Raymond William Willett

A true gentleman, entertainer and campaigner for Fiordland. You'll be greatly missed. RIP Ray. My heartfelt condolences to Helen.

Helen, i would really like to be there with you, but my eyesight makes driving challenging. Will come down after xmas. My thoughts are with you. Paul

Ray Willett's passing is deeply mourned by the Fiordland community. He's remembered as a kind, storytelling legend, and a devoted ambassador for Te Anau and Fiordland. His impact will be forever cherished, and he'll be deeply missed by all who knew him. Loved you Ray

You will really be missed by the people of Fiordland and the many friends you have made over the years, a true legend.
Sorry I won’t be able to attend your funeral as I am in Auckland. Deepest sympathy to Helen and the family.

Helen, my deepest condolences to you. I use to love talking with Ray about the good old Milford Track days with you guys and mum and dad.
Sending you loads of love ❤️ one hell of a man!

It is not often I use the word Icon but I think Ray deserves it. He made so many locals and tourists smile by taking his pet donkey and pig on walks in the township and always promoting Te Anau in many ways. The presence of Ray and Helen on the Kepler during the early years of the race was part of the experience, they were volunteers with a capital V. Roger has fond memories of running with Ray. Ray was more of the mountain goat variety of runner .... hard to keep up with but still able to chat while stepping up the pace !
The community will mourn his death but will also remember with love and affection the memories they have of a special man.

Ray was one of life’s great characters who practiced what he preached. An undying love for everything Fiordland, its people , flora & fauna, mountains and rivers.
I learnt a lot from Ray when he and I were part of the staff at Fiordland College from its foundation.
Rest well Ray and deepest sympathy to you Helen and to Ray’s siblings.

First met Ray & Helen when I was a Trainee Manager at Lake House Waikaremoana in 1970/71, they managed the motor camp. Our friendship continued through the 70s in Te Anau when I twice worked at Te Anau Hotel & again when I visited from THC Head Office in the 1980s. Ray was a true Milford Track legend and a raconteur without peer. He will be sorely missed.

Heaven has gained a ‘keeper’

Good Night God Bless you were an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing you RIP

Helen my condolences to you and Chris. They were great days back in the day on the Milford Track. My parents, brother Colin and I were at Glade House late 50's and early 60's for 4 seasons. You will miss Ray immensely. Regards Nola Bennett (Brown)

I had the privilege of getting to meet Ray for only a few hours on my trip to New Zealand to visit my friends Paul and Francine. Ray’s legend extended all the way over to the United States and I was excited to get to meet this character. it didn’t disappoint. His wit and friendliness were immediately apparent, and I will always treasure my brief time with him and Helen.. I saw many amazing things on the south Island in New Zealand and consider my encounter with Ray and Helen among those.

Helen condolences to you and the family .will miss the stories when Ray popped in visiting the neighbours and we were there great memories.

Alan and Shelly Chainey Invercargill

I first got to know Ray when a Kereru flew into their windows and he took it to the vets in Te Anau. It was sent up to me to be cared for at Project Kereru, my rehab facility up here in Dunedin.
I sent down some decals to help prevent it happening again, and Ray would call when they needed replacing.
I wanted to say how much I loved my chats with Ray about his trapping in the Kepler and I learned a lot from him for my own trap line in Dunedin.
What a legend.
I didn't have a win with that very first Kereru, since then though I've cared for a number of them and they've gone back for release.
Thank you Ray. Just wish I'd got to meet you in person.

Many people will remember Ray with his wit and wisdom. I remember his can- do attitude, his character and his willingness to make new friends young and old when I was a student a long time ago at Fiordland College where he was a valued member of the staff and community. My deepest condolences to Helen and his wider family and friends.

Love you Uncle Ray, we had some fun and amazing times. I’ll never forget them. RIP.

My dad worked with Ray for the Fiordland National Park Board back in the day. As a 7 year old I remember Ray well. In the days before service station car washes I particularly remember Ray's version; driving his VW Kombie into the shallows of Lake TeAnau to make the task easier! RIP Ray.

My condolences to Helen, family and friends.
My interim connection with Ray and Helen was at Lake Waikemoana.
Dad was the ranger, and my folks were friends.
I remember walking from Aniwanawa to go and see them at the Motor Camp.
I dont think anyone knew. I was maybe 5 or 6?
I don't remember the trouble I caused...
Much later, Ray told me that even earlier when I was about 3, they were babysitting and I just disappeared.
I'd apparently walked up to the Lake House.
Ray freaked understandably, and when he found me, he said he smacked my arse all the way home! Lol.
Then we moved to Te Anau.
Ray and Helen were there, we visited often, I was always intgued with their home, so many interesting things, lamps pictures and so much more.
Ray found a cat on the road that had been hit by a car. He left it with us. This thing turned out to be the most incredible family cat, completely mad crazy, we all loved Thomas to bits.
He convinced me that picking up rocks at the new Fiordland College instead of normal sports was character building and would benefit those that came after, I believe he was right.
He had unique way of helping some of us to grow up.
I remember and cherish, RIP.

A wise man always ready to tell a tale or two to me behind the desk when I worked at mobil. Or entertain the tourists standing in line with something epic. He never failed to make me think about life differently. My condolences Helen.

We first met Ray and Helen in the early seventies, Helen and Lyn at a Yoga weekend, Ray and Grant running the Riverton Marathon. From there the friendship developed into us spending a lot of time together in our home in Invercargill and their home in TeAnau.
Our children were young and loved to be in their company. Ray escorted Chris each time during the Southland across Lake Open swim event. Subsequently our grandchildren have enjoyed visits with Ray and Helen.
Ray was great company on all of our many tramping, climbing and running experiences.
We took part in the World Veterans Athletic Championships together, first in 1981 in Christchurch and again in 1987 in Melbourne. And there was never a dull moment.
Many were the stories about the two “Ray’s” Willett and O’Brien, Londoners born within the sound of the Bow Bells and ended up guiding trampers and Clydesdales on the Milford track in far away New Zealand.
Many times Ray and I enjoyed a days tramp over the Dore Pass returning with the THC vessel to the Downs.
You have surely earned your rest dear friend, and have left a lasting legacy.
Deepest sympathy Helen. God Bless.
Grant and Lyn Gordon Wānaka.

Ray, a legend, storyteller, entertainer, Fiordland champion, a man of many talents who always looked on the bright side. A kind, colourful character who was part of the fabric of our lives when living in Te Anau. Ray and Helen you are fondly remembered by the Souness Family… Theresa, Gordon, Gerard, Anita, Colleen, Bridget, Quintin

I wish to pay a sincere and deep tribute to my colleague and dear friend, Ray Willett who was a real pioneer and celebrity of Fiordland. He made manhy contributions to the region and was a notable pioneer on the Milford Track. Latterly he made a huge contribution to the wildlife of the eastern areas of the National Park wih a dedicated pest trapping excercise along thhe Kepler track. He will be very greatly missed.

A dear cousin to Mum, I will forever remember the joy and laughter you bought to both Mum and Dad. A wonderful, exciting life you lead. Glad we got to catch up when I visited a few years ago. I hope you can find Mum and Dad across the rainbow. Thinking of all the family.

It is an honour and privilege to have known you Ray. I am watching your service from your much loved Milford Track where I am working this summer again at Glade House. I remember with fondness you tales whilst I was a Rotarian with you in Te Anau. Much love to Helen and family. Xx

Condolences to family & close friends.
Such an integral part of our growing up in Te Anau. If only we all had the same zest & drive to live life to the fullest Forever remembered.. 💗

Dear Helen, deepest Sympathy to you and your family, at this very sad Time.
I remember Ray's visit up the Milford Rack back in the 90's and out and about round Te Anau during the later years living in Te Anau.
He is certainly Te Anau's icon. Ray will be sorely missed by so many who had the privilege of knowing him. Sending you love and hugs at this time Helen ❤️
Cheers
Janet (now in Christchurch)

Thinking of all the great life Ray had . It was always great to see his image with big personality out there.

Ray is a very special man to me. He saw me at a time of my life when I was rather low, in the late 80s, kind of took me under his wing in a small way. It was an honour to get to know him; he was such a community figure then, too, in my eyes. My Mum and I were in the ambulance at the time, and that is when we got to know each other. Very special. We shared a passion for the place, and that is what counted. It was nice seeing him over the years when I was through town. Always loved talking to Ray. I am just one of many, I am sure, but.

Ray will be deeply missed by our family. Legend of Fiordland. Involvement in everything. I met Ray and Helen in my school days in Te Anau and was a great friend of our father. Helen our Condolences, and I wish I could have made the funeral.