Ray's Memory Page
Ray (Fred) Willis - June 1964-24th June 2007

Our friend and PLVSC member, Ray Willis, tragically died on his way home from our rally Sunday morning. All we know is that he came off his scooter and although he had help at the scene there was nothing that could be done to save him. The ambulance was not in attendance at the time.

Those that knew Ray will know that he was a gentle man and great fun. We will really miss him.

Over the many years of scootering Ray was a member of Bodger & Badger SC, Roaming Misfortunes SC, Peterborough Patriots and PLVSC.

Ray's funeral took place on Tuesday, 10th July and was respectfully attended by his loving family and many many friends.

We will always remember you Ray. Rest in peace.

If you would like to include any of your own personal photographic memories or website links in memory of Ray "Fred" then please email corky.plvsc@ntlworld.com

Peterborough Evening Telegraph (published 29th June 2007) - http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=2992650

Further tributes and words of condelence have been copied from our guestbook and emails and have been placed at the bottom of this page.

2007 - PLVSC Boro Bash - 23.6.2007 - Ray, Liam & Jake sent by Shaun Bailey of My Scooter Club

2007 - PLVSC Boro Bash - 23.6.2007

2006 - End of Season Do - 14.10.2006

2006 - End of Season Do - 14.10.2006

2006 - Hemsby Winter Warmer Scooter Rally - 2.11.2006

2006 - Crown Pub - 15.7.2006

2005 - Hemsby Winter Warmer Scooter Rally - 3.11.2005

2005 - PLVSC End of Season Do - 8.10.2005

2005 - Yarmouth Rally - 25-28.3.2005 - from Carl, AFSC

2005 - PLVSC Egg Run - 12.3.2005

2004 - Strangetown Scooter Rally - 30.7.2004

2002 - Yarmouth Rally

Messages copied from our guestbook and emails:

24.6.2007:

PLVSC - It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that one of our PLVSC members, Ray Willis, was tragically killed on his way home from our rally Sunday morning. All we know is that he came of his scooter and although he had help at the scene there was nothing that could be done to save him. The ambulance was not in attendance at the time. Those that knew Ray will know that he was a gentle man and great fun. We will really miss him. Out of a mark of respect for Ray we will delay the posting of photographs from our rally held yesterday for a few days.

Neil L - This is terribly sad news.Myself and Adam live in the same area and saw the closed road this morning on our way back.

Goldie - i just want to pass on my deepest regrets on losing Ray Willis my heart goes out to his family and all who knew him

Rick - We are stunned at the sad loss a great friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rick & Anita

Keith - R.I.P. True mate.

Andrea & Craig - Sorry to hear the sad news about Ray, our condolences go to his family and everyone that knew him.

Rachel - I cant find words to describe what a wonderful guy Ray was,a lot of tears will fall from all who loved him. My deepest condolences to all Rays family and each and everyone of his friends.A truly special guy xx love ya Ray xxxxxx

Nick Smith - Truly terrible news, and on behalf of all the members of Kettering Massive that attended yesterday, our condolences to all friends and family.

Mick (Ar Tarn SC) - Terrible news corky please pass on our condolences to all rays family and friends from all at Ar Tarn sc, A truly great guy.

Pat Gracey - God took one of his angels back when he took you!I Have worked with you for over 25 years and i will miss you alot...condolences to all Rays friends and family. love pat xxx

Dale/dread - too hard to take in, less than 24 hours ago i was drinking beer with the guy. and looking forward to future. R I P fella, my thoughts are with friends and family. DALE

Peter G - gutted! ride free ray. gutted!

Chrissy - worked with ray for a long time,never a dull moment, shall miss youxx condlences to rays family and friends

Jennie George - words cannot describe how we are feeling,what a cruel world to take away such a fab bloke,i worked and had such fun with you for nine years,my condolences to all your family and friends xxxxxxxx

Big Andy - Both myself and Dawn would like to pass on our condolences to Rays family and to all of you at PLVSC. our thoughts are with you

Wendy and Robin - Time stood still for a moment as we remember,our memories will last forever. Our thoughts are with your family. Sleep tight Rayxxx

STEPH - To all of you who knew ray I am so sorry your have lost a person who touched your hearts. I have felt touched that such a tragic thing has happened after meeting such a great bunch of people. I am so sorry that this person has gone from your lifes. Please try to celebrate his life. he sounds a true scooterist who left you too soon xx

Mags - Ray, too upset to think, tragic day for all us, Mags.

Sister Dawn - Thinking of you all at this terrible time. My thoughts and feelings go out to Rays family and you his friends. With our heartfelt Condolences from all at East Lincoln Soul Club

Aaron & Tina - There are no words...we all know what a top bloke he was..our thoughts go out to all rays family & friends,especially to all at plvsc..R.I.P RAY.XX aaron&tina bnmsc.

Sarah (Ray's Niece) - On behalf of my family we would like to say thank you for all the kind words. It is a great comfort to know "uncle fred" meant so much to all his friends.

25.6.2007:

Sean - Ride in Peace, Ray. Although I never knew you, you obviously touched the lives of many who will miss you greatly. My thoughts are with his Family, including his scootering one, and his friends.

Corky - Thanks for all the lovely messages on our site about Ray.It seems more people knew and loved him than we realised.Its going to be horrible not having him around at rallies and him keep asking us for his trophy back!(thats a wind up from Ray to the PLVSC from his Peterborough Patriot SC days).PLVSC will keep you all informed as best as we can regarding funeral arrangements.

Maria - so very sad in my heart my thorts are with caroline and his family will miss him lots x

Duane - My thoughts to Rays family and nearest and dearest, a truly top fella, you will be greatly missed Ray

Emma - I love Ray so much. I will truely miss my Fred. xxxx

Baggs - would like to send our condolences to family and mates of ray, one of lifes genuine likeable fellas,so sorry.. baggs and the blue&gold lads

John - i wpuld like to pass on our condolences on behalf of the corby steelman. Ray gone but never forgotten!

Steve - only knew you for a short while ray but you were truly a genuinely nice bloke my best wishes to rays family and friends

Sue & Steve - Our thoughts are with Rays family and friends.

Mell & Lorraine - to rays family we are very sorry to here the very sad news we new ray for about 17 yrs we just cant beleave it our thoughts are with you xxxxxxxxxxx

Dave - A sad loss,a top bloke. My condolences to Ray`s family. R.I.P Ray x

Scootergoth - We would like to offer our condolensces to Rays family at this sad time, and our thoughts are with his family and friends, from Dave and Fiona - Scooteristradio

Bomber - Ray was a good friend and a great laugh. Just had a drink with him Friday, cant believe such a sad thing has happened to such a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and the rest of his friends. He will be sadly missed Bomber

Simon & Tracey - Ray was a great bloke proper gentleman. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We shall all miss him

Neil & Kath - Our thoughts are with Rays family and friends at this time. Ride free mate.

Keith Christine & Family - Thoughts go out to Rays family a sad loss to a great guy who supported and loved the local scooter and soul scene - sometimes words aint enough - RIP xx

Dennis & Dawn - We would like to send our condolences to all Rays family and friends, top bloke, will never forget him. Rest In Peace Ray. Den & Dawn bnmsc

Andrew Lindsay - really really sad news. ray was one of the first scooter people i met when i moved to peterborough and i always seem to be b**p into him in DIY shops. Its a real shame, a real likeable guy. I cant claim to be his best mate or have know him as long as lot of people in the club, but he was part of our club and means to me, one of friends has gone and that i dont like. Be good up there and look out for the rest of us. Andy & Nicky

Aden - Will miss you always. Bodger & Badger SC forever.

Kev & Tanya - ray was a great bloke our deepest sympathy to his family he will be missed god bless

26.6.2007:

Grinner - miss you ray (fred) u are a true friend over 26years of knowing you and scootering together cheers mate RIP grinner jan tony

Kate (Ward 5) - Such a tragedy, Ray will be deeply missed by us all. Such a funny and gentle bloke. So sad x

Barbara Craig - Will miss you a lot, you were always there for me. When things got tough you were always there for support. Gone but never forgotten. X

Fran Mason - Many years of nights, never forget the spiders! So shocked that you are gone, you will be missed by all. X

Troy Young - condolances to all family and friends of Ray,

Brenda Bledsoe - I am a friend of Joan and would like to say that my love and prayers are with you at this sad time of sorrow.May memories and love help you through this time of sadness with the loss of Ray.Love Brenda

Donna Lewis - Ray i am going to miss you and your sense of humour,nights without you will NEVER be the same.Our friendship NEVER forgotten.Love you,sleep tight x x x Donna. My heartfelt condolences to Rays family and all who loved him x

Karen - I still owe you a pint, you always made me smile with the husband jokes, they were so bad. Going to miss you loads, lots of love always Karen xxx

Rachel - Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Carl (AFSC) - My heartfelt condolences to all Rays family and friends. I only knew him for a few years but one of the nicest blokes Ive had the privilage to meet. Will miss him, the link below is a pic I took of him at Yarmouth 2005 and its a typical RAY pose. RIP mate ride on.

27.6.2007:

Treakle Town S.C - DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS AND OUR HOPES AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO RAYS FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM ALL AT TREAKLE PLEASE DONT HESITATE TO ASK IF WE CAN HELP IN ANY WAY

Sue (Cloud 9 scooter club) - sorry to hear about the loss of your mate Ray. condolances to you and his family .R.I.P Ray

GODWIN (WARD 5) - We all going to miss you Ray,nights are not gonna be the same without you.Hope to meet again in Christ R.I.P mate.

TONY WHITEHEAD - Our thoughts are with the family. Very best wishes from all at AFSC here in Germany...the roads upstairs are perfect for scoots...

Carl Barber - After attending an excellant weekend i was very saddened to hear of the tragic news, whilst i never knew Ray our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. Lowestoft Deserters SC

Dinger..AFSC - I never met you Ray,but you died doing something you loved..scootering!! May you rest in peace,& i send my heart felt condolances to all of your family & friends xx

Si Boss - Only met Ray recently through PLVSC like all the members made me feel welcome,thoughts go out to friends & family.Be at Peace.

Vince - Like many logged on sunday to express thanks for a great rally at the weekend. Gutted by the news of Ray. Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time. take care Vince (myscooterclub)

Judy & Adie - We would like to send our condolences to all of Rays family and friends,Ray was a really nice guy.You will never be forgotten luv Judy & Adie

Christian - not only was ray my neighbour for 12 years but he was also a much loved friend who we will miss terribly. my heart goes out to all of rays family who i know are absolutely devastated totally gutted....why.....what a waste. gonna miss that famous tut raymondo. love forever christian xx jack xx bobby xx gemma xx

Bagzy.....AFSC - My sincere condolencses to rays family and friends at this difficult time

Richard Few - Only just joined PLVSC and never got to meet Ray. My heart felt feelings go out to his family and freinds. Rest in peace

Julz - Met Ray through Keith C.He was a polite,friendly person.A true gentleman.R.I.P

Denisa - I knew Ray for just over a year but it`s long enough to remember and miss him for a lifetime... Really going to miss you "on nights" Ray. xxx

Steve ( london ) - Its allways the nice people that go, Its just not fair deepest sympathy to all of Rays family R.I.P

Maggie - ray, have known and worked with you for over 20 years.Each time I look at a bananaI laugh and think of you. Thank you for all your help and support during all those long nights we spent together (at work)Rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to your family and friends. Maggie

CLOCKHILL SCOOTERS, NUNEATON - me and my daughter did a stall at your do on saturday and we are truly sorry to hear the sad news about ray. we didnt know ray but i am sure he will be truly missed. just remember FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY WE CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES. bless you all and ride safe. xx

Guz - very sad news after a superb weekend.our thoughs are with Rays family and friends. Guz//sausagespeed

28.6.2007:

Billy - my sincere condolencses to rays family, he was a big bro and the best mate all in one to me

GINA MURRAY - I was so saddened to hear about the tragic death of such ajolly my heartfelt condolences to ray family and to all that knew ray and loved him god bless you ray will be sadly missed R.I.P.

Bish (AFSC) - my thoughts and prayers are with rays family and friends Ride safe

Paul aka MrG - All at the NVLSC would like to pass our deepest sympathys to Rays family and friends at this very sad time.

TERRY (KETTERING MASSIVE) - If their is anything the massive can do to help the willis family with in theses sad times JUST ask and we will do are best ...keep on keeping on KM

29.6.2007:

Teresa aka Fuey - Ray aka Capt Mainwaring. Such sad sad news. My deepest sympathy to all of Rays family and friends. To Rudy & Shell... So sorry ! xxxxxx

Paula - such a sad loss, condolences to rays family and friends,never forget ya smile, paula from lowestoft

2.7.2007:

Martin - My heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends and family of Ray Willis, such a tragic loss. Martin, Scootabitz.

Uggy (AFSC) - My sencire condolences to Rays family and all his friends at PLVC.

4.7.2007:

Gibbo - Sincere condolences to Rays family and friends at PLVC from all The Shedsters. If there is anything we can do to help, please ask.

5.7.2007:

Finedon Scooter Club - condolences sent from all at finedon s.c to the Willis family after what was a fantastic rally that peterboro put on . Lets do it all again next year in Rays memory see you all soon

6.7.2007:

Andy Lindsay - We are of on holiday this weekend so cant be there for funeral next week. Hope it goes well. Love to rays family. Love andy & nicky

8.7.2007:

Carl (AFSC) - Unfortunately I cannot get time from work to go to Rays Funeral... hope it has a good turn-out and it stays fine for you all. Ride safe.

10.7.2007:

Haydn (plvsc /spalding lynx sc) - sorry to rays family for your tragic loss . tried to make it to the funeral unfotunatley scooters being scooters clutch cable snapped just as got to peterborough and that was that so please accept my appollogise and condolancies haydn

MrG - It was a very moving and sincere service at the crem,Our thought are with those he left behind. Rip RAY. From all of the Nvlsc

11.7.2007:

Dale/dread (minorities src) - nice to see so many faces from far and wide, as well as you local lads to Ray. ride free m8.

Corky - On behalf of Rays family and the Plvsc i would like to thank all scooterists from various scooter clubs and solo riders who turned up at Rays funeral yesterday to pay your respects and say goodbye to such a great bloke.It was a great turnout and shows how much he was loved and respected and how much he will be missed.Rest in Peace mate.

Badger - condolences to Rays family and friends and PLVSC. I only spoke to Ray for a short while at the 10th anniversary and he semmed a nice chap,keep on keepin on.

27.7.2007:

Just had a look at the photos that Jacko had taken from the Bash and as you will see attached we had a great time with Ray on that fateful night, he didnt know any of us but made us feel really welcome, I remember him telling me on several occasions through the night " I hope your mate with the broken arm is ok " he was genuinely concerned for Martin's well being.
Picture is Ray in full swing with Jacko's lad Jake and my lad Liam.
As you can see we had a great time, if only we could turn the clock back we would still have the company of a terrifically genuine and fun loving guy.
I'm sure he will be greatly missed by his numerous friends who knew him a lot, lot longer than we did and we wish them and Ray's family all the best for the future, words cannot say enough but I can guarantee he would just like to be remembered as he was.
All the best.
Shaun, Mishi, Liam, Martin, Julie, Vince, Rachel & Jacko, Tanya and Jacko Jnr. From myscooterclub