As a mark of respect to Ray 'Stingray' Jones it has been decided that bluekipper will not post any news today Monday 19th February on the day of Ray's funeral. Ray was an integral part of bluekipper.com, and father of Kipper, Jogger and Lard. Normal service of bluekipper will be resumed on Tuesday 20th February.

On behalf of the Jones family, we would like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts after the loss of a dear Husband, Father, and Evertonian. (Sausage, Ernie, Lavo)

Ray Jones died on Tuesday 13th Feb 2007. He was 74. He leaves behind his wife Flo and 3 sons Steve, Paul and Gary. He was Sting Ray, the quiz master on Blue Kipper. If anyone would like to send their memories in of Ray in word or photographs, or simply pay their own tribute, e-mail info@bluekipper.com

The Funeral took place at 10.30am Monday 19th Feb 2007 at Holy Rosary Church, Aintree, followed by cremation at Thornton Crematorium and then to the Holy Rosary Parish Club.

* Paul. I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. It was a privilege and an honour to know your dad and I still hold heaps of respect especially putting up with me as a young teen in the "chuck wagon". One of the best times of my life. When I stayed in yours as a teenager I thought he was great especially when we won the 7 aside tournament. Hopefully he can now see Frankie Carter. My thoughts are with you, your mum, brothers and all other family members. Josh wanted me to say he is sorry too and that he liked your dad x x. All our love. George & Sue Hogan

* Paul, Tracey and all the Jones family, so so sorry to hear the sad news of your lovely dad passing away. Whenever i saw him be it at the kipper lounge before or after games or at a kipper 'do', he always wore a smile and would stop for a chat. He was a lovely man with a lovely nature. Having lost our dad two and half years ago to that bastard of a disease too, we can comprehend what you are all going through at this time as a family. Remember the happy times (of which i am sure there are many) and always talk about him. Thinking of you all, Lisa (dreamflight) and Stuart (australia) Irving and family.

* Razor. It was a pleasure to know you. From our days together on the Karaoke in the Valley, to the weekend in Hartlepool, Great memories, You asked to see me a few days before you passed away. I thought you were going to be with us much longer, I told all the lads from our over the hill mob team you were coming to see them in The club after our game, but you could’nt make it. Gone but never forgotten . Your mate Pat Cardy

* Steve, Just a quick email to say how sorry I was to hear about your Dad...and to let you know my thoughts are with you at this time.. Hope you're OK.. Best wishes! Adrian

* Steve. Sorry to hear about your Dad, just a quick note to send our condolences and sympathy to you and the family. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. Matt McCormack and family

* What a great bloke Ray was. We always enjoyed our quiz nights in The Valentine and The Blue Anchor and of course all the nights out we had with our winnings.You will be missed Ray. Our thoughts are with Flo and the boys at this sad time. All our love. Carol, Bob and Robert. SYDNEY AUSTRALIA.

* I was extremely sorry to hear of your Dad Ray's passing. On the couple of times I met him in the Pub he seemed a Great and very Knowledgeable Evertonian someone who instantly got respect. I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies at this sad time. Chris Simpson.

* To Paul, Steve, Gary, Flo and all the Jones family may myself and my family offer our sincere condolences and sympathy for your loss of your wonderful father and husband, Ray. There is far to much to print at this moment just some things I'd like to say. I'll never forget Ray a pure gentleman and in my eye's 'Mr Cool'. The Jones family should feel so proud and privileged for the time the time you have spent with this wonderful man. It wasn't long ago when I suffered a devastating loss of my wonderful mother but the support I received from everyone at bluekipper was immense, Jogger you were at my home within 20 minutes of hearing of my loss. What can I say You are all a credit to your late father of which I know he was greatly proud of. I will be there 24/7 for all of you like you were for me. I hope with all the wonderful support and tributes you have received will give you the strength to go on with all the great work that you do as people with this fantastic site. I thank you and your father for introducing me to some of the greatest people I have ever met. The likes of Paul Mac and Stephen Battle to name but a few.
God be with you and may Ray rest in peace and live in paradise for the best is yet to come. Love Roy Emily and Matthew Caine X

* I remember some of my happiest memories as a kid when I would stay in my Uncle Ray's. Talking with him about the wild west book he had, him showing me how to play escalado and playing cricket in the garden and when he had a spare ticket taking me to the match. Also baffling me with impossible quiz questions. He used to wind me up by calling himself my favourite Uncle, well Uncle Ray you were. All my thoughts to Auntie Flo, Steve, Paul and Gary and family from David Masson.

* Really sorry to hear your news about Ray. Thinking of you all at this sad time. The Keig family x x x

* So sorry to hear of the sad loss of this Evertonian. Deepest sympathy to all. Remember... Evertonians don't die. We go to Heaven and cheer the blues, Anthony Nolan, ( Pelham. New York)

* Steve. Sorry to hear about your Dad. Give my best to Gary. Derek Mountfield

* Ray it has been an honour to call you a friend over the years, I truly mean that. As well as the match, its the days and nights in the Valentine I will miss, and you on the kazza, doing what you do best, crooning, always a pleasure to listen to you, and be in your company. Rest in Peace Ray, and my deepest condolences to Flo, Steve, Paul, Gary, Tracey, Vicky, Joanne, and all the Grandkids. Lavo

* Just like to send our deepest sympathy to all the Jones family,on there sad loss. I use to print the Stingray quiz and take it into work, pass them around and listen to the banter, the arguments would last a week till we got the answers. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. Phill Mcferran and Phillip jnr

* Deepest Condolences to all, kith and kin and extended Blue Family. Sad to see a Blue pass to the other side, (no, he hasn't gone to Liver*****.) Heaven will be a better place, with the sky only Bluer. Gerard-- Melbourne Australia

* Steve, Paul and Gary. Really sorry to hear the sad news about your dad. Its come as a massive shock and I still can't believe it. He truly was a gentleman who really summed up of how to be an Evertonian. He was full of class and dignity. The biggest tribute to him, is how well all of his family has been brought up, and if I can do half a good a job as he had done with his family, with my two kids, then I'll be doing very well. Thinking of you at this really sad time. RIP Ray - it won't be the same without you. Paddy Howlin.

* Steve, Both David and I are deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Like all Evertonians, we will miss your father. When our paths crossed during our time in the UK, we knew him as an honourable and kind-hearted gentleman who was so proud of his immediate family and his extended family - Everton Football Club. While his death leaves a heartache no one can heal, his love leaves a memory no one can steal. Sincere condolences. Elizabeth France, Victoria, Canada

* I met Ray on a few occasions when I travelled over from Dublin for matches.He always had a smile on his face and a friendly word for me and Donna. My deepest sympathies to all his family and friends. Joe O'Reilly (J).

* I've just heard the news. I'm so, so sorry. My warmest love to you all. Becky Tallentire xxx

* Dear Jones Family. We’re deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad Ray. Us as a family didn’t know him personally, but my brother Paul new him well. If Paul was here today he would have written an essay to say what a wonderful man he was. I know Ray and Paul will be up there now starting Blue Kipper 2. Kind Regards. McComb Family. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

* When I first started going the match as a kid, my brother and I used to spend what felt like an eternity sitting in the pub before the match with my Dad and the rest of the fellas. While the men were busy getting the ale in we would sit there checking our watch every five minutes, asking how long until we leave when it was only 1 o' clock. As soon as he could sense a bit of boredom, Ray would always be over with a programme from the 60's or 70's which we would have a look through or a quiz question which we could have a guess at, just generally making sure we had a drink and were kept entertained. I remember thinking Ray was the type of Evertonian I wanted to grow up to be, owning every programme and knowing every fact and figure. Even as I grew up and started drinking and going on The Toffeemen's / Bluekipper nights out he would still always have a nice word to say and see if I was alright. He was a class act and an absolute gent. Sincere condolences to the family. Graeme, Ian and Adam Stanley

* Steve. I was very sorry to hear of your sad loss. Please pass on my condolences to your family. You and I were class-mates at All Saints (Fonthill Rd !) R.C. Primary as well as fellow inside-forwards for the school team. One of my fondest football memories is being with you and your dad at the FA Cup derby which took place at Goodison in 1967 - only, we were in the Anfield Road end! It was the historic occasion of the simultaneous screening of the tie at Analfield, ensuring that the match 'attendance' was over 100,000. I'm sure your dad would have been able reel off the exact figure. Long may Blue Kipper thrive in memory to him. Best wishes, Gerry Staunton

* May I pass on my condolences to you over the death of your father. I’ve never met him but I think it hurts us all when we lose a fellow blue, my thoughts are with you and your family. Dean Paton

* In 1967 Kipper and me started together at De La Salle in Croxteth, and we were both lucky enough to make the school team. The only Dads I can remember showing up were my late Dad, Joe, and Ray Jones. The things that they both had in common was a passion for football, and (obviously) Everton. To a young kid as I was then, Ray always had a smile and a word of encouragement and you don't forget those things no matter how much older you get. Many years later when I saw him again he still had that same smile and easygoing way about him, a real gent. To Steve and all the family, heartfelt condolences. Ray Jones was certainly one of the good guys, rest in peace. Kevin Latham

* Dear Jones family, Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your Dad, Ray Jones - a true gentleman, a term that is given to many but deserved by so few - Ray was a gentleman in every way. I'm very honoured to have met him when I married into the Peeney family. He always greeted me warmly with his big smile and loved it that a bluenose had married one of Margaret & Tony's daughters!! What a sad sad loss, which will touch so many people, but he does leave so many great memories to laugh and smile about I am sure. Take care of your Mum and each other- you're in our thoughts.. Stan, Jacqui, Tom, Matthew and baby Grace.

* Just heard the news about your dad. On the couple of times I had the honour to meet him he was an absolute gentleman. A font of knowledge and yes, he did give me stick…don’t they all. We had a good chinwag a while back at Cardy’s dads do at The Valentine…Jogger was the ref ;-) I’d just like to pass on my sincere sympathy Steve to you and the Family. May your Dad Rest in Peace. Frank Hargreaves, Mandi and boys X x

* I was very sad at hearing this news. I have no claim to knowing Ray just the hours of enjoyment his quizzes brought. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace. Ian. Boston, Massachusetts.

* Been keeping up with the site now that we've relocated, really sad to hear about the losses in the family -- real and extended. Hope you're doing alright man. Michele and I have you in our thoughts. Take care. Ryan Jones. New York.

* Steve. I just wanted to drop you a line of support after the terrible time you've had over recent days. I'm so sorry about the news of your Dad.
I lost my wonderful Ol' Feller in 1995 and he too was a great Blue. You never get over it but honestly time is a great healer. Just think of the great times with him. You will be able to talk to him every day as I do with mine,it's just that they don't talk back! Rest assured he's looking down at you with great pride. God bless, and stay strong 'cause he brought you up a Blue ! Tony Tighe

* Steve. Condolences from everyone at the club. Ian Ross. Everton Football Club.

* My deepest sympathy Steve to you and your family. One more good Blue up there but one lost to the rest of us. Sorry he couldn't ultimately make the David France cheque presentation on Saturday but you'll have I'm sure many good memories of the man and eternal gratitude to him who made you an evertonian - once a Blue and all that. I didn't know your dad but he represents I'm sure so many loyal Blues who've been around to see good times and bad, known success, known our history and who know just why we are one of football's aristocrats. On a personal note, my Mum too has cancer, in that area. Such a dreadful illness which affects so many. God bless those who care, so many inspiring people, but it doesn't half pull you up and make you contemplate mortality. I hope today is a true tribute to paul mac and your dad, too, will be remembered on this sad day. take care. Tony Heslop

* Steve. Sorry to hear about your Dad. Graeme Sharp.

* Ste. My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. Paul Croft. Croxteth Blues.

* Lads, awful news. Thinking of you and your mum. If it's any small comfort Ray was a great man, loved by some, liked by all. I never heard a bad word said against him in 23 years I was privileged to know him. If there is anything I can do.. Simon.

* Paul. Just a note to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. Best Regards. Graham & Tom Williams (ex-GEC)

* I would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to your and your family over the death of your dad Ray. I only had the please of meeting him on a few occasions, but he was a true gentleman and a great Evertonian. I am sure he will be trying to exercise some influence from above and watching over our beloved blues with the same passion as if he was here. Kevin & David Cliffe

* You will not know me, but i knew your father well, and am saddened by the the recent events. I met Ray 4 years ago as a regular visitor to aintree library, where he introduced me to Blue Kipper. A true blue and one of the best. God bless him. Peter Bell

* It's unbelievable - to lose two fathers, brothers, sons, Evertonians in such a short space of time. I never met Ray or Paul, but through Bluekipper, I felt I knew them both. My thoughts are with your families at this sad time. RIP Ray and Paul. Paul (Gloucester Toffee)

* Just been talking to Roy Caine and he told me about your loss, so very sorry. Irene Axon and the Fundraising Team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

* My deepest condolences to the Family of Ray Jones. Kipper, Jogger and Lard and the family and friends have lost another true gent and a great Blue. Always had time to say hello to me, but more importantly always had time for my Son Lewis, and always made a point of getting him a drink, some chocolate or getting him a poster. 2 people in 1 week, have been taken from this forum, their friends and more importantly their family. RIP Ray, and go and have a bevvy with Macca. Hoogs

* R.I.P. Ray, absolute gentleman. Love and condolences to Steve, Gary, Paul & family. Nikkie. x x x x

* Another nice guy taken from us. Condolences to Steve, Jogger & Lard. Foxy.

* Ray was a true gentleman, who will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate to have known him. Deepest condolences to his wife and the lads. RIP Ray. God Bless. Steve

* Great fella Ray, only spoke to him a few times but he was a class act, real gentleman and a top evertonian. Best wishes to all his family at this time R.I.P. Ian Mills.

* Can't believe this and am totally shocked. In the same way I knew Paul, I knew stingray him from kipper lounge and he was always lovely to me and made time to speak and ask how I was. The last time i saw him he gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek. A proper gentleman I've just told my brother Paddy and he is gutted, he really liked him he loved the quizzes he did the lounge, he was always giving paddy extra questions throughout the day. deepest sympathy to Steve, Jogger, Lard and all family. Sam

* ASK STINGRAY WAS FANTASTIC! Used to love reading that! My condolences to the friends and family... RIP. mercer_88

* Ray was a complete gentleman and always a pleasure to talk to. My deepest condolences to all of Ray's family. I just wish that he could have had a nice, warm week in Wales with those who were close to him but it wasn't to be. If there is anything at all that I can help with, no matter how big or small, please give me a ring lads. Paul. (Morky) x

* I am totally gutted, ray was just simply a gentleman. We enjoyed some great laughs in the lounge and his quizzes were excellent.He'd always come over to me and brother in law paddy With a question to see if he could stump us and we'd do the same back. We have lost 2 of the best this week. R.I.P. Ray. Ped

* Got told the news this morning by Sausage(Paul), through whom I first met Ray some years ago. Ray was one of the nicest people you could meet and as others have said, always made time for you and would find you in the pub or wherever to say hello. Particularly, he has known my kids, Daniel and Charlotte since they were little and would always make sure they were ok and took an interest in them. As we said this morning, he was a true gentleman and taken too early. Sincere condolences to Steve, Paul, Gary and Flo. Martin Wells.

I've always said we are an extended family, we may not know each others names but nod to the faces we recognise when following the Blues ,home and away. Well our family is hurting just now with the sadness of our losses .I'd like to think that though that we may feel empty just now but in reflection we are richer for knowing these men,the way they were so committed to our club,friends and their families .Great company and they brought others into this special Everton family.Everton is the light which draws us together,the common bond,I know we have the odd fall out but what family doesn't?Always remember the good times that these Blues shared with us.The favourite goals and wins we celebrated and the nights out together we enjoyed so much.

Paul Mac loved a joke like your Dad ,both were very knowledgeable Evertonians ,always gave reasoned debate but listened to others points of view. Always willing to help others. Our Blue world is a much emptier place now that these sons of St Domingo have gone.I often say there are good Evertonians and great Evertonians ,well we have lost some of the greatest Evertonians. So tonight I will have a quite drink and raise a glass to Ray,Paul,Charlie and Graham and all the other Blues who have gone to play with Dixie and Labby. I feel so sorry for all the families grieving just now but all these special men have left a mark on us ,we will not forget them. All great Evertonians but also true gentlemen and will be thought of with great fondness and our deep pride of knowing them. Their on their way to heaven ,we shall not be moved ! Ian Macdonald Everton Independent Blues

* Another massive body blow to the Kipper.. I talked to him a few times in the kipper lounge after the quiz's and he was a really nice fella. Deepest regards to all his family and friends. RIP Blue Paul.