Ray has been a motorcycle industry stalwart pretty much all his life. He raced and he worked in the industry, spending many years at City Yamaha and then the last ten or more at Stafford Yamaha. Those who frequent the dealership will know Ray and his calm and knowledgeable manor.
I first me ray in 1993, when I first started racing. His knowledge of what parts fit what bike was always invaluable to me. I was always able to walk in and say what I needed and what bike it was for and he could usually tell me what would fit without even looking at a Microfiche or later a computer terminal! Unfortunately for me, he has also always supplied my front sprockets for my race bike. They are a sprocket from a TZ250 GP bike which fits perfectly on the ZX6, the part numbers to which, he has taken to his grave with him!!!
Ray spent the better part of the last 15 years, nursing his terminally ill wife. She passed away about 18 months ago. At first Ray appeared a little most, but soon enough, he rekindled his enthusiasm for the 'Fish Tank" (his vernerable FZ750, which he has owned three or four times, selling it to mates and then buying it back. the last time he bought it back it was hand painted with fish all over it to look like a fish tank...hence the name) Doing a nut and bolt rebuild of the bike recently. It appeared he was getting on with things and even had managed to get himself a girlfriend.
Unfortunately and unkown to most, Ray was struggling with things. In the end, it became too much for him. Last Saturday, after saying goodbye to all his work coleagues, he went home and took his own life!
Knowing Ray for so long, I am truly astounded that he would choose to go this way. He must have been in a truly bad place.
For anyone interested, the funeral will be held on thursday. I am not sure where, but keep you eye on notices, or ring Don Stafford as he will no doubt be attending. Unfortunatley, I will be in Mildura for work and will not be able to make it.
I would like to pass on my sincerest thoughts to all of Ray's friends, work colleagues and to his Son, Daughter and other family members. May he rest peacefully.
