Ray THORNLEY Obituary

Ray used to stay with us here in Mançhester UK he had many relatives here in Lancashire is Dad was born here . A great guy RIP Ray from all is relatives

I am very sad to just learn of Ray's passing. Ray's mom was my Canadian Irish grandmother's sister and my dear Dad's cousin so this made Ray my first cousin removed. These sisters Sarah (we called her Sadie) and my grandmother Mary (we called her May) were separated upon their mother's death in childbirth in County Donegal, Ireland. Due to Ray's meticulous research, Ray reunited his mom with her sister May in Canada in 1976. As a young teenager, this made a lasting impact on me as to the importance of family. Ray demonstrated his devotion to family with his frequent enthusiastic trips over to visit his Canadian relations.
When I had the glorious opportunity to visit Ray in New Zealand, he treated me to an unforgettable, interesting, thoughtful tour around Mount Manganui, Rotorua, and Wellington. Without knowing of his passing, strangely Ray had been on my mind this week as I picked up and enjoyed a perfect Vespa kiwi and reminsced of Ray taking me for a tour of the Vespa farm on our way to Rotorua. And even this morning as I saw a printed itinerary of the Royals impending visit of Rotorua, I thought of Ray with deep fondness and affection. On behalf of the Canadian cousins, my deepest thanks and gratitude to the Lawrence family for making Ray part of your family - and treating me an extension of yours when I visited. Through Ray's annual Christmas letter accounting his comings and goings with his beloved friends- we felt we came to know you too. My condolences to you all. We lost a most kindly gentleman.

Ray was our neighbour for only a couple of years but we would always enjoy catching up with him at the beach. We will miss our chats over the fence, his wonderful lemons and seeing him wonder past our place in warmer months for his daily dip. RIP Ray.
The Oliver family xx

Circumstances prevent my missing Ray's Funeral. Maybe just as well as I am sure I know many paying their respects and sharing memories, of which I have millions, and they are appearing constantly since hearing of Ray's passing.
RAY and I were close friends for so much of our lives because we shared so many experiences and both of us believed that the people (mates) are what makes life such a wonderful privilege. Ray adopted many of his contemporary friends families and he was Uncle Ray to a generation of those now about to retire.
My daughter read me a tribute from her phone from a neighbour who remarked on Ray's love of the beach at the Mount and the 10 mins each side of the sun-yes that was Ray! Sometime in the future I hope to meet up and share some memories together, be it Whanganui, Masterton, Wellington, Whakatane, Hamilton or Mount Manganui. If people drive cars in heaven Ray we all know what you will be driving.
Proud to have been your friend
Tweed

We had the privalege to know Ray as we lived up the drive at Oceanbeach Road since 1994. We only saw him for a few weeks each year as we now live in Melbourne. We will miss seeing walk down to the beach, do his 10 minutes each side sunbathing and catching up for a Peroni. He was kind, knowledgable and always interested in what was happening. So sad to see Ray so frail last year but pleased he could be home until the end. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and sorry cannot be there with friends on Friday to celebrate a great man. Rest in Peace. Richard & Tessa Parke, Melbourne