Raymond Kitlas

In Loving Memory of Raymond Kitlas
September 6, 1944- September 21, 2024

Raymond "Ray" Kitlas, beloved husband, father, and papa, passed away peacefully on September 21st. In his final days, Ray was surrounded by the people he loved.

Ray was a Californian to his core, born in Salinas, CA, and grew up in Los Angeles and Oceanside. After graduating San Jose State University, he served in the Army and spent time in Germany. Ray attended law school at night while working full time, and went on to practice civil litigation for decades.

Ray’s family was the center of his world. He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter, Alyssa, and granddaughter, Madeline Sunshine (Maddie). He will also be missed dearly by his Son-in-Law, Jeff, and his step grandsons, Jack and Max.

Despite dealing with health issues for the past several years, Raymond was determined to walk his daughter Alyssa down the aisle and even gave a beautiful toast at her wedding in March.

Ray will be deeply missed by his family. He will be fondly remembered for teaching his granddaughter Maddie how to “high-five,” maintaining his sense of humor, gratitude, and overall Californian “chill” during even the most difficult times. He told amazing stories of adventure such as the one where he went on a cross-country surf trip through the South in the 60s, and for his genuine interest in those around him, particularly the people he loved. Ray served as the resident Encyclopedia, and was the go-to source of useful information for his family and colleagues alike.

The family would like to thank his amazing caregivers at the VA Durham, particularly in hospice. Ray will be remembered in an intimate service at the beach, a place that has been so special to him throughout his life and that he taught his daughter to love at a very early age. In lieu of flowers, donations to protect the beautiful beaches of San Diego County, where Ray loved to take Lisa for dates, through the Surfrider Foundation are greatly appreciated: https://sandiego.surfrider.org/.