Shorty’s Funeral
We farewelled Raymond “Shorty” Noonan today. The service, which was held at the Assumption Church, West Bathurst was attended by about 250 friends and relatives. Many Club members attended and formed a Guard of Honour at the conclusion of the service.
The eulogy was written by his daughter Yasmin and published here with her permission.
Raymond Joseph Noonan was born in Canberra on 24thJanuary 1947.
After his mother’s death at the age of 10, Raymond and his brother Peter moved to Burraga to live with his aunt and ancle – Maisy and Clive Behan and their grandmother. Ray’s schooling was completed at Burraga Public School and then later as a boarder at St Stanislaus college in Bathurst.
After finishing school, he moved into the stationery and packaging industry where he later became a successful businessman owning his own packaging business – Panorama Wholesalers.
Ray was also fortunate to be able to combine his love of sport into his working life, enjoying working within the Bookmaking field where his brilliant mathematical skills came into their own.
But it was Shorty’s love of sport and his talent on the sporting field that he is most known for. Having played many sports including Cricket, Tennis and Squash at both locally and at representative level, it iwas his ability on the football field that was his cornerstone, having played, captained, and coached during his younger years. Throughout his retirement Shorty developed a passion for lawn bowls, which again saw his sporting talents shine.
Ray and Kay were married at the Assumption Church 55years ago and have always resided in Bathurst. They had one child, Yasmin who Ray was extremely proud of. But it was the arrival of his Grandsons Brayden and Xaviar that gave him the greatest joy, and his admiration for the young men they have become was obvious to all.
Ray led a fulfilled life and would be humbled to see so many people pay tribute to him today.
Shorty often enjoyed playing with Grandson Brayden whenever he came up to Bathurst during school holidays. Ray will be greatly missed by all the members of Bathurst City. He was a valued member, a great competitor on the green and a friend to everyone. Our deepest sympathy to Kay, Yasmin, Brayden and Xavier.
