A Life in Pictures
Raymond Nihlean's Early Years
Colleen Hartford Nihlean, mother, and Raymond, 1967.
First communion, St. Michael's Church, Orland Park, 1970.
School Days
Teenage charmer.
DePaul University, College of Commerce, 1988.
A Pefect Union
Ted Koppel, Tina Travlos, Raymond Nihlean. Olive Park, Chicago, 2000.
Ted Koppel, Nightline news anchor, witnessed Raymond's marriage proposal to Tina. Koppel couldn't resist a breaking story, no matter how small.
Raymond told him, "I was on one knee, which is asking. Not two knees, which is begging."
"Tina!" I should have known that anyone you would choose to spend your life with must have been very special. I have always been in awe of your family with all the tireless effort you have put into bettering the Edgewater community. It is hard work with its ups and downs and... Raymond was in the middle of it. How wonderful is that!"
Peter Holsten, President, Holsten Management Corporation.
Honeymoon Forever
Monet's Garden, Giverney, France, 2001.
At home in Edgewater with service dog Baby Ray, Chicago, 2019.
Dear friend, Ellen Pritsker, observed, "They spoke to the beauty in one another."
Brothers and Sisters Together
Damian Nihlean, Raymond, family home, Orland Park.
Juli Harmon, Raymond, Mary Henry, Chicago.
Juli Harmon, Raymond, Mary Henry, Chicago.
Travlos-Nihlean Celebrations
New Year's Eve at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 2012.
The Polo Inn Bridgeport, U.S.A.
Walt Disney World, Florida
Activism and Community Involvement
Raymond married into an activist family in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago.
The Travlos family: Gus and June and their daughters, Tina and Elaine.
"We are indebted to those who had the vision to rebuild a great urban community When I first met Gus and June in 1980, the Winthrop-Kenmore area was in disarray. But there was no greater source of strength and stability than Gus and June Travlos and their family."
Jack Markowski, former President, Community Investment Corporation
Street Naming Dedication by former State Senator Heather Steans, 2018.
The heart of Bryn Mawr Historic District is named in honor of Gus and June.
Landlord With A Heart and Philanthropist
Raymond believed in the goodness of every person. When you heard his contagious laugh, you knew his generous spirit would soon fill the room. His efforts resulted in tangible improvements in people's lives across every generation and background.
"Your husband was a true angel. If more landlords operated their properties with the kindness and understanding that he demonstrated with your resident, the City wouldn't need to dedicate so much time and money to rent support programs."
Janice Finney, District Manager, North Area Center
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
Raymond often spoke at community events.
"He was always generous with his time and resources and always knowing when and how to pitch in to fill a need: said Jim Byrne, past president, Edgewater-Uptown Builders Association (EUBA)."He was truly a prince of a man."
Raymond's $35,000 donation "was the lynchpin that got city funding for Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management training program," said former 48th Ward Ald. Mary Ann Smith. "It was attended by local business owners who wanted to take their company to the next level." He also provided resources to help other entrepreneurs flourish.
Grand opening with Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward
Raymond in Action
" I always heard from neighbors how much they loved Raymond. Some didn't know his name, but they loved him because he plowed their sidewalks. They never asked, he was just always there with love and joy in his heart," according to former State Senator Carol Ronen. For 15 years, he was a familiar early morning Good Samaritan.
Winter in Chicago.
The beautiful mosaic bricolage at the gateway to the Bryn Mawr Historic District, symbolizes the community spirit of Edgewater, in which Raymond was an active participant. He brought the student artists lunches and treats, as well as donated money and materials. Raymond and Tina's wedding photo is in the art wall too, forever sharing their joy and love.
Charisma
Raymond improvising with Secretary of State Madeline Albright.
Sharing secrets!
What!
At Ease With Leaders In Corridors Of Power
In the White House Press Room.
With Secretary of State Jesse White.
With former Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Finding Fun Wherever He Went
Raymond and Teddy celebrating Christmas.
At Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting, Omaha.
Partying with Lady Liberty in New York.
Mentoring
Raymond mentored people of all ages, sparking their creativity, building their self-confidence, and making them laugh.
Bentley Aiden Joyner, Raymond, Auditorium Theatre, 2018.
Raymond and Jonathan Michael Ho, Edgewater, Chicago, 2018.
Pushing Every Limit
"Put aside whatever you know about brain injuries, because there is Raymond," said Dr. Samman Shahpar, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Rehab at Shirley Rayan Ability Lab. Physical Therapist Walter Gumiiak.
Physical Therapist Matt Isherwood.
Occupational Therapist Lori Bravi.
Grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Nurse Practitioner: Laura Zuckerman with Baby Ray.
2016 - 2022 in Chicago.
A Happy Full Life In the New Normal
Raymond Being Raymond
6 years, 3 months, 3 days from 2016 to 2022 with brain cancer.
Living a full life, in our own home, in a new way!
A beautiful smile for a beautiful day.
Raymond making everyone smile.
"Raymond was indeed an inspirational person who fought hard against his glioblastoma and by all measures Raymond had a wonderful life up until his passing," said Dr. Raizer, Northwestern Memorial Hospital.