Ray was a man of great character and strength. Like many others, I first met Ray at the Garage in Haddenham, where I used to help out as a teenager. He was highly-respected by the community and many people have shared their warm memories of Ray over the last couple of weeks – the same words have been used time and again to describe him: kind, honest, genuine and a real gentleman.

Ray was a man of great integrity and a true professional. He built a strong business with a close-knit and loyal team around him. He greatly valued his employees and the success of the business is a testament to Ray and the teams’ hard work over many years together. 

To those who knew Ray, especially over a glass of Red, he was a man who was sharp-minded, intelligent and passionate in his beliefs. His love of politics and storytelling of his younger years provided many hours of entertainment and lively conversation. He had a relish for the good things in life – food, drink, theatre and music – and shared this with those he was closest to.

He was a man who was generous, thoughtful and respectful of those around him. Ray was an intensely private person, he chose his words and his friends wisely and remained true to himself. He valued honour and integrity and focused his energies on the things and people that mattered most to him.

Ray was strong, protective and devoted to those he loved- none more so than to my mum. I have seen the huge affection and closeness they had for each other as they stood side-by-side for almost 30 years.  I am very grateful that my Mum had the chance to share her life with a man who was absolutely devoted to her, as she was to him. 

I, personally, feel privileged to have known Ray and I can think of nothing more fitting than to close with this quote in the words of the late and great Winston Churchill: 

“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter”