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Ray Mustey

Born: January 19, 1932

Died: November 9, 2012

Ray Mustey was well-known in the Lockington community as a builder, old engine restorer and for his involvement with the Lions club.

He was most famous for his quick wit and rough sense of humour.

Ray was the third son to Win and Charlie Mustey and the second youngest in a family of 12.

The family grew up in a house in the main street of Lockington, where Ray’s father had a butcher shop.

Ray attended Lockington Primary School and Echuca Technical College, before going to Melbourne to complete his apprenticeship in cabinet making and joinery.

He then returned to Lockington to build a house for his brother Bill and wife Betty, after which Ray started working with Jack Deighton.

The business partnership lasted 16 years, before Ray started his own business.

Ray had the knack of making friends wherever he went, with many co-workers, tradies and customers becoming his friends.

Ray met his wife Bet on a bus trip to Mt Buffalo and married her in October 1957; a union which lasted 55 happy years.

Bet and Ray had four children; Wendy, Geoff, David and Peter, and seven grandchildren; Dallas, Chantelle, Jayden, Bryden, Amber, Sam and Harrison.

A huge sadness in Ray’s life was when his grandson, Michael, lost his brave fight for life.

However, the birth of his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Ava and Ella, gave Ray great joy.

Every Christmas for many years, the Mustey family met their close friends, the Stride family and (later) the Fieldings, where they spent happy holidays at Rosebud.

Growing up, the Musteys spent Sunday afternoons and holidays on their speed boat, where they had lots of fun water skiing.

Ray used to say this was the only way he could get away from the phone and people wanting him to do something.

He spent 15 years as a Cub leader when his sons were young and later joined the Lions and bowls clubs, where he enjoyed the companionship of the members.

Over the years, Ray devoted many hours helping the clubs and was the assistant green keeper for many years.

Ray did not enjoy the spotlight, but was happy working in the background.

He was honoured to receive the Chris Angus memorial trophy from the Lions club.

Ray was known for his wit and playing tricks on people and was always happy to share a joke, which he had thousands of.

In retirement, he became interested in restoring old engines.

When Ray was first diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, he said, ‘‘Well, I’ve got it. I will just make the best of whatever time I’ve got left’’. And he did.

A month ago when he was told the cancer had spread, he said, ‘‘I’m 80 years old; I’ve had a good life. Whatever will be will be’’.