RAYMOND CONNAL - Respected Routenburn golf administrator passes away

Ayrshire lost one of its longest serving golf club administrators recently with the sudden passing of former Routenburn club secretary Raymond Connal earlier this month, in his 93rd year. 

A well-known enthusiast and renowned authority on the works of Robert Burns, and a former manager at IBM in Greenock where he served for 26 years and represented the company at home and abroad, Ray was born in Greenock and was educated in the High School in the town before becoming a draughtsman in the shipbuilding industry and serving in the RAF during his national service.

In his leisure time golf was Ray’s passion and he served his home club at Routenburn in Largs as secretary for many years and was also a Past Captain of the club. 

Even into his 90’s Ray represented Routenburn on the executive committee of the Associated Clubs of Clyde golfing body.

Ray enjoyed 33 years in retirement, and although he was pre-deceased by his wife Betty in 2021, after over 50 years of marriage, he remained independent and active until is sudden, unexpected, passing.

Ray’s funeral at the Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium was one of the largest services ever held there, and was a fitting tribute to a well-loved man, known for his great humour & integrity.

All at The Ayrshire Golf Association extend sincere condolences to Ray’s daughter Jill and family, and Ray’s close friends, on his sad passing.