure of working with Ray in the 1980's at KVUE in Austin. He was a great co-worker and all of us enjoyed his friendship. I'm sure he was a wonderful boss and friend to the staff at Pro 8 News and it is a huge loss. Ray loved covering the news and was proud of Laredo. He was always helpful to our KXAN staff who needed assistance on stories there. We take great comfort in knowing Ray's sufferings on earth will bring him many graces in Heaven. May God bless and comfort his family.
32390136Mariela P. Alasi said on Friday, Nov 20 at 8:16 AM
Just as everyone else, I too was deeply saddened by Ray's passing. I met Ray during my first few years as a journalist in KGNS. Back then we endured some rough times, but when Ray stepped in, he showed us how dedication and passion can surpass any barrier. I'll never forget Ray's wonderful sense of humor in the news room! He was a real joy to work for....A real news man that managed to teach those of us who tought we knew a whole lot more! My thoughts and prayers are with the Dee Dee..RIP
32402929Ricardo Gonzalez said on Friday, Nov 20 at 11:54 PM
I first met Ray at KVTV where he went to work as a photographer. I remember his enthusiasm and great sense of humor. We were part of a news team in fierce competition with the other guys across town. You could always count on Ray to get the best pictures and make your story appear better than it really was. He did his job well, made it look easy and always with his trademark wit. My condolences to his wife Dee Dee, his family and friends.
32451356Rosie & John Litman said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 1:40 AM
Thanks to everyone who has posted a comment. Ray was a wonderful son. He was very kind and gentle yet strong and intelligent. Never tiring and never complaining and always did his best no matter what. I am real proud of him. Thank you God for having given me a wonderful son. I will miss him alot. He was the best son ever. Thanks everyone. Thanks for going to see Dee Dee and me and our families. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers if you couldn't make it. Rosie Litman
32488666Sanchez Family said on Wednesday, Nov 25 at 2:18 AM
I never met Ray, but reading all the comments here I'd wish I had. I am one the unfortunate ones who didn't have him as a friend. But, on behalf of my family, he and his family will be in our prayer tonight. Rest in Peace. - E.D. Sanchez Jr. & Fam.
32645836Ashlie Hardway said on Friday, Jan 1 at 5:47 PM
Ray, you gave me a shot and believed in me when no one else did. Thank you for your faith, your guidance and your advice. You always made us laugh, and we needed that in the newsroom. My favorite "Ray" moment is when, at 11:30, you'd consistently accost me for hanging around the newsroom and not newsgathering. "go, go, go! there's no news here." Thanks for everything.
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