Raymond (Ray) John Kite
Raymond John Kite, Ray (1943 – 2023) was born in Oxfordshire on 3rd June 1943 to Kath and Joseph, an older brother to Jeff. Ray went to Kidbrooke Green Juniors and then Eltham Green Comprehensive schools. At sixteen Ray started work for Trafalgar Engineering in Rotherhithe before working for Peak Freans and later Imperial Car Rentals. Moving to Kessingland, Suffolk and then to Thetford, Norfolk, Ray returned to the family home in Kidbrooke before settling in his final home in Capel, near Dorking, Surrey.
From a young age Ray was passionate about cars, in particular Jaguar cars, and motor racing. He went to his first motor race at Brands Hatch in 1962 with Jeff. Ray and Jeff co-owned a Formula Ford single-seater in which Ray competed in eleven races.
Rays’ other interests included cycling, running, riding horses and photography. In the 1970’s and 80’s Ray took many holidays to the USA visiting relatives and friends and he also visited Canada and Alaska as well as European countries. Football was an important part of Ray’s life, initially a supporter of Wolves, then Liverpool. He went to Crystal Palace games with Jeff and his wife Doreen and followed Millwall, his father’s team.
Ray was a loving uncle to his nephew Steve and niece Joanna as well as a very close family friend to Becky and Ben and grandfather figure to their children Jack and Jessica.
