David Martin Denton Ray 1929-2014

Walligford Castle Chapter

David was our Brother Organist for almost as long as Wallingford Castle Chapter has been in existence. He died rather suddenly on the 1st November after being taken from his home just down Goldsmith Lane here to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

He was born in Glasgow on 27th February, 1929 and at an early age decided to go to sea. He trained as a Merchant Navy Officer and gained his 'Ticket' as a Master Mariner at the relatively young age of 26. Most of his professional life was in delivering new ships and taking vessels to and from repair yards.

His Masonic career stemmed some 46 years. He was Initiated into the Mount Carmel Lodge No. 44 in Israel in 1966 and raised on 25th May, 1968. Subsequently he became a member of the Anglo-Hanseatic Lodge No. 760 in Germany. A succession in membership of three Lodges in the English Constitution followed and he then joined the Paisley St James Lodge No.1116 in Scotland.

David, along with Ill. Bro. Trevor Greene, 30°, became our first Perfectees following Consecration. A double ceremony was held on the 15th June, 2005. He had no aspirations to progress through the Offices and was content to indulge one of his loves in life, music and playing the organ in particular. This he did with distinction in this Chapter and as Guest Organist with a number of lodges and side degrees here in Wallingford. His parting to the Grand Chapter Above robs us of a good Mason and a man with wicked sense of humour. It is notable that he had a while back extended his apologies for this evening to attend the Craft Lodge of his son, the John Roycce No. 7957 at Abingdon School. His son, Per Christian is the incumbent WM of the Lodge.

Michael K. Woolford
31° Recorder
Wallingford Castle Chapter No. 1165