Eight Bells: Ray Teborek

Raymond “Ray” Teborek sailed over the bar on December 11, 2022, days before his eightieth birthday in Chicago, Illinois.

Ray was born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, to parents Gus and Grace Teborek. He attended Northwestern University for both undergraduate and graduate studies. After University, Ray served in the US Army at Fort Devens, MA, and eventually worked at the Northern Trust and William Blair in Chicago, IL. He met his wife, Fern of 49 years in 1977, and they were married soon thereafter.

Ray was a lifelong sailor. He built and sunk his first boat on its maiden voyage on a lake by their home in Mount Prospect. He later raced Lightnings at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, R Boats at Chicago Yacht Club, and several other offshore vessels along the way, including the 12 Metre Weatherly.

Ray participated in the SORC aboard Charisma and made lifelong friends. In addition to owning several racing yachts, including Gentian, a NY 32; Yankee, a 22 square meter; Constellation, a Skiareli Schooner; and Challenge S&S 50, Ray enjoyed his Huckins 53 – Northern Light, Huckins 36 – Night Light, and his East Bay 49 – Gentian.

He cherished being with family and friends on and near the water. His proudest moments were spent with his boys sailing aboard Challenge on the Chicago Mackinac Race, where they captured many Chicago Mackinac flags together.

Ray treasured his family in his later years, having retired after 50 years in the investment business. In his later years, he could be seen aboard Northern Light with his signature Bermuda reds and blue polo shirt, traveling the Great Lakes with a Mount Gay Rum and OJ in hand. He enjoyed spending time with his children and watching the grandchildren participate in sports and other activities.

Ray lived a life of service to others. He served as a US Sailing Rules and Appeals Judge, the Race Committee Chair at Chicago Yacht Club for a decade, the US Optimist Dinghy Association, the Chicago Yacht Club Junior Committee, and the Interscholastic Sailing Association. He supported his clients, friends, and family as a counselor, friend, and father figure to many.

A celebration will be held at Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Station, on February 11 from 12 to 4 pm.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife Fern, two sons, Kevin (Carrie) and Mark (Libby), and his four grandchildren, Conor, Morgan, August (Gus), Scarlett, and his sister Grace.

In lieu of flowers, a gift to More Kids on Sailboats or the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation would be greatly appreciated.