Thank you.
I hope you are all comfortable because I have been waiting for this a long time. With a
microphone, captive audience and open bar I think I will be able to do some damage. But first a
few thanks: to everyone who has traveled here today to share in the celebration, to Fr. Schmidt
for a beautiful ceremony, for Melody the matron of honor for making me look so good, to my
parents for helping Ray and I become the men we are today, to the Harmon family for all the
countless hours behind the scenes to make today such a wonderful event. And finally to Raymond
and Diane for letting me be part of their special day.
Ray has been a great influence on my life, probably in more ways than he can ever
realize. I have always had the luxury of following him in all aspects of my life. I followed him at
nursery school, grammar school, and even high school – and at every stop along the way Ray left
his legacy ensuring that my life would be more difficult. The minute I showed up at a new school
it was always the same “So your Ray Smiths brother?” I thought it was a compliment, but later
learned that meant that I would be under the watchful eye of the entire administration. And then
after a few weeks the same teachers would come back and ask – “Are you really Ray Smith’s
brother?” And I would always tell the sceptics – I know he got the better hair.
With a 5 year age difference we never truly overlapped in common experiences – Ray
was usually moving on to the next big thing right when I was starting what he had finished.
Growing up Ray talked and talked and talked, and I never got a word in edge wise. (Some things
never change.) My parents did know I could speak until after Ray left for college. But because I
didn’t get a word in I managed to do a lot of studying, watching and planning of how to handle
these events in my life once I was faced with them. And it really is a lot easier to go second.
Things I learned from my brother:

If you play with your skateboard on a NYC street, odds are it will eventually get run over
by a car

If you plan on missing curfew, be prepared to sleep in the hallway as punishment

Wearing a bolo in place of a tie at anytime is unacceptable

Never move to Rhode Island

It is possible to put people to sleep with long-winded, detailed stories about mundane
events

Four/five hugs before you say goodbye to someone, although strange, is acceptable

If you get together with Ray for a meal; you can bet that there will be some sort of
announcement – and whether it actually news or not – there will be an elaborate
presentation
But all kidding aside he did teach me some valuable lessons:

There is nothing wrong with massive public displays of affection

If you are passionate about your work; its not really work

Family is most important; and they will always be there for you
I remember the first time I met the infamous Diane Harmon. It was five days before Xmas at a
bar on the UES and Ray was bringing her around for our first impressions. Word on the street
was that she was too good to be true, but I told Ray I would need 10 minutes alone to talk to her
and then I would come back with my take. When I walked back to Ray I leaned over to him and
said “Don’t screw this up.” Fast forward two months later – Ray is screwing it up. Ray was
taking his sweet time and there was some concern that Diane may not hang around and wait for
Ray to be ready. We were all at a black tie event and at some point during the night I cornered
her alone and said, “Don’t give up on him. He is a great guy. He just needs a little time.” And
Diane said – “I know.” And true to her words she didn’t give up on him and Ray finally made his
move and now we are all her today.
And then there was the big day – the day I would hear of the engagement. In typical Ray
fashion there was a phone call to my office – “I’m downstairs. You have to come down now.” I
was in a big meeting and I had to excuse myself telling everyone that my brother was coming by
to tell me of his engagement. I go downstairs and of course in typical Ray fashion he tells me he
has big news. “Diane and I bought a home.” My reaction – you brought me down here for that –
what are you going to do when you get engaged. I said to him – do you know you have the order
reversed. I headed back upstairs and everyone turned to me and I said – he bought a house – all
confused I said yeah you don’t my brother – he is very theatrical. Sure enough 2-3 weeks later
we went through the same drill.
There have been times when I have been very hard on Ray, usually playing the role of
bad cop when he comes to me for advice – or even when he doesn’t ask for it. I always felt as his
brother that is my right – whether he will listen or not I need to tell him the truth. Sometime
people think it is a little excessive, but I have done it and will continue to do it because I love
him. Ray is one of the most sincere, genuine, wholly loving and completing giving people I
know; and I was always worried that someone would prey on that kindness and take advantage of
him.
I greatly admire Raymond for his enthusiasm, intelligence, loyalty, work ethic and drive
to succeed. Ray was fortunate to figure out what he wanted to do with his career at a young age,
and while most people thought it was an odd choice and not the traditional path; he followed his
heart and never wavered. And in the end he is having the last laugh.
For most of my life I was very proud to be Ray Smiths younger brother, then somewhere
along the way the world shifted on its axis and he became John Smith older brother. I’ll admit I
got a good laugh every time someone would say that to Ray. But everything has settled now and
I am happy to be standing here today as your younger brother; as your best man at your wedding.
Diane I can honestly say I have never seen a bride look more beautiful on their wedding
day. I think we all know Ray traded up; but it is fair to say you didn’t do that bad yourself. You
are two incredible people and perfect for each other; and I am so happy you found each other.
When Ray and I were younger, we used to talk about our wedding days – who would get
married first. In true Smith tradition we knew we would be older – in fact the verdict it out
whether I will ever get married, but when I do I hope I am as fortunate to meet someone as
amazing as Diane.
So I ask everyone to raise a glass.
May the road always rise up to meet and may the wind always be at your back.
To Raymond & Diane. I love you both.
CHEERS