Charlotte community leaders, along with friends and family of the late Ray Boylan, came together for an important event to honor one of Charlotte’s most beloved television meteorologists on the one year anniversary of his death. A living memorial has also been established to sustain Boylan’s commitment to Charlotte.

Ray Boylan was on air with WSOC-TV and WCNC-TV from 1986 to 2000. His scientific background and experience as a veteran Navy Hurricane Hunter helped guide and comfort people when Hurricane Hugo devastated the area in 1989. Therefore, it is fitting, that his memorial take place on the 22nd anniversary of Hugo. Bill Walker, Debi Faubion, and Harold Johnson were also in attendance to share their memories of working with Ray during that historical time.

Hurricane Hugo was responsible for downing more than 80 thousand trees in Mecklenburg County alone, many of which were more than 70 years old. According to the most recent survey conducted by American Forest, Mecklenburg County lost 33% of its tree canopy between 1985 and 2008.

From Terri Bennett, ” Trees are vitally important to the Queen City. They remove pollutants from our air, land and water while providing the oxygen we need to survive. It is only fitting that I plant a tree in Ray’s name to pay tribute to his life as a dedicated and loving husband, father, friend, and colleague to so many in the Charlotte area.”

To pay tribute to Boylan, a memorial tree fund is being established through the Charlotte Public Tree Fund that will enable the planting of additional trees across Mecklenburg County. Select Chili’s restaurants in South Charlotte are also supporting the fund. On Thursday September 22 and Friday September 23, 2011, three Chili’s restaurants will contribute 10% of sales to Charlotte Tree Fund for every customer that brings in the printed coupon. Details can be found at CharlotteTreeFund.org. To download the coupon, click here.