Back to Ray's Page Ray Pickrell    1938 - 2006    Ray's Funeral Ray Pickrell's funeral was held at Bedford Crematorium at 11.30 am on Friday 3rd March. Hundreds of people attended, and the occasion was upbeat yet dignified. Among those present were many of Ray's family and friends, including racing contemporarie - of course most of whom had been out performed on the track by him! It was a who's who of the 1960's and 1970's racing scene. Les Williams arranged for two of the bikes Ray rode to victory - his F750 Triple and the Dunstall Norton - to be on show outside in the Spring sunshine. Borrowed from the NMM, they looked magnificent. The eulogy was written read by Rex Butcher, and raised many laughs, necessary on such a sad day. Judy Pickrell, Ray's wife, asked that the TR3OC was represented so Graham Redrup and I attended. I rode my T160. There were other TR3OC members there too, including John Atkins, Deena and Kieron Carvell, and Roy and H-J Allen. Roy and H-J rode in too on their Hinckley Triumphs, and Dave Croxford on his Honda Pan European. After the service, many of us went back to the nearby Golf Course and spent many hours talking about the past, in the company of Ray's family and friends. As I rode back home, frozen again, I had 90 minutes to reflect upon a life that represented 68 years in the fast lane. I kept to lane one; it seemed only right. Tony Page Chairman of the TR3OC of which Ray Pickrell was an Honorary Member.