I wanted to let the Association know of the passing of ex-Leut Ray Dempsey (P) RAN.
Ray died on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, (where he had been happily retired for some years), at the age of 90, on 13/2/26.
A private family cremation has been held.
His Naval career began in 1956 when he joined as a Recruit Naval Airman. He trained with the RAAF ( Course 29……Tiger Moth, Winjeel, Wirraway ) and received his wings in early 1958.Then followed OFS training in Ireland ( Gannets ) and subsequent postings to Albatross and Melbourne with 816 Squadron. In about 1961 he completed the conversion to Wessex and and remained with helicopters until completion of his Short Service Commission in 1965.
He then joined Qantas and remained there until 1992…flying the 707 and then the 747….and spending the last 10 years as a Senior Check Captain.
Following this he joined Mandarin Airways and then Ansett until retiring in 1997.
Thanks
Gordon Turner ( ex- Lt (o)
