07/10/2026
Our club flag is currently at half mast following the passing yesterday of Life Member Ray Richard (better known to many of us as Arkwright).
As with his wife Mary, Ray is an iconic figure in the recent history of our club - having been involved as a player, administrator, bar manager, and green keeper, amongst a great number of other things over many years as a valued member here.
Ray was very deservedly awarded Life Membership in recognition of his enormous contribution to the game and to our club.
I was very fortunate to have joined Hokowhitu while Ray was still bowling - and he was always a steady and reliable member of any team he was in. He particularly enjoyed playing in the Skogs, and he very proficiently showed off his skill in playing with a hacksaw bowling arm. He was the first person I had seen using one, and he really had it mastered.
Of course for many of us, we will fondly remember Friday drinks that were attended by Ray - he was always quite the raconteur, full of stories, and great company to be with. He had lived a remarkably varied and interesting life, so was never short of something to talk about. He was also a very strong and determined man when it came to any work that was required around the club - and he told me he single handedly dug out our gully water sump for drainage from the greens, and that by the time he was done it was so deep he could stand in it without being seen from above.
He was also adept at growing plants - many of which were brought down to the club and spread around our gardens. For many years, he and Graham Morris between them kept the gardens and surroundings in the beautiful and pristine condition for which we have become known, and in which we continue to take great pride and pleasure to this day.
Recent ill health has meant Ray has been unable to enjoy spending as much time with us here as he would have liked, but he always retained a keen interest in what was happening around the club, and it always remained very close to his heart.
Those of us who have had the pleasure to know Ray, will remember him most fondly - and it's such a shame that as we enter our 90th Jubilee year, with so many positive things going on around the club, that he will not be around to share in them. His legacy and memory however will certainly live on.
Mary has advised that a private family service will be held this week, and I trust that at the appropriate time, we as a club can commemorate Ray's life and contribution in some meaningful way too.
On behalf of all members past and present, I extend my sincerest condolences to Mary, and to all their family. We hope that knowing so many of us share in your loss, and that you are very much in our thoughts at this time, may help bring you some comfort in this time of sadness.
Rest in Peace Ray, you have certainly earned it, and we thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Hokowhitu Bowling Club and its members.
Paul Skilton
President, Hokowhitu Bowls.
