One last JCB ride for Rossett man Ray

Raymond Albert Goodlet died peacefully but suddenly on October 10, 2022, at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, aged 77.

Better known to many as Ray, he was a local legend in Rossett, where he was born and bred, living in the village his whole life.

He spent his whole working career operating heavy machinery, and was well known for his work on JCBs, owning his own plant hire for many years until his retirement.

In June 2022 Ray was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent surgery in Bangor Hospital to have his bladder removed. He had been recovering well but after a week of being home he took a turn for the worse, and was re-admitted into Wrexham, where it was discovered the cancer had returned in his stomach.

On the morning of his funeral, Ray made one last JCB ride, travelling from his house in Waverley Crescent in the village to the church in the bucket of a JCB belonging to friend Jamie Harvey, with all his family and friends walking behind.

Family and friends walk behind the JCB carrying Raymond Goodlet to Christ Church in Rossett.

Fittingly, daughter Lydia noted: "As we left for our walk to the church a beautiful rainbow came out over the fields where he spent his retirement days shooting."

The service was held on October 27 at Christ Church in Rossett, followed by cremation at Chester Crematorium, where Ray was taken in a hearse Landrover Defender.

Ray was a beloved husband of Sonia, father to Shaun, Kim, Sophie, Lydia and Holly, father-in-law to Noel, brother to Julie, brother-in-law to Ron and granddad, tad tads and great-grandad to all his grandchildren.

A hearse Landrover Defender carried Raymond Goodlet to Chester Crematorium

Daughter Lydia said: "Family and friends would describe him as a man with a heart of gold and always smiling and joking. Even after everything he endured he was still positive and making jokes.

"He was an amazing friend to so many people and will be sorely missed. My dad was truly one in a million and I’m going to miss him so much.

"He was the best dad I could ever ask for and when I look back over the last 24 years I’ve spent with him, I see nothing but happy memories which involve lots of amazing family holidays, days out and celebrating special occasions.

"He will be missed so much by every single person that knew him. I’ve had so many lovely words and comments from people that knew him, it’s very humbling to know how much he was loved.

"I would also like to thank everyone who contributed in giving him the best send off, and a big thank you to Roberts Bros who organised such a beautiful funeral and were amazing during a very dark time for my family.”