June 2010 . . John Raymond (Ray) Townsend 1934 – 2010
John Raymond Townsend, known to his friends as Ray or to his many grand children as “Poppy” was born on the 2nd May 1934 to John and Sarah Alma Townsend.
His father John ran the local rural butcher shop on the family’s dairy property located at Ocean View. Early years were spent with his elder brother Ron, exploring and learning all about working life on the dairy farm.
His mother gave birth to twins Eric and Joan in 1938, but sadly passed away in June 1950, when Ray was only 16. This tragic loss added to the hardship this young rural family had to endure and overcome.
His resourceful and hardworking father laboured tirelessly on both the Mount Byron and Ocean View properties. Early starts were the order of the day for farm children of his era. Even as a five year old boy, Ray’s day would start by hand milking 5 cows before breakfast. From an early age Ray loved helping his father on the farm. He treasured his first small axe from his father. So much so, that when he misjudged a swing and hit his foot, he tried to hide the injury from his father – not wanting to lose his new axe and the opportunity to help his dad.
Like many teenagers at the time, Ray experimented with smoking. Unfortunately this experiment resulted in the family’s cow shed been mysteriously damaged by fire.
His father, John, taught Ray and his brothers to play tennis on Ken Townsend’s property – on Mt. Mee Rd, adjacent to Townsend Road. Ray and Ron took to tennis like ducks to water and it wasn’t long before they talked their father into letting them build their own tennis court on the Ocean View farm. Ray and Ron enjoyed considerable success in tennis fixtures travelling throughout the surrounding districts. Ray was even described as a giant killer in the Redcliffe Paper, as he achieved upset wins over more fancied opposition.
In his early adulthood Ray discovered the thrill of motorcycles. His first motorcycle, of several, was a 1950 BSA which he learned to ride even before he learned to ride a push bike. After considerable hours on the winding country roads he became quite a dare devil who, it seems, held the unofficial record between Petrie and Dayboro.
Ray Moved to Redcilffe in 1952 and started work as a builders’ offsider for local builder Ted Brewer. During the Redcliffe years he also worked at Galliers Hardware at Main St Scarborough, though it wasn’t long before plumbers who purchased their materials from Galliers noticed that his physique would be ideal to handle the demands of digging their drainage trenches with a shovel and pick.
Although he enjoyed hard work, he later jumped at the opportunity to have his own ice run. The ice truck was also used in delivering firewood in the afternoons, once the icebox had been removed from the tray. With the advent of mass produced refrigerators, Ray had to pursue other income opportunities. This included time at the Golden Circle Cannery at Northgate. It was during this time that he married Audrey, his first wife. Married in 1955, they lived together in Redcliffe. Here Ray enjoyed time on the water catching fish.
Strong and capable, Ray finished building his first house in King St, Redcliffe. It was with some pride that he reflected on this achievement where he handcrafted the cupboards and laid every floor board in matching pattern.
During this period Ray’s father, John, married Daphne and they had three beautiful daughters together Jenny, Rossy and Desie, who Ray absolutely adored.
Unfortunately, in 1964, Ray’s first marriage ended. He then moved to the “big smoke”, Brisbane, and began a long career as a taxi driver.
In 1967 Ray first met Lyn in the Californian Cafe and the couple married the following year. The early years were financially challenging but very rewarding as they raised 5 sons – Ken, Heath, Ray, Peter and Paul. Ray worked long hours in the taxi to provide for his family.
The young Townsend family always lived on the north side of Brisbane; renting houses at Eagle Junction, Hendra and Northgate before purchasing the family home at Richmond St, Gordon Park.
Ray and Lyn hosted many BBQ’s and family gatherings at Gordon Park. Hardly a month would go past without some gathering of family or friends. In later years the gatherings would often be to celebrate the arrival of new grandchildren.
Realising the benefits of sport in his own life, Ray encouraged and provided the opportunity for his boys to get involved in sport. This led to an enjoyable and satisfying association with North’s Rugby League Club where Ray would watch and support all his sons play footy. Ray and Lyn loved the footy community and made many long lasting friendships with likeminded parents.
Ray supplemented his income by working some weekends at the Mount Byron property. This is where his ‘city slicker’ children discovered that rural life is hard work and that their dad was extremely capable. They watched as he built cattle yards by hand – felling the trees and working the timber with non powered hand tools. There was also the slaughtering of cattle, plus the more mundane tasks that he undertook which included lantana spraying and repairing fences.
An active union member, he strongly believed in the working class man getting a fair go.
Ray took a break from the taxis, joining Jetspress as a courier driver, until retirement, when his friendliness and good work ethic brought forth an overwhelming volume of gifts, cards and calls. Never content to sit back, he later returned to the taxis, which he continued until late 2008. He enjoyed connecting with most of his passengers and appreciated the opportunity to make new friends.
Later in life he developed an interest in photography, and enjoyed bush walks and holidaying on the Sunshine Coast.
Throughout his battle with cancer, his family’s precious memories include the way that Ray maintained a heart of gratitude to all the medical staff who assisted in providing help and comfort to him. Even at times when it was hard for him to speak, he would kindly thank nurses for their assistance. No rudeness, but honour and respect being displayed by Ray. Sadly Ray passed away on 15th May 2010. He was buried in the Dayboro Cemetery, after a service at the Dayboro Uniting Church.
His mother gave birth to twins Eric and Joan in 1938, but sadly passed away in June 1950, when Ray was only 16. This tragic loss added to the hardship this young rural family had to endure and overcome.
His resourceful and hardworking father laboured tirelessly on both the Mount Byron and Ocean View properties. Early starts were the order of the day for farm children of his era. Even as a five year old boy, Ray’s day would start by hand milking 5 cows before breakfast. From an early age Ray loved helping his father on the farm. He treasured his first small axe from his father. So much so, that when he misjudged a swing and hit his foot, he tried to hide the injury from his father – not wanting to lose his new axe and the opportunity to help his dad.
Like many teenagers at the time, Ray experimented with smoking. Unfortunately this experiment resulted in the family’s cow shed been mysteriously damaged by fire.
His father, John, taught Ray and his brothers to play tennis on Ken Townsend’s property – on Mt. Mee Rd, adjacent to Townsend Road. Ray and Ron took to tennis like ducks to water and it wasn’t long before they talked their father into letting them build their own tennis court on the Ocean View farm. Ray and Ron enjoyed considerable success in tennis fixtures travelling throughout the surrounding districts. Ray was even described as a giant killer in the Redcliffe Paper, as he achieved upset wins over more fancied opposition.
In his early adulthood Ray discovered the thrill of motorcycles. His first motorcycle, of several, was a 1950 BSA which he learned to ride even before he learned to ride a push bike. After considerable hours on the winding country roads he became quite a dare devil who, it seems, held the unofficial record between Petrie and Dayboro.
Ray Moved to Redcilffe in 1952 and started work as a builders’ offsider for local builder Ted Brewer. During the Redcliffe years he also worked at Galliers Hardware at Main St Scarborough, though it wasn’t long before plumbers who purchased their materials from Galliers noticed that his physique would be ideal to handle the demands of digging their drainage trenches with a shovel and pick.
Although he enjoyed hard work, he later jumped at the opportunity to have his own ice run. The ice truck was also used in delivering firewood in the afternoons, once the icebox had been removed from the tray. With the advent of mass produced refrigerators, Ray had to pursue other income opportunities. This included time at the Golden Circle Cannery at Northgate. It was during this time that he married Audrey, his first wife. Married in 1955, they lived together in Redcliffe. Here Ray enjoyed time on the water catching fish.
Strong and capable, Ray finished building his first house in King St, Redcliffe. It was with some pride that he reflected on this achievement where he handcrafted the cupboards and laid every floor board in matching pattern.
During this period Ray’s father, John, married Daphne and they had three beautiful daughters together Jenny, Rossy and Desie, who Ray absolutely adored.
Unfortunately, in 1964, Ray’s first marriage ended. He then moved to the “big smoke”, Brisbane, and began a long career as a taxi driver.
In 1967 Ray first met Lyn in the Californian Cafe and the couple married the following year. The early years were financially challenging but very rewarding as they raised 5 sons – Ken, Heath, Ray, Peter and Paul. Ray worked long hours in the taxi to provide for his family.
The young Townsend family always lived on the north side of Brisbane; renting houses at Eagle Junction, Hendra and Northgate before purchasing the family home at Richmond St, Gordon Park.
Ray and Lyn hosted many BBQ’s and family gatherings at Gordon Park. Hardly a month would go past without some gathering of family or friends. In later years the gatherings would often be to celebrate the arrival of new grandchildren.
Realising the benefits of sport in his own life, Ray encouraged and provided the opportunity for his boys to get involved in sport. This led to an enjoyable and satisfying association with North’s Rugby League Club where Ray would watch and support all his sons play footy. Ray and Lyn loved the footy community and made many long lasting friendships with likeminded parents.
Ray supplemented his income by working some weekends at the Mount Byron property. This is where his ‘city slicker’ children discovered that rural life is hard work and that their dad was extremely capable. They watched as he built cattle yards by hand – felling the trees and working the timber with non powered hand tools. There was also the slaughtering of cattle, plus the more mundane tasks that he undertook which included lantana spraying and repairing fences.
An active union member, he strongly believed in the working class man getting a fair go.
Ray took a break from the taxis, joining Jetspress as a courier driver, until retirement, when his friendliness and good work ethic brought forth an overwhelming volume of gifts, cards and calls. Never content to sit back, he later returned to the taxis, which he continued until late 2008. He enjoyed connecting with most of his passengers and appreciated the opportunity to make new friends.
Later in life he developed an interest in photography, and enjoyed bush walks and holidaying on the Sunshine Coast.
Throughout his battle with cancer, his family’s precious memories include the way that Ray maintained a heart of gratitude to all the medical staff who assisted in providing help and comfort to him. Even at times when it was hard for him to speak, he would kindly thank nurses for their assistance. No rudeness, but honour and respect being displayed by Ray. Sadly Ray passed away on 15th May 2010. He was buried in the Dayboro Cemetery, after a service at the Dayboro Uniting Church.
