Raymond True, the long-time head of the Lake County Republican Assembly, passed away in October.

He led the movement in Lake County to keep the Republican Party close to its conservative roots.

I attended one of his organization’s summer picnics in the late 1990’s and, if one was anyone in Lake County Republican Party politics, he or she seemed to be there.

His obituary follows:

Raymond S. True (note the Bush-Cheney button on his collar)

Raymond S. True, 79, of Libertyville passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois. He was born June 29, 1934 in Lowell, MA, the only child of the late Madeleine (nee Farrell) and the late Sylvester “Dusty” True. Colonel True loved life and all of its challenges, his country and his family. Raymond was a leader and believer in men and their ideals.

The Colonel was a true Conservative who served his Country through his commitment to and service in the United States Air Force, and as Chairman of the Republican Assembly of Lake County (RALC) for 12 years.

Raymond received his MBA from the University of Chicago and was enrolled in its Ph.D. program. He was a collector and “Classic Comics” expert, and was referred to many as “The Classics King.”

Loving husband of Doreen (nee Jambrosek)…My happiness, my heart, my soul, my life, my strength, my protector, and my best friend; proud father of Stephen (Janet), Richard (Stephanie), and Thomas True; grandfather of Alison, Kathryn, Dustin, Madeleine, Jennifer, Christopher, Cindy and Emily; brother-in-law of Peter, John, Gerald and James, and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, October 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. (1 block west of Milwaukee Ave.) Libertyville, IL 60048. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple Ave. Libertyville. Please pray for Raymond’s family who must live their lives without his unconditional love. Donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Make a wish foundation. For Info: (847) 362-3009 or please sign the guestbook at www.burnettdane.com

At his funeral, State Senator Dan Duffy offered this prayer:

Heavenly Father, source of all life and love. As we stand beside Raymond, our hearts are full. In this moment of need may we feel your presence in us and among us. Raymond’s spirit has gone home to you. Together we now offer this last blessing for Raymond.

We bless your mind for all the insightful and creative thoughts you brought into this world and for your wonderment of life.

We bless your mouth for your words of wisdom, of comfort and love.

We bless your heart for all the love you have given and to all the love you have received. Your compassion and the openness of your heart will be remembered.

We bless your hands, for the work you did in this life; for the manner in which your presence and commitment added to your family, your friends and our community.

We bless your creative center, your nurturance, your guidance and the legacy you leave us.

Finally we bless your feet, for the path you walk now. Go forward now in peace, in love and in light.

We bless you Raymond. May the one who knows and loves you hold you close and grant you peace.

Amen

You can read the homily below:

“The Colonel” was true to his country and a true patriot. He was a Ronald Reagan Conservative Republican committed to the mentorship of Conservative candidates.

Colonel True was a man of unwavering principles and will be remembered by many for his straightforward and principled approach to life.

He was a leader and believer in men, and to their ideals, in all phases of his life.

Also known as the “King of Classics” Colonel True was an expert on Classic Comics and reignited the hobby, and kept the torch burning. He has shared his expertise with all, and has encouraged collectors and writers of numerous publications.

Raymond was the true strength of his family who must live their life without his unconditional love and guidance. He will be sorely missed.

“Do not mourn the loss of the flame, but rather celebrate how brightly it burned.”