The sudden passing of Mr. Harry Mead Raymond of Short Street, West Kempsey, on May 12, at the age of 58 came as a shock to the Macleay and Bellinger districts and many other parts of the State.
       He was the youngest of five children of the late Augustus Mead Raymond and the late Margaret Ann Raymond of "Riverview" Bellingen where he was born and spent his early life.
       He attended the Bellingen Public School and later completed his education at Kempsey High School. After leaving school he returned to Bellingen to join his father and brother in their butchery and grazing interests.
       On February 18, 1939, he married Miss Lily Daphne Gordon, a daughter of the late Wilfred E. A. Gordon, of Coff's Harbour, and Ada Gordon, now of Sawtell. Mr. Raymond later relinquished his interests in the Bellingen business as his farming and grazing properties became more extensive. In 1951 after building his home in Kempsey, the family came to reside permanently in the district.
       He was devoted to his family and to his home and garden. His sporting interest was bowls. He gave of his time freely and cheerfully and was always willing to cooperate with organisations benefiting the town and district. His qualities of kindness, honesty and understanding, and willingness to give assistance to those in need won him the esteem and affection of all who knew him well.
       The late Mr. Raymond served with the R.A.A.F. in the Second World War.
       For many years he was a staunch member of the Parochial Councils of St. Margaret's Church of England, Bellingen, and later All Saints' Church of England, Kempsey.
       During twelve years as an active member of Kempsey Rotary Club he held various club offices though to immediate past president.
       He was chairman of the Kempsey branch of The Australian Country Party for a period and always a prominent member.
       He was a director of Seven Oaks Drainage Union and a member of Kempsey Bowling Club. As a keen member of the Macleay Development Association and other advisory committees he played an active role in town and rural development.
       The funeral under conduct of W. Harvey and Son took place to the East Kempsey Cemetery on May 15. The Rev. E. Williams, of Frederickton, and Rev. P. F. Tilghman, of Nambucca Heads, officiating at the service in All Saints' Church of England and at the graveside.
       Addressing the large congregation in the church, Mr. Tilghman recalled Mr. Raymond's early life in Bellingen, having been a close family friend for many years.
       A guard of honour of members of the Macleay R.S.L. sub-branch was formed at the church and graveside and a brief R.S.L. service was conducted after the religious service.
       Mr. Raymond is survived by his wife, one son John and daughter Judith; his three sisters. Misses Gladys, Rene and Lilian Raymond, of "Riverview", Bellingen, and one brother , Mr. Walter Raymond, of Bellingen.
       Six fellow Rotarians of Kempsey Club acted as bearers.
       Among the many floral tributes were wreaths from the following organisations;- President and members of Kempsey Rotary Club, president, committee, members and staff of Macleay R.S.L. Club, president and members of Macleay R.S.L. Sub-branch, Macleay Development Association, chairman and member Macleay River County Council, directors and ratepayers Seven Oaks Drainage Union, Bellingen Shire Council, Kempsey branch of the Australian Country Party, president and members Kempsey Bowling Club, president and members Kempsey Women's Bowling Club, Inner Wheel Club of Kempsey, president and members of Kempsey Red Cross, president and members of the Hospital Auxiliary, management and staff of H. G. Elrington Pty. Ltd., board and directors of Midco.  §