Where Are They Now?Please feel free to post contact information here if you are looking for long lost friends or trying to find out what has happened to colleagues. Obituaries and condolences can be posted here too.
Its with great sadness that I have just heard that Ray has died, I understand that he had a fall at his house, and alas slipped in to a coma and tragically Died. I have very fond and great memorys of Ray, he helped me gain my first flying job on the B737800 at XL back in 2001. A true pilot and funny man, I know many pilots owe a dept to him. He was a great trainer, fleet manager and a friend. All I can say now is Thanks Ray, It was my great pleasure to have flown with you.
I'm smiling even now at some of his stories....! Slightly Politically incorrect they may have been, but cracked me up.
He had pet names for certain people as well... All very apt...! He called a spade a spade, which in today's world sometimes people had sense of humour failures over, - their loss for not knowing or understanding him better.
A fine flier and gent whose loss to the world will be sadly missed. I'm just sorry I didn't get to know him more.
Such very sad news, Ray B was one of a kind and the best fleet manager I have ever seen, probably because he was a man that was totally untainted by political correctness.
Ray was never one to dress things up you just got the unvarnished truth, he always had time to look after the interests of the pilots he managed and this sometimes put him at odds with the management.
But it is for all the fun nightstops, practical training, and good flying that most of us will remember Ray.
The passing of Ray B is a great loss to all who had the pleasure to have known him.
He was a great fleet manager, he had the total respect of his pilots and those of us in the office (and i was lucky to work with him at BWL and XL) had complete admiration for a pilot who actually came across as a decent bloke! From all reports I heard he was an excellent pilot as well, and calling out first officers was a lot easier when you told them Ray B was the skipper. Goodbye to another of our industry's quiet heroes.
How very sad - he was a great guy to fly with and an absolute gent, I was with him on an overnight the day XL went bust - he still managed a few beers and smiles in the bar! RIP Ray - there are fewer and fewer of the really good guys left!
I met Ray as a training Captain in the late 80's, a complete no bullshit pilot and trainer. He fell into the same category as Peter Williams whose demise was in June 2012. I learn't a lot from Ray and it has been a privilege to have known him. We last corresponded late last year via email. My condolences to his widow and dependents
So sad to hear about the tragic death of 'The Guvnor', Ray Burtenshaw.
I have so many fond memories of flying with him on the Bandit around the UK and Europe back in the early 80s with Connectair. He was always such great fun to fly with and always happy to pass on his considerable knowledge in his own unique style. He really was one of a kind. You will be missed.
I first met Ray during the old Air Ecosse Bandeirante days.
We continued to bump-into each other over the years, at Southend and other places, the last time towards the end of the XL era at Teneriffe....outside the crew-shop - where else?!!
Aviation has lost a great character and a real gent.
Very sorry to hear that Ray has checked out. We go way back to Dan-Air line shift days. Fond memories of late night dashes to the aero club at Lowfield Heath for last orders!. Happy landings Ray.
Very sad news indeed, I have countless memories of him in his Air Ecosse days, in the 'province' as he called it. A true gent, aviation has lost a truly great character.
Ray's stepson here, it's great to read the thoughts people had about Ray and comforting to know he had such a great impact on people's lives.
The funeral details are now confirmed as: Wednesday 14th November, 1330 at the Worth Crematorium (family flowers only please) with a wake being held at the East Grinstead Rugby Club. All who knew Ray are welcome at both venues
I'm also collecting pictures/ sayings people have of Ray. I'd be grateful if you have anything you wouldn't mind sharing is sent to: Ray 'at' markmagee . com
