I met Ray some time in late 2021 at St. Joseph’s, when I had just moved to the UK. Somehow, his wedding ring had fallen to the ground beneath the bridge entrance at St. Joseph’s. I saw him looking over ledge, trying to spot the ring. I joined him in looking, and we  eventually got it. He was really grateful for this and we started talking. He was excited to learn that I was from Nigeria, and he shared memories of the years he spent in Nigeria as an educator. I was pleasantly surprised to see that he could still speak some of the local language (igbo).

Thus began a beautiful friendship between us. I always looked forward to seeing him at Mass. We would have a brief chat after Mass, which always started with him saying with a warm smile: “Ndewo!” (the igbo word for “good morning” or “good day”).

Ray was a kindly soul. He always exuded such warmth and always had a ready smile! I never met his wife Marie, but I knew her from his loving references to her, sometimes in-between tears of love.

God doesn’t have favourites, but I believe He must love some in a special way when they radiate the love with which He Himself created us. Ray radiated such love and warmth, and from what I hear of Marie, she did too! Indeed, they’re both saints.

May they both continue to rest in perfect peace and may God comfort all who love them, Amen.