Remembering Ray Factor

Ray passed over suddenly on the Saturday afternoon of August 31, 2013 from an unexpected illness. This was a great shock to all that knew him as he was confident of recovery from a recent illness.

Ray, along with Sean McNamara had run the Melbourne School of Astrology for many years, and many of the astrology community started with Ray at the Melbourne School. Ray also made many presentations and lectures at the monthly VAA meetings over the years. I met Ray when I enrolled in 2006 for his course as a retirement project. He always referred to me as his elderly student since I was 8 months his senior and had distinguishing grey hair. Our friendship has continued since completion, catching up from time to time to socialise and hone my astrological skills. His classes were always interesting as we learnt about the planets we learnt above ourselves, peeling back the layers, to find our core. He always taught us to think logically rather than search for cookbook interpretations. Ray’s great interest was Mundane astrology and the outer planets discovery charts, we had many discussions re these subjects fueled by chocolate and caffeine adequately supplied at class. Ray had great empathy for his clients and students, he always interpreted their charts in a helpful manner, and was ready to lend a kind word with a positive suggestion. In his spare time he was an active tennis player, giving time generously to his club, coaching their junior teams.

We extend our sympathies to Sally and family; you are in our thoughts and hearts. Ray was a thoroughly decent person, who taught us all more than just astrology, and a lot about ourselves and others. He will be greatly missed from our lives.

Lindsay Dudgeon