Mike Chapman just called to tell me that Raymond went into the hospital yesterday after having chest pains and shortness of breath.
They are not sure yet what is wrong and all of the tests have come back good. He is to undergo a stress test today and hopefully it will go well.
Ray is someone I have become very good friends with and we jab at each other alot. He is a great friend and mentor.
I hope all is well with you ,Raymond and you are in our prayers. Get well soon so you can aggravate Sawatzky.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
All the best Raymond.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
I'll be keeping posted on this thread. In my eyes, Raymond is one of the best. I respect him greatly, and am fortunate to call him friend.
Glad he's getting things checked out.
~nettie
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Praying that all goes well, Ray!
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Do what the Doctors say, Ray!
Praying for you!
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Raymond, you're in our thoughts and prayers! Wishing you the best outcome on the tests you are undergoing. Judy
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Quit working so hard! Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Chest pains are a stress test in themselves, and then the doctors want to do one of their own. We're pulling for you, Raymond. You've got lots of cajoling me left in you for my inability to hand letter. Get well soon!
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Raymond, only met you once, but hope you get well, try not to work so hard.
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Ray, Prayers for a speedy resolution of what ever...Never met you but have very high regards for your talent and willingness to share...Get well...
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Best wishes Raymond! I was honored to meet you last fall, looking forward to the next time. Take Care!
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
You'll get thru this Ray, luck and prayer be with you.
Jack
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Bless you, Ray. I will be praying for you too! You will be fine, just watch & see!
Posted by Bob Peach (Member # 2620) on :
Ray, Let`s hope this is a "short" hospital stay. There`s mdo to be coated out and someone needs to keep the router wars current. Feel better soon!
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
Hey Ray, Hope you recover quickly. Praying for U...
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Raymond I hope when you are well you'll find you're needed here more than ever, well just last week you were in one of my dreams how, I haven't a clue
Oh well
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
I hope it's nothing serious Ray. Be well, you encourage and inspire me. Thanks for your kindness, now get better 'cause you are one of the best things about this board. Besides you have some MDO to coat out. Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
My take on the situation is that Raymond felt so guilty in harranging me it finally got to him. Guilt will do that to a person.
Seriously... I hope the tests go well and you are back on your feet soon. Raymond and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes friend!
-grampa dan
Posted by Adrienne Morgan (Member # 1046) on :
Blessings and prayer from us here too Ray. A:)
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
Best wishes Ray and hopefully its nothing serious.
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
Hang in there Ray - feel better-
Posted by Henry Barker (Member # 174) on :
All the best to someone I look up too,
Hoping you make a speedy recovery.
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
Best Wishes for good test results, and a quick recovery Raymond. I hear the stress test involves coating out a skid of MDO, in 12 hrs. or less. With all your experience, you should ace that test. Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
Wishing you a quick recovery.
Hope you're doing better.
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Hoping for the best,Raymond.
Posted by Graham Parsons (Member # 1129) on :
Get better soon!
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Keep the faith Ray, you'll be just fine and take everyones advice... because it's good advice.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Wishing for good results for you Ray. Maybe this is a warning not to coat out so much MDO! Switch to DiBond or Alumalite. Rest up and get better. Love....Jill
Posted by Jack Ambler (Member # 3255) on :
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Raymond.
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
Get well soon Raymond, we're all looking forward to our next meet or class with you. Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Hey! Short guys aren't supposed to have heart attacks! Must have been something you ate!
Kidding aside...listen to your Doctor and things will be OK. Heart attacks are very surviveable...I have been there twice!
Posted by Mark M. Kottwitz (Member # 1764) on :
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there and do what the doctors tell you Posted by Chuck Peterson (Member # 70) on :
Raymond, you're a guy I've never met in person but have a lot of respect for, personally and professionally. My prayers are with you.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Raymond,
We've never met, but I am still looking forward to the day that we do.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers here as well.
Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Peace out, Bob
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Hey ray .... maybe it's just a warning to slow down a bit! Take a break and get well soon.
All the best wishes from your mates "down-under".
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
He was probobaly was looking at GW's new Battle Plan and it involved Texas.
Best of Luck my un-met Friend. I still want to meet you someday.
Posted by Steve Thomas Greer (Member # 4566) on :
Get well soon old man!
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
you take care of yourself young man! and listen to those doctors when they say...take a rest!! hope you are back on your feet and feeling great soon!
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on :
Get well soon Raymond. I wish you the best!
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Get well soon Ray. When I come to visit around Easter I want to see you in your shop, not in the hospital.
Prayers are on the way.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Get better soon, Ray! Listen to the Dr.'s and take this as an opportunity to take a little break in the action. That MDO that needs coating can wait! Seriously though, we are praying for ya!
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Wishing you a rapid improvement in your future health, Raymond- Dan's taking over and there's no one grown-up enough to retaliate!
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Good Luck Ray. Hope it nothing but indigestion.
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Get better soon - the food in those places is awful! ;-)
Posted by Joe Golden (Member # 6870) on :
Praying for you Ray!!
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Gee Ray, I hope it's nothing more serious than a bad case of Texas Chilli. Sending you love from Tacoma.
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
Ray...I don't have to tell you what you mean to me...I already embarrassed myself, that way, some time ago.
Just do what the doctors say, and no more pork chop sandwiches for awhile...
Oh... and if you can, tell us where all you're money is hid, in case we need to start a fund for future generations who might need to know why you were so widely read.
Posted by Sal Cabrera (Member # 1236) on :
Get better soon Ray! we are praying for you!!
Posted by Tracie Johnson (Member # 6117) on :
Hope everything goes well for you. Give us the update as soon as you can.
Sending good thoughts...
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Raymond, hope you're feeling better soon! My Raymond Chapman Tattletale Notebook is getting pretty full, perhaps that could provide you with some nice get well kinda reading? Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Raymond, You know we enjoyed your company so much at Don's meet! Remember you and Nancie Phillips and I had some nice talks. You're the best, sweetie. Please listen to the doctors and take care of yourself. We need you here for a long time; you've given so much to us because you're one of the finest. Don't overdo it on those stress tests, as they are pretty rigorous. Just do what you can and rest.
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Ray, wishing you a good recovery and hoping to meet you in the future...like at a Meet!
John
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Cheers Mr Chapman....all the best to you.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Raymond, my friend, my brother, can't you find a better way to get a vacation? There must be a nurse that needs to hear some truth from you. Be strong and well.....We need you.
Posted by Susan Banasky (Member # 1164) on :
I hope it can be cured with a simple 'shot' in the 'bot'(butt!) A speedy recovery to you.
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Get well soon Ray. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I spoke with Mike (his son) this afternoon and it sounds like Raymond is doing OK. He's still undergoing some tests tomorrow morning as I understand it.
Mike says Raymond is being 'ornery' and is looking to going home soon... the 'sooner the better!'
We are all pulling for you here Raymond... I even shut off the MultiCam for a moment of silence... in your honor... but then fired it up again to churn out some more AWESOME work. It is ROUTER WARS ya know uless you are calling a truce... If you had an auto tool changer on that pea shooter it could still be running while you are in the hospital.
Hope you are up and at 'em soon!
-grampa dan
Posted by sarge (Member # 1022) on :
Look after yourself Raymond... all the best from the Serjeants in Oz!
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Must have been the chili - ease off on the jalapenos, pal. We need you here....
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
Now this just aint right. Raymond in the hospital? Dont lag around in there Raymond. Get back home and fire up that router so Dan will have some competition. Got you in my thoughts and prayers ol buddy. Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
Raymond.. hoping for the best and don't be too ornery. My dad had to go in a while back with similar symptoms, even though he didn't want to. They didn't find anything wrong, and now I worry because I'm afraid the next time it happens he won't even tell us about it, so we won't make him go in.
Life's too fragile to mess around with, lots of people need you... so take it easy and make sure you're alright, this time AND the next time it happens...
Ok, sermon from the young buck over......
Now get well soon, get back and get the ShopBot going or we'll be having Multicam pop-ups on every post in here...
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
Get better soon Raymond, I'm a big fan of your work and your comments on the board.
Posted by Bill Dirkes (Member # 1000) on :
I hope & pray today finds you heading for home. Take care and follow Dr's orders.
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery from here, as well! Letters are being brushed in your honor, as well! Cat
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Just a side note. This has happened both to me and my sign friend Bill Berberich. My chest pains were caused by a pulled muscle in the chest...from flipping MDO sheets! Stabbed every time I took a deep breath. Had all the tests, my ticker is fine. Maybe it's only a pulled muscle...I hope! Love....Jill
Posted by Tim Whitcher (Member # 685) on :
We're missing you already! Oh, and I have a question about your Shopbot..... just kidding, Posted by Nevman (Member # 332) on :
Hope your feeling better today Ray...prayers from Florida today.
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Prayers being sent your way today. Keep us posted on your progress.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Ray ...just take the vacation and get it over with.
Take care and get well!
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Some people will do anything for attention. It's not enough for them to be one of the greatest mentor sign painters in the world; they just gotta have a little spoiling too. Glad to hear you're doing better Raymond.
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
All the best to you Raymond!
Suelynn
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Ray;
Shoulda asked, I'd told ya, going fishing is easier.....my prayers are w/you, even Scotty's praying for ya, nope, sorry, having a rabbit dream he is...get some rest, follow doctors orders(like I do-heheh), and the MDO will wait...
Mike, thanks for heads-up...
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
Mr. Chapman, I have a tremendous ammount of respect for you after meeting you in Indianapolis last year. I hope all goes well and you're feeling better soon. You are an inspiration to many here and I pray all goes well.
Sign-cerely, Steve Luck
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Same as the others...can't wait to see you back posting. Take care ole man!
(ya just got to love this guy) Posted by Donald Thompson (Member # 3726) on :
Hope all is well by now Mr. Raymond.
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
Our prayers are with you and Jeanne
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Just look at all the friends you have rooting for you, I have been there and done that. If I can, you should have no trouble, I know you can handle it.
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
Update: Mike called and said Raymond is running some more tests today to determine if he has some blockage or damage.
He is feeling good otherwise today and Mike said he was agravating everyone and wanting to get out of there.
He said to thank everyone for the prayers and concern.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Take it easy there, Ray! We'll be praying for you! I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
More news from Mike.
Ray is undergoing and angioplasty to try and remove 3 major blocked arteries. He has more than that, but they are minimal and treatable with meds.
Good news is, his heart is great. He just needs some plumbing work. They are greatful that this little incident caused him to be checked. One artery is 90% blocked, one 80% and one 70%. Kind of scary.
Mike said he is going to be slowed down for awhile and will have to change his diet and exercise.
This kind of stuff really gets your attention.
[ February 13, 2007, 05:17 PM: Message edited by: Mark Yearwood ]
Posted by david butler (Member # 591) on :
Well Susie just received a call from Raymond's son Mike...he says that Raymond is right this minute under going angioplasty...(that balloon process) 3 arteries are blocked 70-80-90%..that doesn't sound real good but I am no doctor...he says that Raymond should be home tomorrow sometime so he will more than like have sold a number of signs by then. Susie says she'll get more details later tonight so...well stand by and keep sending up those prayers.
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
oops. I guess we were both posting at the same time!
Posted by Pierre Tardif (Member # 3229) on :
Raymond! You should know by now that vynil does'nt flow like paint!
Get back on your feet soon! this planet still need the best signpainter!
Take care!
Posted by Bob Gilliland (Member # 28) on :
Well, Mike informs me that the shop is running smoother and more productive then other. Something about not having to step over “other” people sleeping or cleaning up after "someone" spilled paint on the floor instead of sheets of MDO. He wouldn’t give any more details then that.
I was also told he sold a sign on the way to the hospital, so I’m wondering if this is just a new sales approach for Chapman Sign Studio.
I kid that little Texan from time to time about the “vertical challenge” he has faced in life, but one thing for sure, and is reveled in all the posts prior to this, he has a big-ole Texan sized heart twice his physical size. Good news to know that that big heart is in good shape and the “chicken fried stake” laced arteries just needed some roto-rooter work performed.
Heard the angioplasty procedure went well and that the lead doctor was assisted by the imaginative Canadian Dr Sawatshisname and his new invention, the Multi-Plasty.
quote:Originally posted by Mark Yearwood:Mike said he is going to be slowed down for awhile and will have to change his diet and exercise.
Hmm, something like three naps a day instead of two (slowing down), eating steak fried chicken instead of chicken fried stake (diet change), and holding the phone with his right hand and clicking the mouse with the left (exercise change).
Raymond, along with the many others posted above and those that have emailed and phoned, Kathy, I, Kurt and the entire Stoner Graphix crew are keeping you elevated on the pray list and wishing you a speedy and complete recovery. Posted by Barb Schilling (Member # 13) on :
Oh Ray! Please get well soon! Maris and I will be praying for you.
Posted by Harry Malicoat (Member # 3720) on :
All the best Ray .... in health and in life. It is an honor and a pleasure to call you friend.
Posted by kent moss (Member # 4295) on :
Ray,get well soon. U are in our prayers from Carolina.
Posted by Dawn Ellis (Member # 3529) on :
Wishing you a speeding recovery Ray. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
That's good news...Mike, tell your father when he comes out, that exercise and diet are paramount in his life now...he needs to walk 2-5 miles a day and have him add ginger root and gensing to his diet, add it to food, great for keeping arteries pliable and free of "gunk"...eat green/drink lots of liquids(beers fine)...Dr. Magoo in case he wants to know who told you this stuff...(he knows it worked/works for me)... prayers still coming for a speedy recovery, it is rumored there have been some Multi-canadian across borders sightings since he's been laid up... Posted by mark zilliox (Member # 3873) on :
Mr. Chapman is one of the ol' school signmakers that i admire & respect-and never meet the man. hope all improves on his accord. Z
i got one foot in the grave @ 50.....and when my inlaws visit for the holidays , without me being informed, i GET CHEST PAINS !@$%#^!@!!!**!!!
now you know why i quit my job as the chaplain. @ least i, honest ! hope the snow & ice pass soon for all,along with Chapmans "setback"
Posted by david butler (Member # 591) on :
Mike says that Raymond should be coming home today (Wednesday) and could probably even get back to work on Thursday...I guess sometimes we all just want a bit of rest where there's some nurses standing by to take care of important things like....where's the TV controller?...and...Is there anymore apple juice?...and...Aren't there any donuts around this joint?...important things like that...yep!
Posted by Miles Cullinane (Member # 980) on :
Raymond, I go away for a 2 day trip and this is what i come back to, now stop worrying us all and get back to gunning for Dan.
Maybe it's all the extra dust you are creating with the shopbot that is blocking those arteries
God Bless you.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
ray and i will be eating the same stuff now))))))))........good to hear hes gona be ok.....
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Glad to hear you are gonna be OK, Ray!!!
Don't let this episode play with your head. We want to see the Ol' Ray back!
Joe,
Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Hey Ray, Hope you mend up quickly, someone needs to Keep Grampa Dan in Check!
take care,
Posted by Dan Antonelli (Member # 86) on :
You know Ray, if you had a Mac you wouldnt have had all the stresses tha led up to this.
Your Jersey Buddy-
Dan
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
Almost 100 posts! Boy, Ray. What you short Texans will do for attention!
Are you coating mdo yet?
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Hey Ray - get better will ya? Prayers to your renewed strength and health....
Posted by Steve Thomas Greer (Member # 4566) on :
I will be the 100th post!
So with that being said I hope that now you have a clean heart I hope you keep crankin' out the signs till you are 100! Welcome home Old Man!
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
Good thing about getting to a post like this late is you get (thankfully) some good news as you hear the bad news.
Get well soon!
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
I guess I'm Signs 101.
Ray, we're happy you are doing better. Keep it up. Follow the doctor's orders, and considering Dan's post, don't take Vista until you're completely healed!
Edited to add: BB was running really slow--made me Signs 102... and I still can't hand letter!
[ February 14, 2007, 06:59 PM: Message edited by: David Harding ]
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Yeah, but I can good enough to make up for both of us, Dave...
Angioplasty? Huh, Ray should have held out for membership to the Zipper Club.
Wishing you well, Ray.
Posted by BOB HINES (Member # 2702) on :
Ray,Been there,done that,sent the postcard & got the t-shirt.You will do well in the stress test if you think back when you were young.You could climb trees,run up hills,chase the dog & catch the cat.I thought I could still do that when I got to be 60.Turns out that was not the case. Right about now is a good time to look back on all we have done.Life takes some funny turns & I think that is ok. A second chance is hard to come by,so when you get through the test,it is your turn to pay attention to what the good people say. I listened & I sit here tonight sending you this thought. Take care & all will be well in a short time.
Posted by Dennis Raap (Member # 3632) on :
Ray glad to hear you are doing better.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Thanks for the updates, David and Mark. So happy to hear that angiopasty will take care of your clogged arteries, Ray. Prayers from south Georgia continue for you. God Bless You, Judy
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Good! I am so glad to hear you are doing do well, Ray! We will be watching for you on the BB!
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
I'm really relieved that the big man is doing well. This place would not be the same without him. We all give him a load of crap because he takes it with finesse. Well ok, maybe not finesse but he takes it and dishes it out in true cowboy style. We miss you Rainman.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
i hope you're at home by now...resting and doing like the docs said!! be well ray!
Posted by Jim Moser (Member # 6526) on :
Glad to hear that the Doc's got you all fixed up and you will be home soon ! Now you can focus on changing your lifestyle so you can stay healthy !
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)