RAY HOWIE RIP
6 October 1951 – 16 July 2021
It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the death of Ray Howie, an original member of Richmond Rhythm Club (RRC).
Ray was one of the small group that helped to found the club back in 2011 and for most of the following 10 years he served as
RRC Treasurer.
As a result of heart issues and related health problems, Ray passed away on 16th July 2021, following a long period of hospital and home care. He was cremated at Mortlake Crematorium on 6th August 2021.
Some years ago Ray suffered from a bad stroke that disabled him and that had a huge impact on his quality of life. All of us that knew Ray through sessions at the RRC and his work as Treasurer understood the physical struggle, bravery and determination it took for Ray to even get through an ‘ordinarily’ day, let alone his efforts to try and keep the RRC on the straight and narrow financially. It was Ray’s skill in ‘managing the books’ that enabled us to pay our performers a good and fair fee. Through his hard work we were also able to support musical charities, The Twickenham Club and provide some treats for members at Christmas time. The ‘Bank of Ray’ did us proud!
Ray also supported the RRC in other ways. He was a regular at our sessions, was good fun to be with and happy to talk to everyone. In addition, he added just the right amount of ‘scary’ to his role of Treasurer to ensure that no one missed paying and that everyone understood it was a good idea to bring exactly the right money for subs (the Bank of Ray tended to discourage giving change…).
Finally, it’s important to understand that, prior to his stroke, Ray had lived an amazing life. He had been an extremely successful businessman – an international traveller and a real rock and roller (see photo!). He was a great family man to the end and was so proud of his children, grandchildren – and his wife Yvonne. Speaking at Ray’s funeral Yvonne emphasised the great and wild times they had all shared - and that this was how he should be remembered. Everyone at the RRC will remember the good times we had with Ray and that we will miss him dearly.