Ray Warner, a retired editor who led the drive for the first smoking regulations in Berkshire County, died in Albany, N.Y., March 21, 2013. He was 89 years old.
Warner, an editor for The New York Times for 22 years, retired in 1984 and moved from Montclair, N.J., to Williamstown. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Albany in August, 2007. In 1988 his proposal for smoking rules in restaurants was approved in Williamstown, preceding similar action by the state and other Berkshire towns.
Warner was principal founder of the Hoop Group, the Williams College basketball boosters, and he was active in several Williams athletic programs. He was a member of the Williams Faculty Club and regularly led a course called The Big Bands and All That Jazz in the Williams Free University during the January term. Williams, however, was often a target of Warner.s numerous letters to the editor. He believed strongly that Williams should contribute more to the town, and he believed that his public criticisms had led to improvements in town-gown relationships, particularly through the college.s elimination of fees to most athletic and musical programs.
The Warners had moved to the Berkshires primarily because of their love of classical music and many visits to Tanglewood, and they served for 15 years as volunteer ushers at almost all Boston Symphony Orchestra and student programs at Tanglewood.
Warner spoke at many Town Meetings, on various subjects, some of which he introduced. He wrote and carried through to ultimate passage town measures opposing the Iraq War and the USA Patriot Act.
At various times he served as editor of The Town Report, instructor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, tutor at the Berkshire Youth Farm, dishwasher at the Berkshire Food Project, chair of the Williamstown Recreation Committee, chief organizer of two Fourth of July parades, member of the town Democratic Committee, and volunteer at Harper Center.
The Warners moved from Williamstown to avoid planned construction of athletic facilities across from their home. IN anticipation of the project they sold their home to Williams College.
Warner was born in Philadelphia March 5, 1924. He served in the Army Air Corps for three years during World War II, was graduated from Ursinus College, received a master.s degree at Western Reserve University and completed additional graduate work at Rutgers University. He taught political science part-time at two colleges and journalism at one.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, whom he married on her commencement day at Ursinus College in 1950; four children and seven grandchildren.