Ray Van Haven
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Obituary
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Raymundus "Ray" Van Haven. Born on August 30th, 1957, Ray left us too soon on August 14th, 2024, just shy of his 67th birthday. The beloved father of three children Leon, Kaito & Megumi, Ray leaves behind more than just his family, but also a legacy of kindness and unconditional love.
Known for his wild spirit and adventurous heart, Ray's charismatic presence was a beacon for all those he encountered. His kindness was ever-present, his love infectious, and his generosity knew no bounds. Ray's compassionate spirit touched the hearts of many, spreading warmth and positivity wherever he went.
Ray's adventurous nature was not merely a personality trait but translated into one of his greatest accomplishments - traveling around the world. These experiences shaped him into the worldly, understanding figure that so many loved and admired.
However, Ray's most cherished accomplishment was his role as a father. His love for his children was boundless. Ray was the epitome of a loving and caring father, constantly striving to be the best role model for his children. This commitment was embodied in his life mantra - 'Van Haven Never Give Up.'
His essence and teachings will live on not only through his family but through all the lives Ray touched throughout his fruitful journey. Even though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit and the essence of his teachings remain.
A Celebration of Life ceremony in honor of Ray will be held at W.D. Rose Funerals in Cheltenham on his birthday, August 30th, 2024, starting at 2:00 PM. We invite all those who knew Ray and were touched by his magnanimous spirit to join us in remembering and honoring his life.
Ray's passing leaves an unfillable void in our lives, but his spirit of adventure, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will forever live on.
To learn more about Ray's journey & accomplishment:
https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Ray-Van-Haven/author/B0CNY8BW56?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
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August 30, 2024
Een paar jaar nadat we elkaar weer hadden gevonden, moet ik alweer afscheid van je nemen, definitief deze keer. wat hebben we gelachen en gefeest in Den Haag en Rotterdam. Je was voor de duvel niet bang, eerder andersom. Je had meerdere lagen, maar dat was niet voor iedereen zichtbaar. Ik heb het geluk gehad dat je mij meerdere lagen van je persoonlijkheid hebt laten zien en bij iedere laag werd je een mooier en compleet persoon. Dank daarvoor Ray, dank dat je in mijn leven bent verschenen waardoor mijn leven nooit meer hetzelfde is gebleven. We zien elkaar in het volgende leven, take care my friend.
August 30, 2024
I wish I had the words to express my sadness on hearing of the loss of Ray. Whilst I didn’t know him that well, his energy, character and personality shone through and it felt so easy to be around him.
To my beautiful Mai, Leon, Kaito and Megumi I am so very sorry for your loss and pain. Whilst we couldn’t be there in person to say goodbye I am grateful and honoured to have been able to be there with you today.
We love you all so much x
To my beautiful Mai, Leon, Kaito and Megumi I am so very sorry for your loss and pain. Whilst we couldn’t be there in person to say goodbye I am grateful and honoured to have been able to be there with you today.
We love you all so much x
August 30, 2024
I first met Ray back in 2010 when I bought the Blygold QLD business from him. Blygold was a business that Ray had started in Australia and soon to include New Zealand. I then purchased the Oceania Master Licence for Blygold from Ray in 2013 so he could pursue other business ventures with his beautiful wife Mai.
I kept in touch with Ray on and off over the years and he never changed. He always had a positive outlook and his “no worries, she’ll be right” attitude lives on within the Blygold business world still today.
RIP ole mate.
I kept in touch with Ray on and off over the years and he never changed. He always had a positive outlook and his “no worries, she’ll be right” attitude lives on within the Blygold business world still today.
RIP ole mate.
August 30, 2024
I didn’t know him very well but he was a good man and an awesome father to Leon Kaito and Megumi.My favourite memory was when me Leon Kaito and Meg were hanging out at his place. I miss him. I’m so sorry to Mai and the kids for their loss and I hope he has a safe trip to heaven.
August 29, 2024
dear ray
Your kindness, strength, and humor all still shine in my heart.
I will always cherish you.
thanks so much.
My heartfelt condolences to you.
Maki.Yoshi
Your kindness, strength, and humor all still shine in my heart.
I will always cherish you.
thanks so much.
My heartfelt condolences to you.
Maki.Yoshi
August 29, 2024
Dear Ray,
As we sit down to write this, we are flooded with all the wonderful memories we shared. From the laughter and the late-night talks to the moments of quiet understanding, each one is etched in our heart. We are forever grateful for the time we had together.
Though you’re no longer here, those memories will continue to bring a smile to our face and comfort to our heart. We will miss you deeply, but we know that the love and laughter we shared will live on.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will always be with us in spirit.
With love and heartfelt remembrance,
Miyuki,Brian, Kazuki, Hikaru and Riki
As we sit down to write this, we are flooded with all the wonderful memories we shared. From the laughter and the late-night talks to the moments of quiet understanding, each one is etched in our heart. We are forever grateful for the time we had together.
Though you’re no longer here, those memories will continue to bring a smile to our face and comfort to our heart. We will miss you deeply, but we know that the love and laughter we shared will live on.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will always be with us in spirit.
With love and heartfelt remembrance,
Miyuki,Brian, Kazuki, Hikaru and Riki
August 29, 2024
Ray, when we were little kids we shared a room and sleept in the same bed. That togetherness would stay for the rest of our lives.
You were ALWAYS there for me, helping me, supporting me.
Throughout the years I have missed you very much. Every week we face-timide but the only thing I wanted was to see you and hold you forever. Ray, you are and were the most precious person in my live.
Thank you for all the things you have done for me.
Love you with all my heart and will miss you forever.
Hope I Will see you again.
Your brother Marcel.
You were ALWAYS there for me, helping me, supporting me.
Throughout the years I have missed you very much. Every week we face-timide but the only thing I wanted was to see you and hold you forever. Ray, you are and were the most precious person in my live.
Thank you for all the things you have done for me.
Love you with all my heart and will miss you forever.
Hope I Will see you again.
Your brother Marcel.
August 28, 2024
When we were kids, Ray lived across the street from us and he was always the older brother that we looked up to, as we obviously spent more time with his younger brothers that were our age, Servaas and Quirien. Due to the age difference, it wasn’t until later on in life that we became more befriended, still in full admiration of his contagious enthusiasm and eagerness to continuously explore new boundaries. In Ray’s presence, you were always guaranteed that there was a radiant and sparkling kind of liveliness in the room. Combined with his genuine intrest, care and heartwarming kindness, you always ended up wishing that an evening would last longer or that you would be able to meet more often, but with Ray being on the other side of the world most of the time, this was just as unfortunate as unlikely to happen and perhaps because of that, we enjoyed and cherished every second that we were able to spend together. Knowing that Ray was never more than a phone call or a Whatsapp message away felt comforting and we will miss him tremendously. When Lizzy was in Melbourne, she experienced so much love and felt so welcome with Ray (“a big man with an even bigger heart”), Mai and the kids and for that, we are forever grateful. In every picture that Ray sent us, especially those with Mai and the kids, there is no doubt that the sparkle in his eyes was never brighter than when they were together. Mai, Leon, Kaito and Megumi meant the world to him and the love between them almost wants to jump off the screen at every glance. We wish everyone strength and love in remembering Ray for who he was and what he meant to each individual who had the pleasure of experiencing his presence. Our memories of Ray will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace dear friend.
August 28, 2024
In Memory of a Light
A glow within, so bright and true,
With every smile, he renewed you.
His presence calm, his spirit warm,
A beacon strong through every storm.
In his eyes, the light would gleam,
A gentle soul, living his dream.
Though he’s gone, his spirit stays,
A guiding star through endless days.
With love, Sjak Chan
A glow within, so bright and true,
With every smile, he renewed you.
His presence calm, his spirit warm,
A beacon strong through every storm.
In his eyes, the light would gleam,
A gentle soul, living his dream.
Though he’s gone, his spirit stays,
A guiding star through endless days.
With love, Sjak Chan
August 28, 2024
Our eldest brother Ray has made yet another journey, his final one! Unexpected but that is so much like him. He was such an adventurous soul ever since his teens; starting own businesses , travelling and facing all sorts of challenges that life threw at him.
The last 15 years or so he found a new haven in Mai and the kids whom he loved so much. Seeing his kids grow constantly amazed him and left him in admiration, filled with love. He loved it and thought it was the best thing ever.
Ray has been a huge influence in my life and his care and love made me who I am and put me where I am today. I will always treasure this!
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mai and the three children Leon, Kaito and Megumi. Know that he loved you very much and that he did all he could to give you a head start in life. His credo was to try and be the best person you can be, be kind and helpful and most of all, be yourself.!
Thanks Ray for being you , have a safe journey my brother, my friend!
Love, Quirien Grul
The last 15 years or so he found a new haven in Mai and the kids whom he loved so much. Seeing his kids grow constantly amazed him and left him in admiration, filled with love. He loved it and thought it was the best thing ever.
Ray has been a huge influence in my life and his care and love made me who I am and put me where I am today. I will always treasure this!
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mai and the three children Leon, Kaito and Megumi. Know that he loved you very much and that he did all he could to give you a head start in life. His credo was to try and be the best person you can be, be kind and helpful and most of all, be yourself.!
Thanks Ray for being you , have a safe journey my brother, my friend!
Love, Quirien Grul
August 28, 2024
I met through Ray through him renting a property I managed. A little while later he moved and ended up living in my street in a home he purchased before he flipped that one too :-) Being from Holland myself we got to practice our Dutch together whilst our children played together in the street. Ray you were a beautiful soul and will be sadly missed. Heaven has truly gained another angel. Sending all our love, our payers and strength to Mai, Leon, Kaito and Megu. Rest peacefully Ray,
Rust in vrede, Veel liefs Danica, Harley and Willow
Rust in vrede, Veel liefs Danica, Harley and Willow
August 27, 2024
Ray was a remarkable man with a big heart. He will be greatly missed.
Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.
Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.
August 27, 2024
Raymund Grul, Ray van Haven, my oldest brother is no longer with us. He toke care off so many people during his life... I don't know what to say. Much love for Mai and the childeren. Have a safe yourney Ray, love Ingrid and Ron
August 27, 2024
We will always remember Ray as a father. It was our pleasure to spend time with him, along with Mai, Leon, Kaito and Meg at family dinners and holidays. Although he cannot be with them in person, we are certain he will be continue to be with his three beloved children in spirit, lending them his strength, determination and warmth. He will continue to live on in them, as in our memories.
Kenn, Yasuyo, Emily, Micah & Meg
Kenn, Yasuyo, Emily, Micah & Meg
August 27, 2024
I had the honour of meeting Ray through a business program earlier this year and what shone through every time he spoke was his passion for life but mostly his enormous love for his children. A brave and inspiring soul. I will miss your cheeky smile Ray. Sharon Clement
August 27, 2024
My best friend is gone and will forever leave an empty space in our lives. We offer our deepest condolences to Mai and their children.
We have known each other since we were teenagers and we have gone through 50 years of unforgettable shared emotions, events of life and personal highs and lows. Distance or time never influenced the deepness of our friendship I know of no other person as open, genuine and brave as Ray. No mountain was high enough for him to climb and danger or disease never seemed to frighten him. He had a talent to build the warmest relations with every type of human being, no matter their rank, race or age. Still, when he became a father I could see that he had finally found the real purpose of his life. Never have I seen him happier than in the presence of his kids. It is with great sadness to know that now they will have to live on without his endless love.
Thank you for being my best friend ever Ray, you had a bumpy ride, but now you can rest in peace. Henny and Sylvia.
We have known each other since we were teenagers and we have gone through 50 years of unforgettable shared emotions, events of life and personal highs and lows. Distance or time never influenced the deepness of our friendship I know of no other person as open, genuine and brave as Ray. No mountain was high enough for him to climb and danger or disease never seemed to frighten him. He had a talent to build the warmest relations with every type of human being, no matter their rank, race or age. Still, when he became a father I could see that he had finally found the real purpose of his life. Never have I seen him happier than in the presence of his kids. It is with great sadness to know that now they will have to live on without his endless love.
Thank you for being my best friend ever Ray, you had a bumpy ride, but now you can rest in peace. Henny and Sylvia.
August 27, 2024
I was blessed to meet Ray at an event and he’s truly a warrior and a gem of a person. Your legacy and memories will live on. Sending love to the family and my deepest condolences.
Service
Please join us to pay a last tribute.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person Ray was. While we mourn the loss of our dear friend, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person Ray was. While we mourn the loss of our dear friend, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Location
W.D. Rose Funerals Cheltenham
221 Charman Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
221 Charman Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
Date/time
Starts on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
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