NAW

It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of Ray Dixon at the age of 63 following a very brave and dignified fight against Leukemia over the last two years.
Ray joined the RAF in 1970 and after fast jet training flew Phantoms with 43 Squadron at Leuchars (two tours) and also did tours at Wattisham and Conningsby, he attended RAAF Staff College in 1984.

He also served as O.C 19 Sqd in the late 80s then went on to be senior personnel officer 1990-94, Station Cdr RAF Mt Pleasant 1994-95, Chief Plans Branch Allied Forces Central Europe HQ 1995-97, sr air advsr NATO Forces Bosnia Herzegovina 1997, Cdr Br Forces Falkland Is 1998-99, sr mangr Air Def systems and sites UK and abroad 1999-2000, Inspr of Flight Safety RAF 2000-02, Dir Def Aviation Safety Centre 2002

Ray was an Upper Freeman in the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators; FRAeS.

After retirement Ray enjoyed fly fishing in the rivers around his home in Devon and sea fishing from a boats some of which he Skippered on the coasts around Devon and Dorset.

A great Husband, loving Father and inspirational Brother he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

RIP Ray

Fortissimo

NAW, I am really sorry to learn that Ray is no longer with us - I flew with him briefly on 43 and had frequent contact with him later in his career. He was one of the good guys and I know he will be missed by friends and colleagues as well as by family. I understand that the funeral has already taken place, but is there any particular cause to which donations in his memory might be sent?

Also, I have taken the liberty of posting a link to this news on the military aircrew forum.

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soddim

A Phantom mate I flew with at Coningsby in 1983 - sad loss and taken from us too early. RIP.

grandad

Ray was my Sqn Cdr at Wildenrath and I have ran into him a lot in his capacity as Air Display Director at Leuchars. The world has lost a gentleman and will be the worse for his demise. RIP and condolences to his family

wiggy

I was once told Ray had a fearsome reputation but I always, always, appreciated the way he handled the proceedings that resulted from a particularly unfortunate event that I experienced very early on in my FJ career. No hidden agendas, no politics, no BS just an ability to get straight to the point and above all, it seemed to me at the time that he had the patience of a saint......

I'd second the comment that the world has lost a gentleman, and at far to young an age..

Geehovah

So sorry to hear the sad news. RIP Ray and I'll be raising a glass to you this evening.

sid196

Ray is my father, and as such I'd firstly just like to apologise for the lack of Comms regarding his funeral on Friday 16th. Despite only 2 days notice between it's finalisation and it taking place, the whole family were enheartened at the level of support we received and the amount of his colleagues that had heard and managed to attend on such short notice.

After the past 2 years we thought it appropriate that, rather than flowers, any gifts were donated to ELF (Exeter Leukaemia Fund) and as such a Just Giving page was set up for him. It can be found at: Kara Dixon is fundraising for ELF

On behalf of all of his family, thank you all so much for your kind words, despite such a sad loss they still raise a proud smile from us all.

Dixie77

It appears that my brother has beaten me to this so all I can do is add my thanks to his. These posts have brought a smile to my face and painted a very true picture of the dad I knew.

Thank you.

breakscrew

I served with Ray when he was the Director of the Aviation Safety Centre. He was a top bloke, whether at work or off duty, he was engaging, energetic and extremely pleasant. I am very sorry to hear that he has passed away. The world is a lesser place without him.