Ray Nykaza

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Ray Nykaza

• Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors
• 1975-2008
• 16th President 2000-2003
• 2nd President of CCFB Foundation

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When Ray was asked about his childhood ambition,
he answered

• It seems like I wanted to be a farmer for as long
  as I can remember. I do recall when I was in the
  army, that I wanted to be a pilot until I flew a
  plane, then I wanted my feet on the ground like a
  farmer.

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What a Happy Group!
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Ray and Don Two Peas in a Pod
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Rayboy knows how to have fun!
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Ray was always involved with the organization.
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Why is Ray throwing away his lucky horseshoe?
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Ray, what is your favorite movie?

• I love the old westerns that feature John Wayne
  and Gary Cooper.
• I also love Jaws, I enjoyed hearing people
  scream!

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Ray was involved in many committees over his
years AITC, Membership, Marketing, Giant Pumpkin
Advisory, Food Checkout Day, Audit, just to
mention a few.
Audit Committee
Member Relations Team
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Food Checkout Day Activities
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Ray and Alden Kilian, Former Manager of CCFB
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What is the best part of farming?

• I always love farming because I look forward to
  each spring, I look forward to the new planting
  season, the new opportunities, the new growth and
  the opportunity to till the soil.

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Rays Quality Greenhouse
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When asked who has been his inspiration, Ray
answered

• Truly my inspiration has been my brother Johnny,
  who was a marine in WWII and killed in the line
  of duty.

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Ray remembers his brother, John, who gave his
life for our country. Ray is also a proud vet.
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What was your fondest memory?

• When I met my wife. We have been married 55
  years, October 24th. It only took me one date to
  know that she was it.

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Ray and Edna
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• Resolution
• Whereas, Ray Nykaza was elected 16th President of
  the Cook County Farm Bureau in November 2000,
  and,
• Whereas, he was subsequently elected the second
  President of the Cook County Farm Bureau
  Foundation, and,
• Whereas, Ray is a consistent advocate of the Cook
  County Farmers and American Agriculture, and,
• Whereas, he has served the organization on a
  number of Illinois Farm Bureau policy development
  and leadership groups including Resolutions
  Committee, Grassroots Issue Teams and Food for
  Thought Committee, and,
• Whereas, under his direction, the Cook County
  Farm Bureau reached an all-time high in total
  members, and,
• Whereas, his leadership assisted in creating
  additional programming groups to serve members
  including the Landowners Group, Membership
  Committee, Food Checkout Day, and,
• Whereas, during his tenure, Cook County Farm
  Bureau maintained its continued growth in Ag in
  the Classroom, Legislative Involvement, Service
  to Members, and Financial Strength.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved by the members of
  the Cook County Farm Bureau Board that Ray
  Nykaza, in honor of his tireless efforts to serve
  the key element of this great organization, The
  Member, is hereby recognized for his outstanding
  service as President of the Cook County Farm
  Bureau.

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Congratulations Ray President 20002003Board of
Directors 1975-2008