Beloved, respected and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, confidante, mentor, motivator, inspiration and guiding light, Ray passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep in Australia on January 15th, 2025.
Ray had great respect and esteem for his friends and colleagues in the Martinborough community and the New Zealand wine industry (as well as the music, film & television entertainment industries).
He will be familiar to many who have dined and visited Tirohana over the years (and always enjoyed meeting first-time visitors, as well as having a chat with regulars). He also had an appreciation and love for the many fans around the world who were touched by his creative endeavours.
A passionate wine enthusiast and champion of the natural world, Ray was pivotal in establishing Tirohana Estate and its philosophy of boutique, handmade wines, as well as Tirohana’s dining and hospitality (the estate has received many awards for its wine and restaurant over the years).
A force of nature and larger than life, Ray’s passing is a catastrophic loss to his family and they respectfully ask for ongoing privacy during this very difficult time.
A private family service has been held but it would mean a great deal if in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the non-profitable charity founded by Ray in New Zealand, the Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation ( https://withyoueverystepoftheway.com ) which supports and assists children and teenagers (and their families) touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ray’s legacy lives on in us all and his music, works and projects will live on. Ray’s beloved Tirohana Estate will continue, as will Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment.
‘You cannot ignore the whisper of mortality that inhabits every fading sunset’.
Keep the dream alive
For more information – https://www.entercloud9.com/cloud-9-company/people/