12/10/2017 Back to News
Ray Hunt
On the 12th October we were informed that Ray sadly passed away that morning following a massive heart attack.

Many of you will know Ray from many years back as he has been a skilled pilot for a long number of years; flying commercially, competitively and for fun.

He regularly flew the Hurt Arm/JC Balls balloon, and in recent years Ray, and his wife Vanessa, came along to our balloon meets (when they weren't away in Italy flying). Ray and Vanessa were due to come to the Autumn Gold meet, but with the saturated ground, Ray decided to take a rain check.

RIP Ray, sunshine and soft landings.
Ray's funeral was held at Mansfield Crematorium, Derby Road, Mansfield NG18 5BJ on Thursday 26th October at 14:45hrs. It was very well attended by friends, family and lots of balloonists from all over the country. Colin Wolstenholme recounted fond memories of a man who simply cannot be replaced, and toasted his memory with the obligatory gin and tonic.

Then after the funeral, we went along to the Hurt Arms, Derby Rd, Ambergate, Belper DE56 2EJ - a favourite launch site, with en suite pub. A large photo of Ray greeted everyone and we all clinked glasses with him for the last time.

Ray will be very much missed in ballooning circles, as well as every other walk of life he touched.





   
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