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Raymond ' Ray' James Martin (15 Nov 1945 - 24 Sep 2023)
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Raymond ' Ray' JamesEssex & Herts Air Ambulance
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In loving memory of Raymond ' Ray' James Martin who sadly passed away on 24th September 2023
Raymond James Martin (but everyone knew him as Ray).
The only son of Mary and Jim, Ray was born in Lambeth on the 15th November 1945 where he went to school in Kennington – a keen swimmer, table tennis player, receiving trophies for both.
One of his favourite pastimes growing up was walking his dog ‘Prince’ in Kennington Park, which was just as well, because at 15 he met 13 year old Marian and as they say the rest is history.
After school, Ray attended the Londo College of Print and became an apprentice printer, which led him to working in the ‘print’ for newspapers in Fleet Street. After 7 years together, Marian and Ray tied the knot on 17th February 1968 and settled in Dorothy Gardens. Ray continued a career in printing on Canvey Island working to support Marian and now children, Julie, Jo and Stuart. However, the hard-working father that he was still found time to practice his DIY skills making go-karts, sledges and slides to name but a few. You could say Ray was a jack of all trades and master of all!
I know one particular memory really sticks in the minds of his family when they were introduced to their first dog, ‘Jacko’, hidden in the inside of Ray’s jacket revealed to all present with squeals of delight! This meant many happy holidays spent in Norfolk as both Jacko and later Micky became part of the family.
When latterly Ray had more time to himself his great passion was keeping Koi Carp and true to form he built a very impressive Koi Pond in the garden. Ray and Stuart also enjoyed tending the garden together with immaculate results.
Ray has been described by his family as a man who was occasionally stubborn but only where a principle was at stake. He was a man of integrity and honesty who was wise and had a calming effect on those who were closest to him.
He was proud to be a grandad of 5 to Tom, James, Alice, Beth and Charlotte. He loved them all dearly and they loved him to the moon and back.
Ray and Marian were best friends for over 60 years. He was a devoted husband, a fabulous dad and a wonderful grandad.
Ray was the perfect gentleman and will be forever missed.
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