VALE | James Raymond (Ray) STRATH

VALE
Written by Geoff Tripp
19 August, 2016

RayJAMES RAYMOND (Ray)  STRATH

1926 – 2nd August 2016

Basketball NSW is saddened by the news that the pioneer of refereeing has passed away. Ray passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 2nd August 2016 Ray was 90 years of age.

Ray after failing his initial referee’s course in 15th March 1948 qualified as an A Grade referee by the 21st June, 1948, quite an achievement in just three months. Ray was the only NSW Referee graded as an Australian Referee at the National Men’s titles in 1953. Ray went on to be an Australian and Olympic referee by 1956. Ray achieved his highest honour when he was appointed and officiated on the Olympic Basketball Final at the 1956 Melbourne Games.

It’s Ironic that Ray Passed the same week the Rio Olympics began. Ray’s family are all proud of his achievements and even at 90 he still had a keen interest in basketball.

On behalf of the Basketball NSW Board all Referees, members and Staff we would like to pass on our condolences to Ray’s family as well as the many friends and colleagues that have known him over the many years he was participating.