Born in County Durham, Ray joined the Bermuda Police in July 1964 and, along with a group of 9 overseas recruits, together with Wayne Perinchief and Del Trott, he attended Basic Training Course #5 before being posted to Central Division (Hamilton) and then to Operations (Traffic).
Ray was a super fit sportsman. He was a regular player on one of our best ever Police football teams, and was introduced to squash by Clive Donald when squash was played at the former millitary court at Prospect with its leaky roof and concrete floor. Ray quickly took to the game and became a member of the Bermuda Squash team, playing both here and abroad.
An exceptionally talented Bermuda Police Football Team
In 1966 Ray and three of his colleagues, Duncan Batchelor, Mike Caulkett and Jim McIlwain embarked on an 8,000 mile road trip around the U.S. and Mexico, and in July 1967 Ray decided to emigrate to Canada where he and his wife Sylvia settled in Vancouver. Ray took up teaching and stayed active with lots of cycling and gym work, and over the years he and Sylvia have hosted and entertained many of his former colleagues from the Bermuda Police. CLICK HERE to read more about Ray in our "Then and Now" column.
We last heard from Ray earlier this year when he mentioned that he was looking forward to some of the World Cup football matches which are scheduled to be played in Vancouver next year.
Rayand Sylvia with their two sons, daughter and two grandchildren
We offer our sincere condolences to Sylvia and their 3 children and grandchildren, and to his good friends Dave and Elizabeth Needham. It was Dave who forwarded to us the sad news of Ray’s passing.
18th October 2025
29th October 2025
The following Tribute to Ray Banks was posted in the West Hartepool Rugby website by Dave Picken on 19th October 2025
Sad news from Canada of the death of former West and Canada centre Ray Banks ....
Ray was part of a West contingent who headed off to Canada in the late 1960's, which included George Green, Ken Wilkie and John Smith who are all also no longer with us. As a powerful centre he went on to play for Canada, and his 1971 blazer for the Tour of Wales is among the memorabilia on show in the clubhouse.
Ray also played for Durham Under 15's, while his career saw him serve with the police in Bermuda followed by a teaching career in Vancouver. Thoughts are with wife Sylvia and Rob, Chris and Jenny
CLICK HERE to view the tribute to Ray on their website
30th October 2025
Edward Raymond "Ray" Banks
The following obituary to Ray Banks was published in the The Vancouver Sun & The Province on 29th October 2025:-
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Edward Raymond "Ray" Banks, age 83 years.
Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach whose warmth, generosity, and integrity touched countless lives. He dedicated his life to education and athletics, inspiring students and athletes alike with his leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to others.
Ray spent his teaching career at William Osler Elementary School and Kitsilano Secondary School, where he was cherished by colleagues and students for his kindness and ability to bring out the best in young people. His passion for sport, especially rugby, was a defining part of his life. He proudly represented Canada on the National Rugby Team and was a member of the UBC Thunderbirds rugby program, forming lifelong friendships through the game he loved.
He is survived by his loving wife Sylvia; his children Chris (Nevada), Rob (Meredith), and Jennifer (Sean); and his grandchildren Emily and Grace.
A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club on November 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
He will be deeply missed and remembered with love.