Raymond David “BIG FELLA” Ash

Vale Raymond David “BIG FELLA” Ash
(1927 to 2014)

Ray was born on 30 June at Parramatta and educated at Parramatta State School and Granville Technical College before entering his apprenticeship as an electrician.

Ray has an early fascination with aircraft and spent many years building and flying powered aircraft and gliders. parachuting for pleasure. His stories inspired at least two others of our team to learn to fly later on.

Ray was happily married to Mavis for many years and loved his daughter Peggy and his grandchildren very much.

Wilkes 1963 expeditioners will remember “The Big Fella” as a wonderful companion, a very important member of our tea and a great bloke who was always willing to provide that helping hand when you needed it.

Ray has joined most of the 1963 team in heaven, waiting for the rest of the lads to arrive before setting off to explore that new world.

Goodbye Ray. We will remember.
Ed Davern on behalf of the Wilkes 1963 expedition members.

Published Aurora Journal Summer 2014