Tears for Ray
My husband’s best mate passed away early yesterday morning. His 20 year old daughter found him, collapsed, not breathing, no pulse. What was he doing? What were his final moments like? Did he know what was happening to him?
Ray was a gentle giant. He had a very traumatic childhood. He left school at a very young age, and was illiterate. He looked like a mad biker. He was a mad biker. He would give you the shirt from his back. I’ve never met anybody else for whom that cliche could hold true. He was covered in self-inked tattoos. He never physically harmed another human being. He tormented the life out of his wife. He had a wicked, wicked sense of humour. He had a penchant for practical jokes. He smoked like a chimney. He rarely drank alcohol. He very rarely swore. He was very quiet, unless he knew and liked you. He adored his daughter and her boyfriend. J was the son he never had. He loved and honoured (and tormented) his wife, every single day of his life. He loved his dog.
He played Playstation 2 games. He watched Star Trek DVDs. He rode bikes and drove 4WDs. He collected knives. He always wore black. He had what could only be described as an evil giggle. It took me years to learn that I was being baited. He got me every single time. He rolled his own smokes. Every morning, he would take his dog ‘out bush’ for a walk. They would be gone for hours, man and dog, exploring, enjoying their time together.
He will be farewelled by those who love him on Monday. There will be no flowers. He will be missed.
Thinking of you Tracey. Hope yesterday was ok. Sent an email but of course, it bounced back this morning. I wanted to wish you luck for your first day of your new job too. I have been thinking and worrying about you since Monday night. Please give Ray’s family my best. I’m so sorry for them. Also why did you delete the last post?
Comment by tiffany — October 31, 2007 @ 9:17 am
It’s always hard when you lose a friend. You described him beautifully. xxx kim
Comment by kim — October 31, 2007 @ 10:16 am
Thanks guys. It’s not actually deleted as such, I made it private. I dunno, I re-read it and it was a bit…*makes blth sound with tongue*
Comment by Administrator — October 31, 2007 @ 4:52 pm