Condolence From: Michael Hendren
Condolence: Eric “Benjie” and I go back a very long way in the USMC as well as being good buddies for many years...
I was friends with Eric’s 1st wife June, daughter Brandie and 2nd wife Judy when they lived in Vista, CA and I lived in Fallbrook, CA...
I don't remember dates and time frames now, but Benjie was stationed with me in VMO-2 (OV-10 Broncos) off and on for many years...
After completing a tour of Recruiting & Officer Selection duty in 1978, I was reassigned back to VMO-2… Benjie and I went on a 6 month deployment together to Okinawa, Japan where I was the Detachment NCOIC and he was the Flight Line NCOIC... Eric was a good Marine and leader of men... I must say that of all the Marines I’ve known and been stationed with in my 20 years of service, Eric was the best…
Benjie got out of the USMC sometime later and owned or operated an automotive repair shop in Vista, CA while I was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, CA (San Diego) with the Navy...
At some point later on, Benjie rejoined the USMC and we lost contact until a mutual friend of ours located me last year and informed Benjie and I of our email addresses...
We corresponded by email and I sent Eric AMUSING email content to Cheer him up...
Benjie and I had many EXPLOITS together which I have very fond memories of… I SMILE whenever I think about the GOOD Ole’ Days...
It was a great pleasure to know and serve with Eric… I am proud of who he was, and I will never forget him…
I trust you’re in a better place now… I miss you…
Semper Fi,
Mike, Michael, MMIKEE
Thursday September 07, 2017
Condolence From: Terry Tribe Johnson, Heartland Hospice
Condolence: The entire team at Heartland Hospice sends our sincere sympathy & support to Jennifer and all of Eric's family members. Please know that we will continue to be available to you as you grieve the loss of this remarkable man.
Friday June 23, 2017
Condolence From: Anthony cargill
Condolence: I meet Eric Raymond 3 years ago looking for an embroidery business and ended up meeting a wonderful man. We could talk for hours when I would stop by to get some work done, whether it was about embroidery, sports, politics, food, or just life in-general. Eric was a great family man love the convos on him coaching soccer, his son in fla, going to see the chargers play, working on his mustang etc etc. Eric had no problem giving people help and it was genuine help. I could go on and on bout Eric, but with that said my condolences go to the family of Eric Raymond & your presence will truly be missed on this earth Eric til we meet again have machine running for me up there in heaven.
~Anthony
Friday June 23, 2017
Condolence From: Jim Hodgson
Condolence: First met Benji when he was a LCpl at VMO-2. WE lost track for 20 years or so until we formed the OV-10 Bronco Association in 1997. Over the last 20 years, Eric and I have become good friends working on Association and museum items for the gift shop and reunions. Virtually every pin, patch, or challenge coin has Eric's personal touch added.
He will be missed by those of us in the Association as well as many others I am sure,
Thursday June 22, 2017
Condolence From: Keven V. Webb GySgt. USMC Ret.
Condolence: I had the privilege of serving alongside Benji for many years as a Marine at VMO-2, Camp Pendleton. He always provided solid leadership and wisdom. He took time out to visit with me during my assignment to a school at NAS Norfolk back in '94. I will always remember him as a good friend and an outstanding Marine. Semper Fi Sergeant Major Raymond!
Thursday June 22, 2017
Condolence From: James Idol
Condolence: Eric was my 1st Sgt. where we served together in the USMC aboard the USS KITTYHAWK. He truly was pne of the best! I am so sorry for your loss.
RIP 1st Sgt!
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Condolence From: April and Griffin Hemmendinger
Condolence: We are broken hearted over the passing of Eric, and at such a young age. Our hearts go out to Eric's loves... and how he loved his family! His kids were everything. Judy, I'm so sorry....
Jennifer, I know you brought Eric a world of happiness, peace, and love in his last years... Eric shared that with me. We were able to communicate by FB the last couple of months, and I learned a lot I never knew about him. He was a kind, gentle, and amazing role model for so many kids. He was proud of that, I know.
Eric was a great father, husband, friend, gentleman, Veteran Marine, and so much more. Griffin and I feel privileged to have had him in our lives. All our love.
Monday June 19, 2017
