Rhyl RNLI lifeboat crew mourn loss of long-serving former crewman

Ray had served as station mechanic on the lifeboat at Rhyl since 1977, and was made Lifeboat Operations manager on his retirement off the crew in 2003. On reaching the retirement age (70) for station managers, Ray was given the role of Boathouse manager, which he remained in until his death.
He had suffered from failing health for a few years, and passed away in Walton hospital, Liverpool. Ray was a widower, his wife Rona passing away many years previously. He is survived by his daughter Jane and grandchildren Luke and Tamsin.
Ray's funeral will be held at St. Thomas' church, Rhyl, at 1.30pm on Thursday 16 February, followed by cremation at the New St. Asaph crematorium at 3pm. It is expected that the crew will bear Ray on the inshore lifeboat to the church, as befits a long-standing and well-loved member of the Rhyl Lifeboat family.

Martin Jones, Rhyl's present Coxswain and Mechanic says 'I am deeply saddened by Ray's passing, and am forever indebted to him for teaching me the ropes and guiding me to eventually take over his role as mechanic on the lifeboat'.

The flags at Rhyl RNLI station and the RNLI memorial at the top of High Street have been at half-mast as a sign of respect for Ray.

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