Raymond ‘Ray’ Blockley

On 9th. August 2024 at his home in Billington, Raymond, aged 88 years, passed away peacefully.
Dearly loved husband of the late Hazel, loving Dad to Gail, Victoria and Rachael, devoted Popa to Harry, Hannah and Alishia and a respected friend to many.

Ray began his working life at English Electric in Clayton-le-Moors as a shop floor worker, where he met his soul mate Hazel, marrying her in 1956. Their eldest daughter Gail was born a year later and Ray set about his main goal in life – to provide for his family. He studied and worked hard as an engineer and climbed the Managerial ladder, working for many engineering establishments such as Mullards, Singer Cobble Ltd, and Edgar Pickerings. One of his biggest achievements was to build and establish from concept to success Sekura, a tractor safety cabins Danish company. During the decline of engineering in the area, Ray and Hazel supported their eldest daughter in a business adventure, 2 delicatessen/restaurants in which he was very hands on. Ray and Hazel tried for many years to have more children and were eventually successful in 1975 and 1977 with 2 more daughters, Victoria and Rachael. Raymond continued to work into his eighties, providing business support and acumen to a local company.

Hazel and Raymond were truly blessed to have enjoyed 63 years of a loving and happy marriage. They spent their lives as one, totally besotted and dedicated to each other. Having both lost their mothers, they worked through life’s ups and downs together. Every turn in their journey was done hand in hand with so much love for each other. As a young couple, they thoroughly enjoyed the dance halls; their signature Jive clearing the dance floor for all to watch in awe as Ray swung his dear Hazel across the boards.  Later in life they loved to travel, soaking up the culture, wine and cuisine across multiple continents. Ray’s wife and daughters were his life and he strove to give them the best in life and to experience life’s adventures. So many happy memories.

Ray was generous to a fault, always striving for a better life for his family and helping friends and work colleagues whenever he could. At work, he was a champion for apprentices and shop floor workers, always supporting them, but in turn expected loyalty and respect, which he received. Ray never turned anyone away and always offered help and advice, for which he was dearly loved by many. He doted on his family and made sure they never wanted for anything. He loved his grandchildren dearly and would have loved to spend more time with them. He was very proud of all of them; Harry, his eldest and only grandson, has a successful, happy life in America; Hannah is a talented singer in musical theatre and is at college and Alishia has her own business at a young age.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

If you knew Ray, then you will know that he never liked the colour black, so please avoid black clothing at the funeral service.

Donations are being grateful received in Ray’s memory, on behalf of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. To make a donation please click the ‘Make A Donation’ button at the bottom of this page.

Please feel free to leave a message for Ray’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

 

Stuart

I am sorry for the lost.

 

Elizabeth Asher nee Byrne

So sorry I can’t be there to attend the funeral and share memories afterwards.

 

Moira

Will miss him dearly and wiill never forget.

 

Rosy,David, Reece

Sending love to you all at this sad time.

 

Lisa Lomas

Ray. Always a true gentleman. You were one of the best. R.I.P xx

 

Anna Croasdale

I have fond memories of your both your mum and dad, Thinking of you all x

 

Dianne (The Eagle)

So sorry to hear of you loss it was nice to meet your dad – I will miss him ❤️

 

LuAnn Angeli

I’m so sorry for your loss. Ray was a lovely man. Sending prayers for your family for peace during your sorrow.

 

Allison

Love you Popa.

 

Pat and Andrew

You were our true friends you and Hazel you will be truly missed always there to help we will miss you rest in peace love Pat and Andrew. Xxxx

 

John Bracewell

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father Ray, he was a very generous person, who always put others before himself, and in the good old days he was a pleasure to work with.