Raymond "Ray" Buckley (3 Apr 1950 - 24 Nov 2020)

Donation from Auntie Yvonne and Uncle Billy

Donation from Auntie Brenda

Donation from Auntie Margaret

Back in the early '90s Derby was bustling with talented musicians with venues a plenty. Looking back at life you realise how special and precious those times were and the people who shared it with you. Thank you Ray for all the entertainment. I'm blessed to have been part of your journey. RiP Ray. X

Dearest Ray,

You were my partner & husband for a while, but most importantly the father of our wonderful daughters Jess & Emma and my friend for over 32 years.

We met in '88 at the Wrights Vaults on Station Rd in Derby, now the Merry Widow’s, renamed as the wife of the landlord took over the license when he died. It had such a warm, welcoming, and familiar ambience; you frequented this establishment, which is located opposite the train station, as it was convenient before and after your many weekend trips to Liverpool during the 80s.

Your kindness, generosity, cheeky smile, and wicked sense of humour were an instant attraction; plus, you had a 6th sense ability to quietly connect with people having a tough time.
To quote a great song:
'We were two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl ...' and you charmingly stated: 'Tracy, you're my second-chance bite of the cherry', and though 18 years my senior that was it, the journey began, you were 38 years young and I was an old spirit of 19.

You were such a soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist, I was mesmerised and in awe of your talent. You sang, played the guitar, and wrote songs all the time, especially in the bathroom. I have only just been informed by Emma that this was for the acoustics, not as a romantic serenade, but I loved it, nevertheless.

By Christmas '88 we'd moved into together on Burnside St and were married in ’89. We had the evening do at the Ukrainian Club, a fabulous night to remember, luckily captured forever on video, where you & Wolly performed as the live music entertainment. The Buckley’s, The Wagg’s and friends danced the night away, with a scouse DJ of course. We had already had a holiday that year, so it was just a one-night honeymoon at the local Oast House Hotel.

Music was a huge part of our lives and I was lucky enough to be a roadie and photographer from the start and for most of your gigs during our time together. Squashed into my old white 1968 Triumph we drove to your solo events and when you performed as one half of the amazing Wolly & Ray duo. You proudly introduced yourselves as ‘Buckley & Summers’ at the beginning of the evening, then sometimes as ‘Suckley & Bummers’ by the end of the night. The show became Wolly and friends with great performances around the Midlands and together you formed the Newcranes in 1989. Heavily pregnant with Jess, sadly I missed when they supported Bob Dylan, but I was side stage when the Levellers supported the Newcranes, what a night that was!

In March 1990, the night before we had Jess, a planned caesarean, you took me to the George & Dragon on Bedford Street, another salubrious haunt and wandering back from the jukebox, you said: ‘This one’s for you…’ as the intro to (I never promised you a) ‘Rose Garden’ by Lynn Anderson started. We laughed so much I thought my waters might break.

We moved to Woods Lane in 1990, unusually close to your outlaws, being next door to my mum Joan and round the corner from Grandma Elsie, you were complete unphased by it. You had already worked your magical scouse charm on them both. Emma arrived in 1991 on our 2nd wedding anniversary and your blended family was complete, until the grandchildren came along of course.

Ray, you were with us as part of our new blended family always, before and after you started to become unwell with your memory loss about 9 years ago. We spent Christmases, birthdays and special occasions together and persevered even when your mobility deteriorated and we struggled to get you in and out of the car. We had such a laugh, and both nearly ended up on the floor a few times; we should have had L-plates on the wheelchair.

We were fortunate to go concerts, plays and musicals with Jess and Emma, Don McLean, the Eagles and Carol King’s Beautiful to name a few. We went to see Emma’s gigs and Jess’ performances on many occasions, which you enjoyed so much, we have so many treasured memories.

The eventual diagnosis of the genetic condition Fragile X, after you had been in dementia residential care for a couple of years came in Spring 2019. This came about following Emma and Jess’ DNA testing and positive results just before Christmas 2018. For you and for Emma this made the pieces of the puzzle with a mysterious collection of symptoms and health issues finally make sense, after baffling the doctors for some time and with a few misdiagnoses along the way.

We are all still processing the wider family impact of this fairly unheard-of genetic disorder and your gorgeous grandson Leo has the full Fragile X Syndrome. Hence, the donations in lieu of flowers link on the back of the service program to support families living with Fragile X and to continue the research.

Ray, we shared an unconditional love of our beautiful girls and remained close friends for over 32 years, making precious memories until the end.

Ray Buckley, I am privileged to have travelled this journey with you and I thank you with all my heart and soul. Thank you for the fun, the laughter, the tears, the support, the love, for our children and for the music. We will celebrate your life always.

All my love, forever in my heart
Tracy xx

RIP Ray , I never forgot the guidance you gave me as a school kid when you were training to be a teacher and I’ll never forget the warmth and humour you always showed all our family .
Love Ian

In loving memory. Rest in peace Ray. Donna & Steven

In loving memory of cousin Ray

In loving memory of cousin Ray

G’Day my beloved Love-Apudlian Brother in Arms. A Liver Bird tells me that you will be farewelled this Friday afternoon surrounded by the love of family friends and many others across the intergalactic airwaves.
I would like to pay homage and am privileged and honoured that you came into my life.
You were a huge and significant influence in my musical and creative journey and I cannot thank you enough and will be eternally grateful for your generosity in teaching me your wealth of guitar styles and finger picking chops.
You also introduced me to Ry Cooder and other hill Billys who shaped and expanded my Mandolin playing styles.
I know you will be present and effervescent, Gently Lingering and Loitering within eternal love from above and dreamily drifting and floating through endless nourishing and nutritional ‘Kettle Crisp Clouds’ and sipping from a never ending flowing fountain of select chosen beverages!!!
Keep Gently Beaming and Shine On You Crazy Raymond
🙏😊❤️🌎☁️🎶🎸🎤🙏xxx

Love you Dad...

Through life there are many connections, many influences. Occasionally, there is a special connection, a friendship which adds immeasurable value, which helps to form and guide a future.

Ray was exactly that. Never slow to challenge, never unwilling to support, he gave permission to take a risk, consider an alternative, grow, and take the step onto the next ’S curve’.

Inspirational, occasionally maddening, but my life is richer having known you ‘Raymundo’. See you on the next ’S curve’ mate. Get the beers in. ‘Johnny’

In loving memory for a man who bought music and love to us all Paul and Karen x