I regret to announce that Michael Ray died on the 18th September after a short illness. There are no other details known. The informant was a work friend.
-- Edited by administrator on Monday 16th of November 2009 05:50:58 AM
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Macker
Date:
RE: Death of Michael Ray, formerly 3GJ, 3RGJ and R Coy
I've just called Sid and he is trying to find out some more details. Is this 'Mick Ray'? He wasn't in R Coy - he went to 1RGJ when 3RGJ disbanded then went back to 3 when it reformed (B Coy). Also please confirm the date of 18 Sept? Thanks.
Mick Ray confirm death as 18th Sept. Mick was my friend we met through work, he came back to Ireland a few years ago ,worked in Construction,as far as i know he served in Northern Ireland and Cyprus.I dont know what rank he held.I would like to know more about his service if any one can help.My email is blackhealy@eircom.net.Thanks
I can confirm the details kindly provided by William. Our friend Mick Ray's death is registered at Basingstoke and RHQ is trying to find out the circumstances of his death and where he is buried.
Mickey Ray finished his career as a Cpl in 3RGJ. He was a professional and brave patrol commander on the streets of Belfast in the early 70's and always a pleasure to be with socially.
Really sad to hear this news confirmed. Mickey was good to be around, solid as a rock and fun with it. As Macker said, truly a Chosen Man. At least he will be with Flapper now, they were great mates.
Rest in peace Mick So sad news and shock to hear of your passing onto the finl RV. You will be remembered by all of 3 rgj as a true rfn and character within the battalion. Sincere condolences to all of your family and friends w ewill remember you. Celer Et Audax
Mick I am very saddened to hear of your departure to the big parade ground and no doubt you will meet up with with all those other great names that have gone. RIP Buddy and dont stutter too much.
Please convey best wishes to all who replied to posting of Mick's death i did not know of the site i was just trying to find out more about Mick when i came across it .I have received an email from Sid Bunn who i contacted some time ago regarding Mick .I very much appreciate the response to the posting Mick sometimes felt he was on his own it is great to know that you guys keep in touch,so next time you get together toast our friend and remember him .Again if any one can fill me in on his time in the Army please contact me by email blackhealy@eircom.net.or phone 3532493133 or mobile 353879324075 Thank you all ,Regards Bill.
Very sad to hear of Mick passing away, he was a man who was easy to like. With his sense of humour and dependability, he encapsulated the qualities of a "Chosen Man".
I new Mick a long time, going back to when we were boy soldiers in the sixties Mick was definitely a character funny as hell anyone remembering the antics he got up to at Shoeburyness in the Naafi. If you knew Mick you will be chuckling now. Like Macker has said a brave and professional soldier Mick RIP I am better person for knowing you.
I have just found out about the sad sad passing of Mick Ray.Mick was a truly great man and and a quality soilder.He will be greatly missed by every one . My deapest condolences to his family
Buglers John Brown (2nd and 3rd) John "Hank" Hankins (3rd) and myself (1st and 3rd) were all terrible sad to learn about the death of our good friend Mick. John Brown and I joined up as 15 year old boy soldiers with Mick at Winchester on the 13th September 1965. To my knowledge he is the first one of our intake to pass on to that final resting place. How well he will always be rememberd for his sense of humour, that wonderful stutter, being able to drink a pint faster than any known living person and his all round ability to keep up everyones spirits when things became, difficult! A true Green Jacket and a wonderful friend and person. God bless you Mick and keep in practice till we meet again.
A story: Eddie May's funeral a few years back... Morning, early, of the day.. Flapper, Mick and I having brekky in a greasy spoon on the edge of Winchester... we filled our boots, black pudding - the lot .. came the bill, I offered... Mick paid... Small thing, but a huge measure of the man.
Any mates of Mick got any photographs of him in the ARMY,i would love to have a few if any one has some woul you please let me have a copy .My address Bill Healy,Ardrath, Youghal ,Co.Cork,Ireland. EMAIL blackhealy@eircom.net
It is nice to know that my dad was a well liked man whilst in the RGJ.. My dad until the end was funny and told me funny stories about his time in the RGJ. Thanks for all your kind words. But please email me martharay77@yahoo.co.uk if anyone has any more stories or photo's of my dad..
Unfortunately not knowing my dads RGJ friends I was unable to make you aware of his death or cremation.. Therefor if anyone would like to meet up in the NEW year to have a drink(0r 20) for my dad please email martharay77@yahoo.co.uk.. I will be taking my dad over to Ireland late in the nEw year to lay him to rest in the place he was born and loved!!! thanks
Mick, i remember the day we met as if it was yesterday, me, you and titch brown, 3 lost 15 year old kids on Winchester station on our 1st day in the Army. i used to often wonder over the last 36 years where you might be and what you were up to,, and when thinking that,i would always smile, you always made me smile old friend, we were only 15 year old kids when we met on our 1st day as green jackets, and the reason i am so proud of being a member of that great regiment is because of the honor of serving with men like you, you will be missed enormously by anyone who knew you,i know as roger has already stated ,that all that junior recruit platoon will be very saddened at your parting, will be looking forward to seeing you and flapper and all the lads when its my turn, god bless you mick, and rest in peace, your old mate mac.
Thankyou for all your great words you had to say about my uncle mick he was a funny man and he still makes me smile LOVE YOU MICK RIP and GOD BLESS YOU XX
Oh my god....just reading all the lovely stories and memories....would love to thank Michael as he gave me my best friend in the world.....he was a very funny man....gave me lots of banter, lived with us for a very short time....but was always polite ( well in his own loving way).....Martha and Rachel wouldnt be here if it wasnt for him....so here's to you mick...cheers and love ya loads really xxxxxxxx