After our August 2003 reunion, Ray and Chris went on to stay with one of his
daughters at Waterlooville. While there, he stumbled in a passageway and suffered
a broken hip. This meant a stay in hospital during which he developed the superbug
which was very difficult to remedy mainly due to the advanced state of his Parkinson's
disease. After many weeks bedridden his health continued to deteriorate and he died
before making it out of hospital
On the 8th November 2003, many of Ray's 1953 RAE group gathered at the Crematorium
in Portchester to say their final farewell to him and support Christine and the family.
The Baptist Church in Waterlooville was full for the service of thanksgiving afterwards.
One of Ray's daughters, who lives in Waterlooville, gave a wonderful account of what
her Dad had meant to his children and grandchildren. As Ray's first room mate at the
hostel, Lionel followed with a very moving tribute reminding us of many of Ray's
exploits while at Farnborough and extolling his excellent qualities.
