Raymond WILSON Obituary

Dear Grandpa Ray, my fondest memories are when you would pull out old polaroid photos and tell animated stories about your antics in your younger days and the adventures you had with Gran. Photos of your dog, the kids, your motorbike, you with family and friends. The photos were reminders of a full, beautiful life lived. As a Gen Z who has to be careful about how long I spend on my smartphone, I always thought to myself 'Wow, this is what life is about. Having adventures, doing things you love, and making memories with the people you love!' I think its so funny that even in your 90's your mobility scooter looked like a motorcycle, and you loved telling us about it and taking it out whenever you could. You loved hearing about Dad's adventures on his motorbike and I think that love of being out on the road connected you both a lot. I also loved visiting your home, where you talk to your birds, whisper to them cheekily and tell me knowingly what they were up to. Thank you Grandpa Ray for welcoming the boys and I to stay in your home when we came to visit. We will miss you and remember you lovingly. May you Rest In Peace with Gran.

To Philip and Kay, and whanau so sorry to hear of the loss of Ray, he was a character,we did have a few laughs, and stories. Sincere condolences from the Staff and Residents of Taurima Rest Home.

As a child and often sick my memories of my dear Dad is of a caring Dad. I could call out at any time of the night to have him answer straight away to put an extra blanket on me or bring in a hot water bottle or tsp of honey. If Mum said no then go to Dad to hear a yes. Always my reliable pick up or drop off chauffeur. I had special time being able to stay up when my siblings were in bed to help eat roasted butternut with lots of butter with him. Jam on bread with cream poured over was a real treat. Often had penny scrambles in the lounge when he had excess change in his pockets. His adventurous stories often repeated with the biggest of smiles on how a mischievous young lad he was and many times got away with his antics. Dad you will be so sadly missed but forever in my thoughts with love and respect. I can so imagine the welcoming celebration of meeting Nana, Mum, Claude, my Shantelle and Nathan. love from Judith. Throwing my usual goodbye kisses. Xx

Grandad i am SO PROUD to call you my grandad. Your life lived is so inspirational you could do anything you set your mind too. Your stories of your life will live on in us and future generations. I truly valued an appreciated and hold close to my heart all our treasured time spent together. Our show and tell moments of your life so well lived and the sparkle in your eye and your face lighting up when telling your memories. You will be so missed but always thought of your loving granddaughter Anna

Rest peacefully Great Grandad , wish we got more time together but being overseas it´s hard , greatful for the memories we got to share whenever we came to NZ , may you rest peacefully and say hello to Mum for me , always loved and always remembered .
- Brodie Christiansen

Thank You Dad for the fun adventurest antics that remain with me always. From sitting on the front of the boat u built and riding and thumping over the waves, just had to hang on tight. And flying over the rolling hills in the old Vanguard lifting all 4 wheels off the top of the hill. (Do again Dad) and he would. Telling us sheep had 2 short legs to stand on the hills. Pretending to make the car get up the hills by running our feet inside the car and pretending to change gears watching him drive. These memories are shared with my own Family now. Onto ur next(Adventure) My Brave Dad xxx

Thank you Grandad for the treasured memories you have given me,
I'd love to hear Grandad's stories from throughout his full life & watching his face 'light up' when he was telling us something funny he'd done,
Giving us rides on the tractor & the motorbikes in the back yard & telling us not to tell Gran whenever he'd sneak us lollies from the pantry..
So many memories that I'm so grateful for and hold so dear now.
You will be greatly missed Grandad.
I hope you know what much I adored you,
Love Donna