5 April 1944 – 3 April 2015
I knew Ray in the old days at school, although he was a year or so behind me, but our paths crossed in Durban and we both attended several local Old Boy Reunions (see attached photo of OB Lunch at Stokers 23 March 2012). He had also recently attended his 50th reunion at the school, and we shared how meaningful such an occasion had been to both of us. I have asked a very good and old friend of his to write a tribute to Ray, as he knew him far better than me, and which I would like to share with our school. – Jack Dommisse (1955-1960)
I have been asked to write a few words about my old friend Ray Rethman who has just died at the age of 71 after battling with cancer over a number of years.
I met Ray in Pretoria in the 1950’s and whilst our school paths went separate ways with me going to CBC and Ray to Pretoria Boys High we developed a firm and lasting friendship of 60 years. Like all of us lucky enough to grow up in Pretoriain the 1950’s Ray had the advantage of growing up in a beautiful city with its freedom to cycle whenever and wherever he wanted, to enjoy a near perfect climate,to enjoy wonderful teenage years, and most importantly perhaps to attend a first rate school.
Ray came over to England in 1965 to adventure and work and during that time I was the best man at his wedding in London on the day England won the soccer world cup in 1966, a date neither of us was ever likely to forget.
Ray alighted on the passion that was to consume his working life and set out to become a chiropractor by going to study at the chiropractic college in Bournemouth, England. After qualifying he returned to SA and settled in Durban establishing a practice which he ran very successfully until his death. He became a hugely popular and much loved Durban chiropractor and a highly regarded member of the chiropractic community in SA, holding various offices within the SA Chiropractic Association.
Durban Royal Golf Club where Ray was an active member for many years flew their flag at half-mast on hearing that he had died, an indication of his club mates feelings towards him.
Ray leaves behind his wife Linda and their two children Scottie and Katy
Ray was…
A lovely warm and always affectionate man with a truly great sense of humour and a wonderful smile
A loving father who adored his family,
A hard working and determined professional man who always did things his way
A tough man who bore great pain and discomfort with great dignity in his later years
And a loyal and much loved friend who will be much missed by many.
Pretoria Boys High School can be very proud of Ray Rethman, his life has brought the school much credit and those of you who knew him during his school years where privileged to have known him and to have shared some of his life.
Tribute by Howard Stirrup