Raymond George Simpson

Raymond George Simpson – Kernal

Suddenly at home. (29th Jan 1957 – 5^th Feb 2026).

Loved partner of Wendy, sister Shirley, brother in-law Tony and father to Oly, daughter in-law Eva, stepfather to Shannon and Sonjae and Poppa/Popcorn to Bradley, Blitz, Jessica, Nathan, Rocky. Fenna, Lulu and Willow. Loved uncle of Russell and Jen and great uncle to Frank, Roy and Lottie – Ray

Treasured memories, forever loved

Non Puls Estote

In lieu of flowers please go to heartfoundation.org.nz/donate-now to make any kind donations on behalf of Ray and his family.

Shuttle services will be leaving Princess Bay from 10am 

TRIBUTES

Annelies Marx

Dear Wendy,
My heart goes out to you, family and friends that so suddenly lost Ray.
Wishing lots of strength, love and support in this sad time.
Love, Annelies xxx

Shonty Rogan

Sending aroha to Wendy and family, Anna and the Brooklyn crew. Kernal was like an extended family member who meant a lot to people I care about. And he was super nice to me. I’ll remember the poker games. Go well Kernal.

Gareth Pateriki

Always believed in me, much love. Gareth.

Estelle Bloom

Dear Wendy and family.
We are so sorry about Ray’s passing. He was always so kind and humorous at the same time! I will miss bumping into him around our neighborhood.
You are deeply in our thoughts.
Estelle and Don

Aaron Bouzaid

On behalf of the MSP Internationals, we wish to pass on our condolences and acknowledge the loss of a true champion of social rugby. His presence and hospitality will be missed on the sidelines and the clubrooms for many seasons to come.

Megan Mckee

Im so sorry i cant be there in person.
Ray was always kind, warm and calming to be around and i have many wonderful memories of him. My deepest love and sympathy to you all.

Ella March

Ray Simpson the KING of the table
With bluffs so bold and timing able
A wink, a grin, a raised eyebrow
You’d take our chips — and teach us how.

You read the room like open cards
Gave sharp advice (and heckled hard)
With wisdom wrapped in jokes so dry
And truths slipped in with a side-eye.

Win or lose, you kept it light,
Turned simple games to golden nights.
We’ll raise a glass — that much we owe
To laughter, cards, and noir (Pinot)

Your laugh could cut through any gloom
Your stories filled the whole back room
Somehow, mid-shuffle or mid-pour
You’d solve our problems — then ask for more.

Though now the chair sits empty there
We’ll feel your wisdom in the air
In every shuffle, every deal
In every quiet truth we feel.

You played your hand with heart and grace
Left warmth and wit in every place
The tables quieter it’s true
But richer now for knowing you.

Sincere condolences to dear Wendy and Anna fly high Kernel truly a legend like no other xx

Julia Wallace

Our sincere condolences to Wendy and the whanau with this huge loss of Ray. Although we didn’t cross paths much, Ray and Wendys relationship and support for our sister Anna over these past decades, has always been strongly felt by us.
We knew she was in good hands and not alone in Brooklyn. Thank you for your care of Anna and our whole whanau over the years. Your generosity and kindness will never be forgotten Ray. Moe mai ra.
Julia Wallace and whanau

Stan Rowell

Dear Wendy and Family, we extend our sincere condolences from our family as you celebrate Ray today with memories and love.
Joanna & Stan Rowell – Sydney, Australia

Tony Rogers

Wendy and Ray’s whanau and friends.
Mandy and I met Ray through our great Mixed Vege friend Bill (Wild Cactus). We have formed many long-lasting friendships through the Vege. We had to attend today’s celebration online as we lay to rest a member of our whanau yesterday. So many great stories to be told and we also shared in many fun times with Ray present.
Much love to you all.
Tony and Mandy.

Janet Johnson

Wendy what a truly magnificent sent off for Ray today. I can just see him smiling and nodding his head at everything that was said.
True soul mates you two and will be forever. you just had to look at his face when he had his arm around your neck to see the love he has for you.
Twinny I’m sending humongous love and hugs of strength to you. Be kind to yourself, cry when you want to and rage against the unfairness of it xxx ❤️ lots of love Aunty Jenny.

Bob Coyle

I attended a beautiful farewell to Kernal yesterday. On behalf of the OBU Pink Ginners, we would like to pass on our deepest condolences to friends and family. We will miss the famous after match speeches and associated ceremonials.
We will honour Kernal fittingly in the battles to come with his beloved Mixed Veges.
RIP Kernal.

Kane Norris

Going to miss all the poker banter we shared on the tables throughout the years we played together. Thank you for being a great friend to me and my family. Gonna miss the handshake and the big hug you would give me when we saw each other. Love you big man, rest easy.

Haipeng Hong

Dear Wendy and family,
We are so sorry about Ray’s passing, and sending our sincerest condolences to the family.
For so many years, walking pass the business or bumping into Ray at Brooklyn town seems such usual day.
Ray was always so kind and warm, he will be sadly missed.
Much love to you all.

Keith Simpson

To Wendy and family I was shocked and saddened to hear that Ray had passed away. Ray is my uncle and step brother of my Dad ( Fred) who passed away in 1997 at the age of 69. I have fantastic memories of Ray being this larger than life man when we lived in Motueka. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I will be thinking of you and sorry we never got to meet. Ray is 1 year older than I am.