I first met Ray when I started attending Holy Cross in Greenford. He was one of the churchwardens. He was very dedicated. He was at every service and every function, encouraging others with his enthusiasm. Whether it was a quiz, treasure hunt, dinner dance, Caribbean evening, parish awayday or exchange to Germany he would be there even though he also had a full time job.

Every January he had a part in the Holy Cross Players Panto production throwing himself completely into whatever part he was playing. He had a love of the theatre and also quiz shows. He appeared on “The Weakest Link” with Ann Robinson and more recently was on a winning team at “The Chase”

Despite having no children of his own he was a foundation governor at, and heavily involved with, the Edward Betham Primary School. Every year he accompanied the teachers and older children on their school journey to the Isle of Wight.

Even when he “retired” to Lincoln he would often come and stay with us and still be a part of Holy Cross and our family. He would also make sure he met up with his colleagues and friends from the YMCA when he was in Greenford.

He never forgot an anniversary. He knew all the birthdays and we always got a card and often a gift as well. He saw in the New Year with us and attended birthday parties, weddings and christenings.

We had a regular date at the Ideal Home Show at Easter and Christmas! Whenever I found an offer for a day trip by train or coach he would come with me. We visited Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Folkestone, Dover and London City to name but a few. On a rainy day in Hythe we would visit the pottery painting shop and spend an afternoon painting. He joined us at Butlins in Bognor for an Osmonds weekend and accompanied Valerie to see Kris Kristofferson in concert in London.

Even when he was miles away I would get regular updates by facebook, text, phone and email, letting me know when he was at YMCA conferences, Isle of Wight, Theatre etc. In those early days his pay as you go phone had to be upgraded to a monthly contract that allowed him to freely use the minutes and texts without running out of credit!!

Whenever I visited Lincoln he was the perfect host. He picked me up from the station, took me sightseeing and shopping (he always insisted on carrying my bags!). He made sure I was never hungry or short of a drink, whether it was tea in the morning or a gin and tonic later in the day.

He was such a positive person. Whether it was a dentist visit or later on, hospital stays, he was always grateful to the staff and never complained. They "looked after him well" and were "just doing their job”. If it was his turn to be called he was also ready to go, whenever that might be.

He dedicated his life to helping others and lived it to the full.  He leaves a big hole in my life and I will miss him immensely. I have learned so much from him. Rest in Peace Ray xx