MetroWest YMCA Re-Dedicates Flag Pole & Free Weight Area To Commander Ray Nilson

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FRAMINGHAM – The MetroWest YMCA re-dedicated its flagpole to the late Commander Ray Nilson. The flag pole was first dedication to Nilson in 1991.

The MetroWest YMCA on Old Conn Path also dedicated the free weights area in the wellness center to the long time YMCA member, who believed in daily exercise.

The YMCA chose the June 25 date as it was late Nilson’s birthday. It also happened to be the wedding anniversary of Kristina Nilson Allen, the daughter of Nilson, and her husband Peter.

“Number one in Ray’s philosophy was trying to actively preserve one’s own health,” said his son-in-law Peter Allen

One of his favorite saying’s was it “was better to wear out than rust out.”

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Nilson relished spending so many hours in the free weight area at the YMCA, said Peter Allen.

“Ray Nilson was one of those special people,” said MetroWest YMCA Executive Director Lisa Mendonza. “He had a captivating personality. He was truly larger than life.”

Nilson believed “strongly in physical fitness,” said Mendoza. “And giving all people an opportunity to succeed.”

Nilson gave to the MetroWest YMCA and his family continues that legacy.

Nilson was a child of Swedish immigrations, said his daughter. He grew up to be captain of the football team and “star slugger” on the baseball team.

In 1925, as a freshman in college in in Lewiston, Maine he first joined the YMCA, said his daughter.

“Since then the YMCA became central to his life,” said Allen.

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“When he graduated in 1929, his option were few,” said his daughter.

“Ray always said he got the Great Depression as a commencement gift,” said his daughter at the ceremony. “So he turned to the Boston Y for room and board.”

His daughter said he remembers her father constantly visiting the Framingham Y, even after working out in his home gymnasium.

She said the YMCA was his “place of refuge and friendships.”

Allen said her dad’s philosophy of life was “Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.”

“I know my dad would be proud of what HIS Y has become,” said Allen. “And the good it does in training people of diverse backgrounds to be strong in their bodies.”

She said she was thankful for the YMCA for honoring her father.

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