Ray, who became affectionately known by us as Rusty, his online alias, when we joined an online Bridge Club during the Pandemic - named after the family dog.
With his quiet sense of humour and gentle presence, he brought warmth and wit to the table, often without saying much at all, but also noted for his amusing attempts to suppress his delight, when he outfoxed the opposition.
He would tell interesting and funny stories of his time in the navy and his international career, about his lovely family, who meant absolutely everything to him, and his other passion that was space science.
It has been so incredibly sad to watch the gradual changes affecting my wonderful friend, this intelligent dignified man, which he dealt with with his customary stoicism.
I shall miss him enormously.
And finally, I'd say : Play on, Rusty. We’ll think of you every time we shuffle the cards or look up at the stars.
Much love
Yours as always
Jasmine xxxx
Jasmine Friedlander-Atkinson
10/10/2025
