Raymond TOPLEY

It was with great sadness that I learnt about the passing of Raymond. I met Raymond when I was a pupil in the Dun Laoghaire CBS. He introduced me to the game of hurling and he dedicated many hours to training us for the school team and the Cuala Gaa club. For me this was the start of a long career in hurling in which I played Inter County hurling for Dublin, became Chairman of the Cuala Gaa cub and was also Director of Hurling for Dublin. This would not have been possible for me except for the work, dedication and kindness of Raymond Topley. A couple of years ago he gave me the old school team photo taken on Dun Laoghaire pier which I copied a gave to every member of the team. Raymond was remembered by all as a genuine, sincere and kind teacher. He made many peoples lives better for having known him and it is with great sadness that I offer you my condolences.

Deepest sympathy on the death of Raymond,we have fond memories of Ray here in Carlow. He is remembered affectionately by past pupils and former colleagues alike.

As a young teacher starting out he gave me great help and encouragement and a couple of witty quotes which I still remember, I only heard this sad news today.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhilís.

To Noelle with sympathy
I'm smiling here Noelle thinking about Raymond and his recipe for Dublin Coddle.

Mary McMahon.

Noelle, Deepest condolences on the very sad passing of Ray R.I.P. He was a great work colleague, kind and caring, witty, and very organised. I am so sad he did not get time to enjoy his retirement. His bravery in his illness was filled with hope, Instead of the oxygen on the trolley inhibiting him he said he found it liberating as he could now walk in to town. His pastoral demeanor was inspirational.

Dear Noelle,

I wish to express my deepest sympathy with you on the death of your beloved husband Raymond. I have known Ray for over forty years and have always admired his integrity, dedication, self-discipline, honesty, cheerfulness and sense of fun.

He gave of his best to everything he did and still succeeded in keeping all aspects of his life in balance. I am grateful for the many happy memories of Ray as a friend and colleague. I will never forget him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

“You came to meet him with the blessings of success;
you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked you for life and this you have given,
days that will last from age to age.” (Ps. 20)

Noelle, there are truly no words that can be said to describe how my heart breaks for you. I struggle to come to terms with Ray's passing and try to make some sense out of it. I haven't been able to do that just yet, I have a lot to be thankful for, for having such a good brother he was the patriarch of the Topley family and kept us all together always wanting to help and run around after everyone to make sure their life was good, Ray was such an amazing person and I have great memories of the times we spent together and I will cherish them forever, he touched so many people in so many ways.

I will miss him so very much.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Rest in Peace my dear brother
across the miles, Lorraine

My Dear Noelle,
I was deeply shocked to learn of dear Ray's death last Wednesday. He was such a wonderful member of staff: he always had time for every person and his dry wit lifted many a spirit in difficult times. Only last week I asked him how he was and he replied: "Still breathing"! He revolutionized lessons plans for Teaching Practice, initially in Religion, but his brilliant organizational skills soon spread to lesson plans in many other subjects. The impact of this gift will go on being felt throughout the country for decades to come. We will all miss him terribly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
With sincerest sympathy,
Marion

Dear Noelle,

Sincerest sympathies on the death you your beloved husband Raymond. I have known Ray ever since the mid-seventies and most recently on the Board of Management of Emmaus of which I am Chairperson. Ray will be sadly missed by all those who came to know and love him.

Our prayers are with you Noelle at this time of great loss.

Warm regards

David Gibson

Dear Noelle,

I am so sorry for your, and our, loss of Ray. He has been a great support throughout my studies and only recently has put me on an important new path. I regret I did not know he was so ill and did not get to say how I was thinking of and praying for him since last Monday when I did learn of his illness. He will be sadly missed. Take care.

To Noelle and Family,
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of Raymond. He was a fantastic support to students of Pats and I know he will be missed.

What a sad day when I heard this news. When I bumped into you last Thursday the 3rd September when I was with my mum on her 80th birthday, I cannot believe that this was to be the last time I would see you. With kind regards Susan (ex St. Patrick's college - student)