Beta Theta Pi - MIT

3 B eta Upsilon was devastated to learn of the passing of Ray Brunsberg '86 on April 23. "Raydog" completed a triathlon that morning, a regular accomplishment for one of the most fit guys any of us knew, and fell victim to a heart attack three hours later. Ray is survived by his wife and MIT sweetheart, Ellen, and his two daughters, Sarah and Rebecca. A MAN OF MANY TITLES Ray's was a life well lived. Husband, father, philanthrope, philosopher, and athlete, he was part Einstein, Socrates, James Bond, and the most interesting man alive, all wrapped in one. His soft-spoken words carried great weight. Ray and Ellen had a lifelong love affair. After an on-again-off-again relationship post- graduation, Ray showed up in New York in 1994, uninvited, and told Ellen he was there because he was going to marry her. After careful analysis, Ray had rightfully concluded that she was the perfect woman for him. Years later, Ellen was smitten again. In an instance of "Ray being Ray," he surprised her with a celebration of their 10,000th day of marriage. Among other joint accomplishments, Ray and Ellen co-authored a crossword puzzle for the New York Times. FOCUSING ON FATHERHOOD Ray was a devoted stay-at-home dad who doted on Sarah and Rebecca. He never missed a school play, academic competition, or sporting event. Their meticulously prepared lunches often included notes of encouragement or a riddle to ponder. One of the most important values Ray imparted on his daughters was to never worry about what other people think, but to do what they thought was right. Raydog certainly embodied that creed. HELPING OTHERS Ray recently focused on philanthropy. He tutored NYC public school students in math while swimming, riding, and running alongside disabled athletes with Achilles International. Ray also helped the Urban Outreach Center's meal service for the hungry and needy. His no-nonsense approach made a difference in many lives. A LIFE WELL LIVED Raydog had a curiosity and zest for life. He spoke several languages and visited more than 80 countries. An accomplished triathlete, he competed at events around the world. Ray loved riddles, math, and logic problems, and truly was a lifelong learner. Raydog was beloved in the Beta brotherhood and revered by Beta Euchre tournament- goers. He stunned the Euchre world by winning the tournament in his and partner Andy Chess' first modern day appearance in 2011. As he did with much of his life, Ray embraced the tournament and immersed himself in the details. He was the driving force behind important tournament upgrades and, in classic Raydog form, spent hours programming and simulating situations to arrive at "the optimal solution." The Beta community mourns Raydog's passing and celebrates his life. He reminds us that life is precious and fleeting; we all must live for the day and cherish our loved ones. The New Orleans gathering won't be the same without him. Thank you for everything and rest in peace, Brother. BETA LOSES A LEGEND Remembering Ray Brunsberg '86 W e are incredibly grateful to these Beta Upsilon Brothers and friends for their gifts. Through financial contributions, they have expressed support for our Chapter's future at MIT. Your selflessness helps us promote growth in the brotherhood for years to come! Those who have donated in 2023 are listed below. If an error has been made in recording your name, we sincerely apologize. If corrections to your giving record are needed, please contact the campaign coordinator at aolbrych@ penningtonco.com. Thank you, again, for your decision to support Beta Upsilon. Want to help the brotherhood and get your name on our next list of donors? Visit beta-mit.org/donate and support the Chapter today! David L. Vogel '54 Harry B. Lee Jr. '56 Robert L. Malster '56 In memory of Al Wechsler '55 Guy L. Schmidt '57 Lawrence R. Hoover '57 Robert E. Kersey '57 Dr. James S. Draper '62 In memory of Booker T. Stanfield Kent L. Groninger '63 Fred L. Luconi '64 Michael J. Monsler '64 Peter B. Dinsdale '67 Bruce A. Lautenschlager '70 Wilford D. Gardner '72 Jerry Cole '78 Mark P. Bouchard '84 Michael P. McGovern '89 In memory of Christopher Morgen '88 Ken Chay '91 Frank J. Leibly III '93 Chet Reshamwala '01 THANK YOU for Supporting the Brotherhood

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