Ray Shielself-taught artist, designer, craftsman, musician, companion, and fatherpassed away peacefully on November 21, 2011. A thirty year resident of Taos, Ray was born in Providence, RI. Over the years, he touched and entertained countless people. For a time, he was lead singer and guitar player for the house band, The Wild Turkey, in Red River. Later he applied his design skills and craftsmanship to the production of many of the elegant and efficient homes and establishments seen around Taos. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, but is perhaps most well known for his wit and easy smile. Ray spent his life making friends out of strangers and jokes out of everything. He is survived by his brother and sister, Michael and Pat, his companion, Vangie, and his son, Sean.