Ray Fyfe Obituary
We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former District 18 Ladies Secretary and Bowls Scotland Honorary Member, Ray Fyfe.
Ray started bowling in her early 40’s at Colville Park Bowling Club in Motherwell, where her husband Trevor was already a member of the neighbouring golf club and he joined the bowling club with her. Ray was a hardworking and dedicated woman, working as a Scheme Manager at Bield Sheltered Housing Complex, Glenview Court in Motherwell from 1981 until she retired. These qualities also shone through on the bowling green as it took Ray until the seventh time of asking to win the Ladies Championship at Colville Park Bowling Club in 2002, having previously being beaten in the final on six occasions.
A well-recognised face within the west of Scotland bowls community, Ray played for Lanarkshire ladies county team for several years and was part of the winning side that lifted the Inter Association competition in 2013. Ray was a regular qualifier for the National Championships, winning a bronze medal twice in the Ladies 2-Bowl Triples and Ladies Fours respectively. Her bronze medal in the Ladies Fours in 2018 was alongside her only child Mari McParland, a proud moment for the whole family.
In 2009, Ray took up the position of Ladies District Secretary for District 18, volunteering her services to the post for 13 years until she stepped down in 2022. Ray’s dedication and professionalism within the role ensured she was well-respected by her peers, making many friendships and memories during her time as District Secretary. She was a regular visitor to the National Championships in Ayr each year too, freely volunteering her time to help carry out numerous tasks needing completed. Ray was also part of the volunteer team behind the scenes at Kelvingrove for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as Scotland’s men won three gold medals in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Ray may no longer be with us, but her contribution to bowling will live long in the memory of everybody who had the privilege of knowing her. Bowls Scotland would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Ray’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.