It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, in August 2024, of Raymond John Walton Pierce, a cherished member of the Old Emanuel Association. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humour, and lifelong friendships.
Ray was born in October 1944 in St Albans to Vicky and John Pierce. Tragically, his father, an RAF navigator, was killed in action when Ray was just four months old.
Ray’s early education began at the RAF-funded Christ’s College in Blackheath. When he was 12 and things were more settled at home, he was sent to Emanuel School, where he indulged his passion for sport and formed lifelong friendships.
Emanuel played a pivotal role in shaping Ray’s character and passions. He excelled in sports, particularly cricket, where he played for the 1st XI as a batsman and occasionally as a wicketkeeper. The Portcullis noted ‘his sound style, some tenacity and a healthy spirit of aggression.’
Ray also played for the 2nd XV in rugby and took part in house athletics and boxing. He was awarded Best Stylist in the fourth year and also won colours for Lyons.
In 1967, Ray married Maggie in the Emanuel School chapel, embarking on a marriage that would last 57 years. Together, they raised two daughters, Robyn and Jo.
Ray’s career in advertising began with ad sales for Autocar magazine before moving to the agency Graham and Gillies. His work took the family to South Africa from 1974 to 1977. Upon returning to the UK, Ray founded Dapson Pierce Advertising (DPA), a creative venture that showcased his talents and produced campaigns still remembered by his family.
Ray’s time at Emanuel was significant, shaping not just his school years but his entire adult life. Weekends at Blagdons, the Emanuel School Rugby Cricket Club, were a staple. He played cricket and tennis and briefly played rugby for the Old Boys before an injury ended his participation.
Upon returning from South Africa, he renewed his association with the Old Boys and took over as editor of the OEA newsletter from Robin Needham, before passing the role to Mike Markland. He also captained the Saturday 2nd XI cricket team for several years, always leading with a smile on his face.
In his 50s, Ray left the advertising world and transitioned into a new role as secretary of Wimbledon Common Golf Club, where he thrived despite having less time for golf than he’d imagined. This was a position he held until his retirement at the age of 61.
Ray’s retirement years were rich with community involvement. He volunteered at Willen Hospice and the local Stroke Club. He joined the Northampton Male Voice Choir and later the Thame Pop Choir after moving to Thame, Oxfordshire. Encouraged by choir friends, he also took up the ukulele, sometimes playing down at his allotment for a bit of a singsong with his allotment friends.
Above all else, Ray was a family man—devoted to Maggie, his daughters Robyn and Jo, and utterly besotted with his three grandsons. His passing weighs heavily on the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory lives on in many funny stories, the laughter he inspired, and the kindness and friendship he gave so freely. The Old Emanuel Association, his family, and his friends miss him dearly.
Robyn Pierce, daughter