At Olympias, we feel immensely lucky and grateful to be surrounded by an amazing community of supporters and music-lovers who care deeply about the future of music education for children in Manchester. A few weeks ago, we were contacted by the Stubbs family, who asked if donations from the funeral of their beloved husband and father, Ray Stubbs, could be donated to Olympias Music Foundation. Since then, we have received over £739 of donations in memory of Ray - equivalent to 35 specialist instrumental music lessons for children on free-school meals. Ray's daughter, Chloe, writes:
"Sadly my dad Ray Stubbs passed away on 18th November 2024 at the age of 78, following a short battle with Brain Cancer. Myself, my mother Fiona and brother Mark chose Olympias Music Foundation as the charity that we would like to support for any donations made following my fathers death. My dad Ray always had a passion for the arts and for music, in particular Blues.
Ray was best friends with Manchester born Blues legend Victor Brox and over the years, they travelled together to hundreds of gigs, Victor playing and Dad supporting to artists from the north west and beyond. From Colne to Birmingham and all in between, they were a well known friendship duo. There was no Vic without Ray.
After Victor sadly passed in 2023, despite the heavy heart that Ray felt, he continued driving to gigs as often as 4-5 nights a week, becoming a regular and welcomed, friendly face at many well known venues and music nights including the wonderful ‘Quack’ open-mic night in Marple, The Spinning Top in Stockport, Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre and Manchesters Matt and Phreds just to name a few! It’s safe to say that my dad was well loved by many, for his love and support of local musicians and bands, as well as for his wonderful sense of humour and his selfless, kind soul.
Ray was born in Manchester, in an era when you had to make the most of what you had. Opportunities didn't come often, so when they did, you grabbed them with both hands. Ray was a believer of charity, of supporting others and giving younger generations better opportunities. Olympias Music Foundation shares these same values, in providing free music lessons and workshops for children. Helping them to learn from others, build connection, confidence and understanding, as well as encouraging hobbies, interests and aspirations.
My father would have been so pleased and honoured to have supported Olympias Music Foundation. I hope that any donations made bring those deserving, as much comfort and joy through music as it did to my dad throughout his years."
We are honoured to be able to help commemorate and remember Ray's memory and to share his amazing musical legacy through the young people that the donations from Ray's funeral notice page will help. A massive thank you to all of Ray's family and friends who have left a donation or message. We wish the Stubbs family a peaceful Christmas during this difficult time, and send our love and good wishes from all of us at Olympias Music Foundation. You can read Ray's full obituary here.
Messages for Ray and his family:
"I am so sorry for your loss Fiona. My condolences and love to you and your family" - Jean Buckley
"Ray was probably one of the most humble human beings I have ever known in my life. I still have the Alexis Korner cassettes on my desk which I was going give him when we next met up. I guess Ray will now have access to all the music ever created in heaven, for if ever there was one person worthy of entering such a hallowed place it would be him. I often talk about legendary performing musicians, but in truth none of them would exist without music lovers, fans & supporters who follow them through good times and bad times too. In my opinion Ray Stubbs was always there, a truly legendary ‘live’ music supporter who attended more live gigs than I could ever count! We will all miss Ray, but I’m sure we will all count our blessings that we were fortunate enough to have known him. Long may his spirit be among us until his soul finds its eternal resting place." - Lucas Campbell
"I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with Ray and the fact that he was the best friend my dad could have wished for. We will miss him dearly but will always cherish the memories of the times he spent with us. He was always present at our family gatherings, gigs and celebrations as often as he could be. The most kind and unassuming friend. Giving thanks for Ray this day and always. Lots of love to Fiona, Chloe, Mark, Rob, Macy and all who loved him xxxx" - Elizabeth Hickling
"Lovely Lovely man. One of the first charge nurses I worked with. Never saw him raise his voice to anyone. Always amazingly calm in any situation. Beautiful man, my thoughts are with Fiona and the family" - Peter McFarlane
"My condolences to all Ray's family and friends. RIP Ray" - Bernard McIntyre
"R.I.P. Ray. A good man. It was a privilege to know you, and you are sadly missed. Rowland & Lesley" - Rowland Jones
"Ray, thank you for your kind, generous friendship, from the bottom of my heart. You have been such a joy to know and I will never forget you 🤍" - Kyla Blomeley
"Ray, i Will miss your witty humour.. you have been a fine friend and role model . Rest in peace Mr Blues ..." - Steve McDonough
"Ray, Rest easy mate. Thank you for everything and for being a great friend and an amazing human. Thank you for being, Mr Ray xx" - Robert Riddell
"It seems unreal that we will be saying goodbye to you tomorrow. I'm so thankful for everything you did for us and my dad, the world won't be the same without you in it. We're grateful for all the good times and precious memories. Emily and Melissa are busy making bracelets to raise money for the Olympias charity in your memory. Love Janet, Dave, Emily & Melissa xxx" - Janet
"We were very blessed to have known Ray. He was best mates with my uncle Victor for many years. He has left us all many happy memories, and was an example of kindness, generosity and good humour. His memory will forever be a blessing. Timon and Lynne Robins." - Timon Robbins
"Ciao dear friend Ray....I am truly grateful and honored to have met you and shared beautiful moments together...your kind and sweet voice will be missed...Rest in peace" - Fabrizio Castellaneta
"I am writing on behalf of The Packhorse sessions; a collective of musicians who meet every two weeks at The Packhorse, Old Birtle, near Bury. Raymond was always a welcome visitor who showed a keen interest in the eclectic music on offer and was always a joy to chat with when we got the chance! His kind, gentle nature endeared him to all of us and it was with great sadness that we learned of his passing. He leaves a space that will be hard to fill. Hopefully he is at the great session in the sky, enjoying the craic and the music he loved. Desi Friel and all the Packhorse mob. xx" - Desi Friel
"Ray, thank you for enriching this world with your kindness, calmness, loyalty, love and enthusiasm. You are a true gentleman and will forever be remembered as such by those of us who are lucky enough to have known you. Your spirit lives on in your loved ones and those of us whose lives you touched. Rest in peace. All my love, Sam" - Sam Hickling
"Rest in peace Ray, you will be truly missed. In memory of a true gentleman. Ray will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. Rest in peace Ray ❤️ xxx" - Julie Skeer
"Sending all of my love to your family Ray, especially my wonderful friend Chloe. Such a genuinely kind man. I’ve never known a more beautiful father daughter relationship xx" - Kirstie Hancock
"Dear Ray, we will miss you greatly. Your gentle caring nature and kindness are an example to all. Thank you for the way you supported live music especially my dad and the blues, we know there are many musicians who will miss seeing you in the audience. Sleep tight and rest in peace dear Ray. Love Ginie and Rus x" - Ginie Benton
"Sending all my love and special thoughts to all of Ray’s family but especially my beautiful friend, Chloe xxx" - Audra Corlett
"Thank you for being our friend Ray. We still can’t believe we won’t see you again. We love you. Iain and Katy xxx" - Kate Stringfellow
"What a shining light you are Ray, you will be so dearly missed - we loved you sharing your stories with us about your favourite artists and Thankyou for those special times. We will treasure them. We met through music, as we were all so passionate about New Orleans and its piano players and singers and became great friends through our love of music . In our sadness I think it’s important to remember that music is such a powerful thing, it helps people in so many ways - in our case we became connected which lead to great friendship. What a blessing. Thankyou again for all the special times, and for championing our band and supporting us over the years . X x x Debbie, Justin and Zak. X x x" - Debbie Jones
"The loss of Ray has been a shock for us all. He was a kindhearted and generous man who touched the lives of everyone he met with his gentle manner and calm disposition. Rest in Peace dear friend." - Laurie and Annette Dunne
"Night night sweetheart, sleep softly xx" - Denise Gardiner
"Sending our love to you all x" - Megan Hilton
"Rest in heavenly peace Ray. We will miss our chats with you over the garden fence. We were so lucky to have met you and you will always be in our memories. Love from Judith and Robert." - Robert Proctor
"I will miss you forever Dad. Im Life will never be the same without you, without your smile, your wisdom and your soul. I am so blessed to have you as my dad. I will remember you in everything I do. Love always, Chloe xxx" - Chloe Stubbs
"Missing you Ray so much x" - Fiona Stubbs
"Sending love , I will miss you , God Bless and Rest in Peace x jimmy" - Jimmy Layton
"In fond memory of Ray Stubbs. Rest in peace Ray." - Robert Proctor
"Dad, I am making this donation for you. We know that you would be honoured to be supporting Olympias Music Foundation, a charity that helps children into music, opening doors and giving them new opportunities and dreams. I hope that the money raised, helps to give those children as much joy as music did in your life. We miss you. With love always, Chloe xxx" - Chloe Stubbs
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