Raymond Eugene Banfield ("Rebel")
February 22, 1948 – August 7, 2026
If life were measured by stories instead of years, Raymond Eugene Banfield would have lived to be about 300.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Oakland, California, Ray—better known to many as "Rebel"—never believed life was meant to be boring. He collected adventures the way most people collect souvenirs. By the time he retired, he'd held an incredible 37 different jobs, proving that if there was work to be done, Ray would probably try it...at least once.
Some of those jobs were unforgettable. He shined shoes for the mob, the rich and famous and every day golfers alike, worked as a landscape photographer, painted, and wore more hats than most people could count. Then there were the jobs that became legendary. He performed as an Elvis impersonator at the Riviera, entertained crowds on the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, and eventually found the one job that finally convinced him to stay put. He retired from the Mirage after 15 years of service—which, for a man who had already worked 36 other jobs, was practically a lifetime commitment.
The greatest accomplishment of his life, however, wasn't any job. It was his family.
For 56 years, Ray was married to the love of his life, Becky. Together they raised five daughters, which meant he spent decades as the lone man in a house that usually smelled like aquanet, perfume, and dealing with whatever the girls happened to be arguing about that day. Somehow, he survived.
One of our family's favorite stories perfectly captures Dad.
He came home one day to discover Mom and us in the middle of dyeing our hair. He took one look around the house, shook his head, and declared that no one was ever allowed to dye their hair again.
Like many of Dad's rules, it was delivered with complete confidence and absolute authority...completely ignored...and became one of those stories we will laugh about for the rest of our lives.
Dad was never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. He could be stubborn, opinionated, funny, hardworking, and fiercely loyal—all at the same time. He loved making people laugh, loved telling stories (especially if they got a little better every time he told them), and never met a stranger. Whether he was giving advice, sharing a joke, or reminding everyone how he thought something should be done, you always knew exactly where you stood with him.
His smile was legendary. Anyone who knew him knew that grin could light up a room—even if, he'd happily hand it to you, it wasn't exactly the one he was born with. It didn't matter. It was his smile, and it made people feel at home.
Whether you were lucky enough to see him perform as Elvis or simply caught him slipping into the role for a moment, you can probably still hear him flashing that famous lip, hand out and saying, "Thank you...thank you very much," in his best Elvis voice.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elaine Banfield; his beloved daughter, Mary; his brother, James Banfield; and his sister, Lois Pinnell (Sam).
He leaves behind the love of his life, Becky; his daughters Diane (Mark Friel), Mary's husband John Johnson, Jenni (Scott Lowe), Jackie (Brian Cimperman), and Shawna; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; his younger brother, Harold; his younger sister, Kathy; many nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and enough stories to keep them laughing for generations.
If heaven has a "Help Wanted" sign, we're pretty sure Dad has already applied for several jobs, found Elvis, hugged family, swapped stories with old friends, and politely—or not so politely—started telling St. Peter how things ought to be run. And if there's a dress code, we're hoping he talked them into sequins.
We'll miss his laugh, his work ethic, his stubborn streak, his colorful opinions, his unforgettable smile, and the love that was always behind every one of them.
Dad taught us that life wasn't about having the perfect plan. It was about showing up, working hard, loving your family, finding a reason to laugh, and never being afraid to try something new...even if it meant changing jobs 37 times along the way.
Thank you, Dad, for the stories, the laughter, the lessons, and the memories. We'll think of you every time someone tells a great story, every time the 49ers take the field, every time the Browns don't win a Super Bowl, every time the Guardians fall just short of a World Series, every time we hear an Elvis song, or every time someone walks into a room full of women with freshly dyed hair. Most of all, we'll think of you whenever we catch ourselves saying, "Well...Dad would've had something to say about that."
So, one last time, in your best Elvis voice...
"Thank you...thank you very much."
Rest easy, Rebel.
You earned it.
We love you.
And we'll keep telling your stories.
At Dad's request there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to his gofundme to "chuck my ashes off a cliff in Yosemite"
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