Nathan Ray

Nathan Ray, 17 of Rotonda West, FL passed away Feb. 2, 2016. He was the son of Bernie and Karen Ray. Nathan was born in the Netherlands, but has spent most of his life in Rotonda West FL. He was a senior at Lemon Bay Highs School where he excelled in science and academics and sports. Nathan was a nominee for the Lemon Bay High School Hall of Fame. He was an AP scholar, a National Merit Semifinalist, a member of the Science National Honor Society, the A-Team, and recently helped the Lemon Bay Science Olympiad team qualify for the state competition. He was also a member of the varsity swim team for the past 4 years, and the Division1 Venice Falcons soccer team. Nathan was a fiercely loyal, intelligent, caring and kind hearted young man who could be shy, but to family and friends he had a tremendous, sometimes sarcastic sense of humor. He was open minded, generous, a good listener who helped people sort through difficult situations, protective of his friends, and always willing to help out. Nathan enjoyed computer games, hanging out with friends, and taking odd pictures for Snapchat. His parents loved when he would bring his friends over to cook at the house. His Oma and Opa enjoyed watching him play soccer, playing cards on Sabbath evenings, and entertaining him when he visited them in the Netherlands. His extended family in Texas liked playing pinochle and computer games with him. His life was too large for words to contain. Nathan is survived by his sister, Rachel; brother, Gideon; parents, Bernie and Karen Ray; grandparents Esther Barendse, William Davidson, and Bruce VanBoskirk; aunts and uncles Keith and Jazmin VanBoskirk, Scott and Pam VanBoskirk, and Daniela Ray; as well as numerous other family members and friends. He was adored by all of his younger cousins. He is deeply loved, and will be sorely missed. Our lives and the lives of those he met will be forever changed by knowing him. A gathering of family and friends to share memories and pictures will start at 2pm, Sunday, February 7, 2016 with a celebration of Nathan life to follow at 3pm at Englewood United Methodist Church. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.