Tributes are flooding in for a much loved bus driver from Shankill who has died.
Ray McGee passed after a battle with cancer and died peacefully surrounded by his family at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. A funeral was held at Dun Laoghaire Evangelical Church last Thursday September 27th.
Ray started in Dublin Bus in 1981 and drove the 111 bus from Brides Glen to Dalkey since 1984. One of his colleagues, Sean Darcy, told Dublin Gazette that Ray was a “great colleague and friend to all Dublin Bus staff.”
“[I knew] Ray from bringing me to school as I live in Loughlintown at the time and Ballybrack. But I worked with Ray in Dublin Bus for ten years. I would see him in Dun Laoghaire when I worked down there.
“The best thing about Ray was if you were worrying about something, like in the recession or life problems, Ray would be very calm when giving advice. He would focus on the good points in your life, like good father to a son.
“He was known as the Bishop in Dun [Laoghaire]. Every driver had respect for him. He really cared about people from all walks of life, I think [because of] his religious beliefs. Nothing in life could get him down.”
Tribute for Ray at Loughlinstown bus stop
Jessica Scales (26) from Loughlinstown placed flowers and a photo of Ray at his Loughlinstown bus stop. She told Dublin Gazette he was loved by many in the community.
“I used to go to primary school in Dun Laoghaire so I’d be on [the bus] every day. I’d just be up at the top of the bus chatting away to [Ray] until I got off the bus.
“He was very friendly, he was lovely. When he walked by you he was always smiling and full of chats. Everyone loved him. He will be missed by many.”
Many locals have been paying tribute to Ray on social media.
Linda Brien said: “He always looked out for the kids going to school on the bus. Such a nice man. Very sad news.”
Thomas Ormsby recalled when “The 111 went straight passed Loughlinstown and straight up the N11 [and Ray announced a] short detour as we will be dropping a senior citizen up to the hospital as it’s too bad to walk it. RIP to a true gentleman.”
Ray McGee outside his bus
Many of Ray’s Dublin Bus colleagues have also been paying tribute to him.
Dave said: “He was a rock for so many people. [He] never ever judged a single person [and] always seen the good in everyone. No problem was ever too much. I owe him more that you could ever imagine. A true friend. Missing him so much.”
Ken Corbett said: “Many people think they are Christian, but Ray really was.”
Ray attended Cornerstone Church in Bray. The church said: “Ray touched and impacted on many people’s lives’ in so many different ways – through the giving of a hand painted and personal stone, a listening ear, a smile, a joke, a prayer, an action of love. All of which we give thanks and praise to God for.”
