Raymond J. “Ray” Giles, a Toledo man who created the original employee pension plan at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, died Wednesday at Franciscan Care Center in Sylvania Township. He was 83.

Mr. Giles is believed to have suffered pneumonia or congestive heart failure, said his wife, Betty Giles.

Mrs. Giles, 81, of Toledo described her husband as kind and excellent with numbers. He remained proud of the pension program along with helping coordinate the hospital’s Life Flight program.

Mr. Giles was born Oct. 22, 1933, to William and Anna Giles in the Old West End neighborhood. He left Macomber High School in 1951.

From 1951 to 1954, Mr. Giles served in the United States Marine Corps. His eyesight kept him from going overseas during the Korean War. Mr. Giles was stationed in Puerto Rico and reached the rank of staff sergeant.

“He went from high school and another buddy of his was joining. They just wanted to serve the country,” his wife said.

Mr. Giles’ son, Bill Giles, said he loved being a Marine. His father believed everyone should contribute some type of service to the country.

“He was of the opinion that all young people owed a debt to their country and ought to do one tour in the military if they were possibly able,” his son said.

Upon returning home, Mr. Giles obtained his General Education Development and spent two years studying finance at the University of Toledo.

Mr. Giles first worked in human resources before later entering finance at the hospital. He worked at St. Vincent’s from 1959 to his retirement as a financial planner in 1989, Mrs. Giles said.

“Even after he retired, people would call him and ask for help or advice on some things,” Mrs. Giles said.

The two married Oct. 26, 1957. They had looked forward to their 60th anniversary.

“He worried about his children all of the time. He took care of us. No matter what it took, he was always there,” Mrs. Giles said.

The younger Mr. Giles said he was a generous man who always looked out for others.

This extended to using vacation time for the family and showing support for them, said the younger Mr. Giles, 59, of Sevierville, Tenn.

“No matter what sports we were involved in, unless they were extreme circumstances, he was always there. He was at every game. He’d come to practices and watch,” his son said.

Surviving Mr. Giles are his wife, Mrs. Giles; sons, Bill Giles and Matthew Giles, Sr.; daughter, Renee Crowder; brother, Don Giles; and nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive guests from 4-8 p.m Wednesday at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo. A memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Christ the King, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo.

The family suggests tributes to the church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Contact Brian Dugger at bdugger@theblade.com or on Twitter @DuggerCountry.

First Published October 1, 2017, 4:00 a.m.