4BR has been informed of the death of one of the great members of the post war Fairey Band — Ray Peacock.

He died on Saturday 5th May.

True Fairey Man

A spokesperson for the current band told 4BR: "Ray was a true Fairey’s man. He worked in the factory as a draughtsman and played with the band from 1969 — 1999. He was a devoted husband to Margaret and an inspirational and loving father to Mark, Stuart and David.

Ray had been ill for several years but still kept in touch with his many banding friends. He was one of the best 'bumper ups' of his generation, performing the role to Philip McCann, Kevin Bolton and of course brother in law Brian Taylor for much of his 30 years with Fairey.

He enjoyed numerous contest successes with Fairey’s — winning the British Open in 1979, 1987 and 1993, the National Championship of Great Britain in 1986 and 1993, the European in 1993, All England Masters in 1996 and 1997 and Brass in Concert in 1996.

He was also part of the historic 'Treble' winning band of 1993 and the band that won 10 first prizes at Whit Friday in 1987.

Of all the banding successes he enjoyed perhaps the one bringing him greatest pride was seeing his young protégé Brian Taylor become one of the best cornet players of his generation.

He was exceptionally proud of sons Mark and Stuart playing for Fairey’s alongside him and especially when Mark was appointed Associate Conductor of the band in 2011.

Ray and Margaret made a generous donation to the Fairey bandroom renovations after the fire. The last event Ray attended in a social capacity was the official opening of the new bandroom in February this year."

Ray and Margaret made a generous donation to the Fairey bandroom renovations after the fire. The last event Ray attended in a social capacity was the official opening of the new bandroom in February this yearFairey Band

Great banding friends

Eldest son Mark told 4BR: "Dad had suffered with Parkinson’s Disease for 10 years and over the past few months had deteriorated considerably. Looking back, it is somehow comforting that he could share in the opening of the new bandroom and see some great banding friends such as Les Hall, Alan Lawton, Bob Mulholland, Gary Parker and Jimmy Leggatt one last time."

Fairey’s were due to record a CD on the Saturday that Ray passed away, but the decision was taken by the band to postpone the recording to later in the year.

Mark of respect

Band spokesperson Paul Warder added: "The decision to postpone the CD was done as a mark of respect for Ray. There was no doubt that the whole band would of been affected by this sad news. Bandsmen with his dedication, commitment and integrity are very few and far between in the modern age. His legacy will live on at Fairey’s for many years to come and it will be our great honour to play at his funeral service. Our thoughts are with the family at this terribly sad time."

Funeral arrangements

4BR has been informed that the funeral will take place on Thursday 17th May at 11.00am at Tyldesley Parish Church.