Ray met local farmer Joe in 1973 when he took a job in town, managing the Benalla Wool Classing Depot.
“Joey’s wool was the first I classed in Benalla,” Ray said.
“It doesn’t seem like that long ago, but time marches on.
“We always talked about getting to 50 years together. But he didn’t quite make it, unfortunately.”
Joe passed away in May. This would have been the 50th year he saw his wool graded by Ray.
“His sons, Chris and David, have kept it going this year, and we’ll see what the future holds,” Ray said.
“I’m actually out there classing it as we speak, and I think Joe would be very pleased with this year.
“We’re cutting some wool now and looking forward to getting to the ‘cream of the crop’, so to speak.
“They’re coming through next and we should be finished up by Monday (November 21).”
Ray said this might be the last wool classing job he did.
His career began in Melbourne before moving to the Rose City and completing his qualification at the old Benalla Technical School under the guidance of Terry Martin and Godfrey Marple.
A lifelong love of the industry has kept him coming back, even though he is now retired.
“I have returned to do some work,” Ray said.
“I do a little bit of wool classing in the area for NK Shearing, just to help out and to keep my eye in.”
Ray said considering the year we had had, Joe’s wool was looking good.
“There isn’t a lot of wool water damage, which is quite amazing,” he said.
“I think Joe will definitely be looking down with a smile on his face.”
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