Tuesday, 2 December 2025

 Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (13:42): Ninety seconds is simply not long enough to pay tribute to Raymond Leslie Yates, a remarkable man and a giant of the Monbulk community whose passing leaves a profound void. Yesterday we gathered to celebrate his life and hear from those who knew him best across the many roles he held in his 86 years. They were overwhelming in their praise for a man known for his kindness, wisdom and deep commitment to serving others. Every encounter with Ray was a privilege. When he spoke with you, he made you feel like you were the only person in the room, with a smile that travelled all the way to his eyes, and his contributions were extraordinary.

Principal of Monbulk Primary School for 28 of his 38 years there, he left an indelible mark on the thousands of young minds who attended in his time and remembered every single one of their names decades later. Ray ensured that the Building the Education Revolution building at Monbulk Primary was a one-of-a-kind music centre shaped like a grand piano. The Living and Learning Centre exists in Monbulk because of him, as he had the foresight to insist a kindergarten be co-located with the school two decades ago. He served as a Shire of Lillydale councillor for over 20 years, including two terms as president, and he was tireless in his determination to leave this place better than he found it.

He was the embodiment of our community’s heart. Beloved husband to Cathie, devoted father to Richard and Samuel, adored stepfather and poppa to Clare, Marcus and their families. On behalf of the Monbulk community, I extend my deepest condolences to them all. In the words of a young person reflecting on his passing, ‘If the world was run by Ray Yates, it would be a wonderful place’. Indeed. Vale, Raymond Leslie Yates.