'He loved his job' - Shields Ferry colleagues say goodbye to much-loved skipper Ray Millward with guard of honour

Ray lost his battle to cancer on Monday, April 25, aged 70, after a short time being cared for at South Tyneside District Hospital.

The beloved grandad from Dean Road and later Rembrandt Avenue in South Shields had worked as a Shields Ferry skipper for 22 years before retiring in 2013.

Even after retirement, Ray came back to work on the ferry for a few years to provide roster cover, remaining a familiar face on the service.

Ray loved his job and was loved in turn by both his colleagues and passengers, a number of who turned out to say goodbye at a service held at South Shields Crematorium on Wednesday, May 6.

Dressed in their uniforms, Ray’s Shields Ferry colleagues from past and present, formed a guard of honour at the service, whilst observing social distancing.

Paying tribute to Ray, Shields Ferry Manager, Carol Timlin, said: “Ray was a lovely man and a very popular member of the ferry crew.

“We were all deeply saddened to hear that he had passed away.

“He is going to be sorely missed by all of us and our thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time.

“The ferry crew wanted to ensure that Ray got a good send off while abiding by the social distancing rules, so they decided to form a guard of honour at the entrance to South Shields crematorium.

“It was a lovely touch and a very poignant moment.

“I know that it meant a great deal to Ray’s family.”

Ray is survived by wife Kathy Millward, 68, and three daughters – Julie Skevington, Jane Millward and Kimberley Storm.

He also has five grandchildren – Daisy, Jacob, Amelia, Mae and Matilda.

Daughter Julie said the family has been touched by the number of messages that have poured in following her dad’s passing, from colleagues, friends, and passengers who have known him for years.

Julie said: “Dad loved his job and was very popular with his fellow colleagues. He had the best send-off possible.”

One of Ray’s wishes was to thank the NHS staff at South Tyneside Hospital along with the community nurses and Macmillan nurses who cared for him during his illness.

He wanted to donate hand cream to the teams who have suffered with sore and dry skin due to their frequent hand washing.

The family set up a fundraising page on Facebook called Caring Hands which has raised £1,126 to pay for hand cream from Newcastle company Nursem, who have matched funding, to donate more than £2,000 worth of hand cream.

Julie added: “One of dad’s wishes in hospital was to thank the nurses.

“We hit the fundraising target three days before he died and we were able to tell him. We have ordered the cream and will deliver it to the staff to thank them for their help.”

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