Vale Ray Meadows
It is with great sadness that the North West Squash League farewells Ray Meadows.
Ray was a member of Essendon Squash Club for numerous years and many of our older North West players will have played with or against him. He will be remembered as a fair and competitive player but more especially for his wonderful contributions to the ‘Supper’ table after play. His keen sense of mischief in his storytelling always encouraged excellent social interactions. He was extremely well liked and admired by many.
Ray also was the architect of the new North West Squash League’s Players Tribunal framework. He was fastidious that whatever system was set up, it achieved the best possible outcomes and that all parties involved had a fair and just hearing. Ray worked very hard to ensure that the League would be seen by our participants – players, supporters, Venue Operators and any other allied people to our sport, as a ‘clean’ and fair competition with positive physical, social and emotional benefits for all. His devotion to these ends meant that he spent many, many hours in discussions, poring over our documentation and many guiding legal frameworks to ensure we got it ‘right’.
Almost as a ‘test drive’, Ray accepted the League’s invitation to be the initial Chair of this new Tribunal. His attention to detail ensured that all cases he Chaired were heard in a reasonable time frame and adhered to the developed framework and guidelines set by the NWSL. He held this position as Chair for a number of years and then retired when he was comfortable that the Tribunal worked effectively and efficiently.
The North West attempted to nominate him for various Awards, all of which he refused and all of which he would have been a recipient. It was his nature and personality of humility and selfless dedication to the service of his community that prevented these Awards being accepted. We wished we could have found an alternative way that he would accept to thank him for his commitment to our community.
Ray is a great loss to our League and to the people within. As a role model both for our sport and for life, we could not ask for a better example and we have been greatly enriched by his presence.
On behalf of the North West Squash League
Lynne Spark- President