At this time of year Santa is dusting off his boots and consulting his lists. The Holy Cross Christmas Market reminds me that Ray was an excellent Santa, paying attention to detail. He wrote down everything he was told by the children and made sure Father Christmas knew what they would love to find in their stockings. One christmas Emily asked for a chicken nugget and a pea, another was the name of a boy that I will not put on this tribute but Ray will remember!

PASSING of RAYMOND COLIN ALLEN Kathy (Rays' sister) and I would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who supported us in our sad loss. Thank you to those who travelled from all over the country and his many friends in the Hykeham area, who came to celebrate Rays life. To all attending the Committal and the wonderful Church service, also who organised and prepared the catering for over 150 people and the sensitive way in which the funeral arrangements were managed. We have been overwhelmed by the messages and fond memories you shared. Deliberately we have refrained from naming individuals, for fear of missing someone. But you all know who you are. We will miss a lovely man, whose significant contributions to various individuals, communities, and organisations, largely went on quietly without a fuss. We know he made a big impact upon those he came into contact with. Thank you all again. Kathy, Richard & family

Raymundo, Twinkle Toes, The Italian Stallion. Our wonderful ACTion Community Theatre Chairman. There have been so many instances, both physically and influentially, that Ray has been quietly beside me, always gracefully guiding. I met Ray at 16 and all of my communtiy theatre journey has involved being in a show with Ray, or directing him or sitting on committee with him. Ray had a way of encouraging the most resistant people to get involved. He even got me to model in a charity fashion show once! He was so confident and successful in uniting peope I think because he knew it would be positive for them in the end and believed that we all have a duty to assist our fellow humans. I've seen nothing but stories over the weekend of the many ways that he helped others. Ray of sunshine, I will forever miss your steady prescence. The nod of a head and 'yes, good' after watching us do a scene. The door opening during the rehearsal break to you with a tray full of mugs with a tea for me, telling me off when I took forever to drink mine. The polite greeting kiss and the most gentlemany manners that I've ever encountered, and definitely one of the best bowlers (but you knew that!). Some of your lines from productions are part of my regular vocabulary and I'll continue to quote them, and I'll do so with a smile. Rest peacefully, sweet sweet man. Let's put on a good show for you this weekend, Mr Chairman.

For over twenty years I took great delight in the company of the Great Dame whose wonderfully over the top panto performances gave such huge pleasure to so many. As his local MP during those years I soon came to realise that there was far more to Ray than rubber falsies and outrageous cosmetics and that he was actually a quiet sincere and deeply religious member of the Holy Cross community . Sadly he was also a committed Tory but in the spirit of ecumenism I forgave him this sin. When Ray retired to Lincoln he came to the attention of my old colleague Lord Patrick Cormack who has passed but would otherwise have surely joined me in wishing eternal rest to our beloved Ray Allen and thanking God for the gift of his life

Ray, you were a gentleman through and through and it was my pleasure and an honour to know you, and perform with you. Rest in heaven my friend 💖

You will be sadly missed my friend.

Ray was a good friend and we’ll miss him very much. He helped David to run the Swallowbeck MYC for a couple of years in the 70s. When he retired he moved back to Lincoln near to where we live. Sandra visited him at home in his last month or so. His hugs were legendary!! Rest in peace and rise in glory, dear Ray xx

I had the privilege of working alongside Ray as a church warden at Holy Cross, Greenford I valued his wisdom and calm assurance. His friendship was something to value. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Every time I returned from NZ to the UK to see my cousins in London, Ray would often appear, either at their house, or at Holy Cross, a big beaming smile on his face as he greeted me. He was always interested in what I'd been up to since the last time he'd seen me, even though it was only once every few years. I will miss his warm, servant heart, but know I will see him again with our Lord (and possibly on repeat screenings of 'The Chase').

Very sad to hear the news. Always so much fun, a warm and kind gentleman. Happy memories from childhood and beyond with Ray in the NHDS and at The Ark. A good friend to my Mum and Dad. Rest in peace Uncle Ray xx

Ray was a great friend of my mum's for as long as I can remember and I have always affectionately called him Uncle Ray. He was always one of my favourite people to appear at parties and I was thrilled when he moved back to Lincoln as it meant he attended slightly more regularly! He was the most loving man and I credit him (along with others) with inspiring my love of amateur theatre. I will miss Uncle Ray dearly x

Ray you was a beautiful souled man with a great faith I shall miss your odd messages we used to share GOD bless you and thank you x

Thank you Ray for making such happy memories for so many. You brought fun and laughter to every occasion. We'll miss you.

Ray was not just a colleague but a very dear friend, one you could have a laugh with, who cared dearly about others and who truly lived out his faith. It is remarkable how much energy Ray always had and how he never ever missed a birthday! I will treasure the memories we had and give thanks for such a special person who is now with his Lord and Saviour.

I met Raymond when booking my daughters christening and he was so lovely and friendly we had a good long chat. I'm sure you will be missed by everyone who knows you. X

Ray such good memories of the time you were involved with Holy Cross, particularly the long lasting friendship with Johnnie and Connie. The pantomimes and of course as Father Christmad at the Christmas Fair. You were a special person with always a kind word for everyone, genuinely warm. We hadn't seen you much lately at Holy Cross but you were treasured as a member of the congregation. Bless you Ray and you were held in high esteem by us. We will all miss you.

Such a kind and thoughtful person. He will be missed greatly.

A friend & boss like no other, God fearing man , kind and a caring individual . Frankly, The news of your passing had saddened me . I’ll treasure all the great times we spent at the YMCA, those catch gatherings with my YMCA family & my birthday wishes that you never failed to send . You’ll be fondly missed by ALL . May your gentle soul rest in peace, God be with you, Ray till we meet again . Amen 🙏🏿

What a true gentleman. With such huge talents Ray was kind and friendly to everyone. We feel so lucky to have known him xx

Ray was a kind man who always supported others. I knew him through the TOTT Community Theatre Group and he was not only a pleasure to work with creatively, but always encouraging. Rest in peace Ray.

Ray, you were my first ever manager and you supported me in every way. You cared about people so much and were one of the best people I know. Your kindness, love and always thinking about others will remain as fond memories in my heart and I will never forgot the memories we shared. I am so glad we always stayed in touch and I got to speak to you not long ago. May your soul rest in peace. Thinking of your dear friends and family at this really sad time. Love Raman ❤️

So unbelievably sad to have read this! Ray you were a true gentleman, the best manager and looked after me when I volunteered with you many years ago. You were a fab manager and even more an amazing human being. I’m blessed to have met you and been able to spend some time with you. May you rest in peace. x 🕊️🥺

Ray, you were a true gentleman and always gave everyone such a lovely warm welcome. Thank you

Ray was a lovely man. I am lucky to remember happy times, including a weekend at Butlins with Ray,Malcolm, Jill and Pat. So much fun and laughter. Rides on the funfair, and the Osmonds!!! 💔 God Bless Ray x

Ray was the assistant general secretary at Lincoln YMCA and worked alongside Barry Ward (General Secretary) in the 1980s. They worked brilliantly side by side complementing each other gifts. Ray was a great help to me along with Barry when I set up The Nomad Trust. The last time I heard from Ray was when he rang me to wish a happy Birthday in late August. This shows the kind of man he was, that even when he was in the darkest vale he could still remember and wish people happy birthday.

So many fond memories of seeing Ray at church, didn’t know he had passed, he’d always give me such a big hug when I saw him. Such a lovely man and he will be missed 😢

Ray was a remarkable man and a true gent, he was such a good friend to our late mother Jean jarman, as a family we grew to love Ray as one of our own. We will all miss him greatly. God bless you Ray.❤️

We hope that you find this tribute to Ray a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

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