Ray WALTER Obituary

So sad to hear of Ray´s passing. He had a huge impact on my life at 18yrs old after working with him for 6 months on Tiri Tiri. His knowledge, humour and zest for life was infectious. Rest in peace Ray and I hope you´re having a laugh with Jim on the other side xx
Jacqui Hickman

I was very saddened to hear that Ray had passed away. I spent 12 months undergoing research for a Masters Degree on Tieke in 1987, spending one week of each month living on the Island. Ray (and Barbara) were so accommodating and caring of me, as a young 22 year old and I considered them both friends. Sending much Aroha to Barbara and the extended whanau at this sad time.

We were deeply saddened to hear that Ray has passed away. We worked as researchers on Tiri for many years and because we were so far away from home (Australia and Sweden), Ray & Barbara became our surrogate parents. We love you both for the support and trust you gave us, for the wonderful stories you shared, for your generous spirit, and the sense of belonging to an extended family we always had when living and working alongside you. Ray may be gone, but his spirit lives on in both of us and the stories of that time we get to tell our children. Thanks for the many many good years we were able to share with you.
Matt & Åsa

My deepest condolences I was only a little boy when I met Ray on a plating day and now I'm happy to say that I'm a SOT and doing work on the island because Ray inspired me RIP ray

Condolances from Marie, Mark and all the Hillary family to Ray and Barbara, and extended families, at this sad time of loss.
We have known Ray and Barbara a long time, but rarely met them earlier, as Ray was always working elsewhere, but met Ray and Barbara more regularly latter,
Ray had many facets to his rich life and devoted great energy to them, including the work on Tiritiri Matangi, where I occasionally went, and he and Barbara contributed a large amount of time and effort in helping its restoration.
His achievements and contributions are many and the benefits are shared amongst a huge number of people.
I enjoyed Rays' company and stories on many occasions, and wished I sent more time with him.
Many thanks for posting the photo.

Rest in Peace, Ray. M. Walter.
Regards to Family and Friends.
Mark Hillary.

I was sorry to hear about Ray´s passing.

I will always remember Ray, also known to my children (Kyle & Tonisha) as "Poppa Smurf", and for his checky smile with a tiny bit of his tongue pocking out as he did. I know Ray touched so many lives in his lifetime, he has certainly left behind a big legacy, that will live on in so many ways, but will never be forgotten.
My sincerest condolences go out to you Barbara & the family.

Anna-Maree.

Will miss you forever little brother - my love to Barbara and your family.. thanks for the laughs, chats and coffee catchups.

Ray was a remarkable man. A man of many stories, an indefatigable worker whose vision helped transform Tiritiri Matangi into the wonderful place it is today. I count myself lucky to have known him, and wish deep sympathies to Barbara and his family.

Deep condolences and aroha to Barbara and the family. Ray was a truly great, but humble man who has left a massive legacy. Thank you from the people, plants and critters of Tiritiri and the wider ecology of Aotearoa.

Cherished memories of Uncle Ray. A life well lived. Our deepest condolences to Barbara and all the family. You're in our thoughts at this sad time.
From Margaret & Paul, Hannah & Naomi.

Thank you Ray, for being an inspiration to us all. Your tenacity, sense of humour and impressive calves will be missed.

Deepest sympathies to Barbara and your whanau.

Tiritiri Matangi has lost a taonga.

Ray We hope you keep those Lighthouses Lights Shining Bright., also that there is plenty of Ice Cream for you. From Steve and Christine Auckland Central Forest and Bird. XXX

My grief at Ray's passing is balanced by the enormous love and respect I hold for such a special man. Ray contributed so much to conservation and education in the more than 40 years he spent on Tiritiri Matangi. He was a tireless worker, always leading by example. His stories, of course, always told with a wicked smile, are legend. I am honoured to have had Ray as a friend. My heartfelt condolences to Barbara and his family.

An amazing and energetic man who inspired me in as a child. Thanks Uncle Ray for welcoming me into your home when I was still small and shy.

RIP Popa Walter, what an awesome and inspirational life you had! Condolences to the rest of the family. Much love! From Kyle, Tabitha,Hector, Victor Walter and soon too be great granddaughter Iris Walter. Very honoured to share the last name, what a privilege!

RIP uncle Ray - once of the worlds workers for the good of the people around him and the life he and Barbara embraced /a life well lived
Our condolonces to Barbara and their family from His twin Ron and wife Joan along with Jennifer, Christine, Lynnette and David

An incredible icon,mentor,orator and helmsman of the years of service to the Island of Tiri ,..