Raymond Charles LANGMEAD
Ray peacefully passed away on 17th February 2026. His good run came to an end at the age of 97 years. He was treasured by his family and friends. Loved husband of the late Kathleen. Loved father and father-in-law of Colin and Sue, and Allan and Verena. Loved grandfather of Jack and Amber.
He was an inspiration to the end.
The family would like to thank all the staff at the Jane Winstone Retirement Village for their bright, respectful, caring ways.
A service to celebrate Raymond's life will be held in the Cleveland Chapel, 179 Ingestre Street, Whanganui, Tuesday, 3rd March 2026 at 2pm, followed by private cremation. Ray’s service will be live-streamed at www.clevelandfunerals.co.nz
pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with Ray. I am sorry I cant be with you today.
My name is Bryan Dean and I was Police District Commander of the
Wanganui District over some 50 years ago in November 1974 when I first
made the acquaintance of Ray who just a few months previous had
commenced civilian employment responsible for the Police Garage and
cars. He quickly settled into the job in hand and became a popular
efficient member of our staff. In times of crisis he assisted sworn
staff with offenders under guard pending their removal to prison. At
that time he was in his fifties and well accustomed to coping with
sensitive situations. Ray's position was such, that representations
were made to have him sworn in as a 'special' Constable. This was
agreed to, with Ray being sworn in and subject to the rules and
regulations of an ordinary Police officer. Ray fully accepted this move
graciously and was always proud of his uniform & achievement. No
member of the service was more reliable, interested, or trustworthy than
Ray Langmead - an organised mature individual with lots of common sense
and application.
Over the period involving the late 1970's, in conjunction with the
Police Council of Sport and the HQ Director of Health I introduced a
Fitness program at no cost to the individual. This took the form of a
voluntary commitment requiring those interested to have a medical exam -
undergo a set fitness program for 6 weeks - then a final health
assessment and consultation. Ray Langmead jumped at the chance &
completed the course following which Ray found that even at his age he
could run distances competitively, as the record shows. When speaking
to Ray before last Christmas he mentioned having 'a drawer full of
ribbons & clasps' as a result of his running prowess, plus world-wide
memories.
In recent years Ray was a regular attender of our Retired Police Club
Monthly gatherings.
My wife, Nola, and I enjoyed meeting up with Kay and Ray as friends.
I know that he will be happy that he is with his beloved Kay and may
the good Lord shower his blessings upon them both.
He was a valued friend and I will miss him deeply.
We greatly enjoyed his company
He will be sadly missed
With love Robert & Michelle Phillips