Raymond Holliday-Bersegeay
A Life Filled with Curiosity and Joy. A Family-Centered Spirit. A Passion for Education and Adventure. A Warm and Curious Soul. A Legacy of Love and Inspiration.
Une vie remplie de curiosité et de joie. Un esprit tourné vers la famille. Une passion pour l'éducation et l'aventure. Une âme chaleureuse et curieuse. Un héritage d'amour et d'inspiration.
Obituary
Raymond Holliday-Bersegeay was born on May 30, 1949, in Ryton on Tyne to Ronald Holliday and Mary Cowen. He was a big brother to Alan Holliday. His early years were marked by a love of learning and exploration, fueling a lifelong passion for languages, education, and new cultures. His curiosity and engaging personality made him a natural connector, inspiring those around him to see the beauty in both the world and in human connection. His journey took him across many countries (He lived in England, Spain, USA, Hungary, Belgium and France), each adding to his rich tapestry.
Ray shared a deep bond with his family, with at the heart, his beloved wife Cécile. His first marriage, with Régine, was the foundation of a large family with which he welcomed five children- Kristelle, Chloé, Loriane, Marc and Géraldine. Later, in the United States, Cécile and him celebrated the birth of their daughter Océane, completing a family of six children and seven grandchildren, with two more on the way. Family was at the heart of his life, a source of boundless love and happiness.
Throughout his career, he was dedicated to fostering learning and growth. Starting as a PE teacher, he became a school director and a passionate advocate for international education. His love of outdoor activities shone brightest during holiday camps in France, where he led winter and summer adventures in the mountains, skiing and hiking with enthusiasm. His travels around the world as a lead accreditor for the Council of International Schools reflected his commitment to enriching lives through education.
Known for his warmth, engaging interest, and deep curiosity, Ray loved exploring art, literature, music, and theatre. His fascination with trains and spiritual healing revealed a personality eager to understand the many facets of life. Family and community knew him as an intellectual who enjoyed meaningful conversations and shared passions, always eager to learn and connect on a deeper level. His genuine interest in others made him a cherished presence wherever he went.
Many will remember Ray’s joyful spirit and zest for life. One vivid memory is of him sharing a glass of wine, playing a board game and engaging in great conversation. His love for life’s simple pleasures- books, trains, art and the outdoors- left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy is one of curiosity, kindness, and a celebration of life’s many adventures, inspiring others to embrace each moment with warmth and lightheartedness.
Ray is survived by his large and loving family: his wife, Cécile; his six children and their partners Kristelle (Simon), Chloé (Julián), Loriane (Dan), Marc (Jadeine), Géraldine (Jan) and Océane; his many grandchildren (Zia, those born and those yet to be born); his brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Nicole; his mother-in-law, Marie; his sisters-in-law, Muriel (Thierry) and Agnès; his cousins Dave and Linda (Alan), nephews (Peter, Michael and Gaëtan) and niece (Emelyne) and all those people who formed part of his life.
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Raymond Holliday-Bersegeay est né le 30 mai 1949 à Ryton on Tyne, de Ronald Holliday et Mary Cowen. Il était le grand frère d’Alan Holliday. Ses premières années furent marquées par un amour de l’apprentissage et de l’exploration, nourrissant une passion de toute une vie pour les langues, l’éducation et les nouvelles cultures (il a habité en Angleterre, en Espagne, aux États-Unis, en Hongrie, en Belgique et en France). Sa curiosité et sa personnalité engageante faisaient de lui un lien naturel entre les gens, inspirant ceux qui l’entouraient à voir la beauté du monde comme celle des relations humaines.
Ray partageait un lien profond avec sa famille, au cœur duquel se trouvait son épouse, Cécile. De son premier mariage, avec Régine, est née une grande famille, accueillant cinq enfants - Kristelle, Chloé, Loriane, Marc et Géraldine. Plus tard, aux États-Unis, lui et Cécile ont célébré la naissance de leur fille Océane, complétant ainsi une famille de six enfants et sept petits-enfants, avec deux autres à venir. La famille était au centre de sa vie, une source d’amour infini et de bonheur.
Tout au long de sa carrière, il s’est consacré à encourager l’apprentissage. Ayant commencé comme professeur de sport, il est devenu directeur et défenseur de l’éducation internationale. Son amour du plein air s’exprimait pleinement lors des camps de vacances en France, où il avait animé avec enthousiasme des aventures hivernales et estivales en montagne, entre ski et randonnée. Ses voyages comme évaluateur principal du Council of International Schools reflétaient son engagement à enrichir des vies par l’éducation.
Reconnu pour sa chaleur, son intérêt sincère et sa profonde curiosité, Ray aimait explorer l’art, la littérature, la musique et le théâtre. Sa fascination pour les trains et la guérison spirituelle révélait une personnalité avide de comprendre les multiples facettes de la vie. Pour sa famille et sa communauté, il était un intellectuel qui appréciait les conversations profondes et les passions partagées. Son intérêt authentique pour les autres faisait de lui une présence précieuse partout où il allait.
Beaucoup garderont en mémoire l’esprit joyeux de Ray et sa soif de vie. L’image vivante d’un verre de vin partagé, d’une partie de jeu de société et d’une grande conversation demeurera dans les esprits. Son amour des plaisirs simples a laissé une empreinte indélébile chez tous ceux qui l’ont connu. Son héritage est celui de la curiosité, de la bienveillance et de la célébration des multiples aventures de la vie, inspirant chacun à accueillir chaque instant avec chaleur et légèreté.
Ray laisse dans le deuil sa grande et affectueuse famille : son épouse, Cécile; ses six enfants et leurs partenaires Kristelle (Simon), Chloé (Julián), Loriane (Dan), Marc (Jadeine), Géraldine (Jan) et Océane; ses nombreux petits-enfants (Zia, ceux déjà nés et ceux à venir); son frère Alan et sa belle-soeur (Nicole); sa belle-mère, Marie; ses belles-sœurs, Muriel (Thierry) et Agnès; ses cousins Dave et Linda (Alan), ses neveux (Peter, Michael et Gaëtan) et sa nièce (Emelyne), ainsi que toutes les personnes qui ont fait partie de sa vie.
Gallery
Memory wall
In his last email to me he sounded full of life, was clearly enjoying his retirement and felt that he had overcome his recent health problems, which makes his passing so much of a shock.
I shall always remember our student days together with warmth and pleasure. Rest in peace, my big Geordie pal!
My deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts and prayers for our wonderful Ray. He will be dearly remembered and missed by so many of us here at St John's.
Mine are fond memories of his easy smile, friendly hellos, and kindness. I still remember fun memories of helping Ray with his theatre make up during more than one of the St J School musicals that he participated in. He was patient, gracious and easy going, no matter what was happening around him. I am very grateful to have met and worked with Ray. All my love and prayers to his loving family.
Je pense à toi tout les jours Ray, j’attend impatiemment notre prochain débat, assis au bout de la table.
For a time, we all lived in a street named Runhead Estate in Ryton in the North East of England. Raymond, Alan and their parents, Mary and Ronnie along with David and myself with our parents Joan and Ken. Mary and Joan were sisters and their parents Louisa (Grannie) and Joe (Granda) lived in a nearby street,so we really were a close knit family group.
When the weather was good, Raymond, Alan, David and myself were usually to be found in the street playing football, cricket.,street games or on bikes and scooters just enjoying ourselves. If it was indoors it would be board games and darts. If at Grannie's we would play cards. We all thought Granda 'cheated' a little bit because he always seemed to win. I think now he was just good at it.
When Raymond was 11 years old, the family had to relocate to Warrington for his Dad's work. Although we saw them regularly during holidays and Christmas time.
Raymond and Alan did return to the North East for a while when they went to Newcastle University. They always came to visit on a Sunday where they would have lunch with Grannie and tea with us. They always left with boxes full of cakes and goodies for the week ahead made by Grannie, Joan and sometimes me. The boxes always came back empty ready for a refill the following week.
Many years later, I would stay at Mary's house a couple of weeks each year. Raymond would ring her each weekend when he could and she would say to him 'there's someone here you may want to talk to'. Raymond certainly got a big surprise when I came on the line. We chatted about everything and nothing. Asking about each other's families and putting the world to rights.
These are just a few of my memories of Raymond. He was a 'Geordie' through and through and a big part of our family, who I know will miss him and remember him fondly, just like me.
Linda
Wishing Cécile, Océane and family much strength and courage and may his memory be a comfort to you all.
Maurice and Cindy Menache
Nous choisissons de le faire à travers une recette(tellement toi), car tu savais que la vie se prépare, se mijote et surtout...se partage.
Tes ingrédients essentiels étaient simples et précieux : une âme curieuse, avide de découvertes, un cœur bienveillant, attentif aux autres, des éclats d’art, de littérature, de musique et de théâtre et toujours, un rire, un verre de vin…
Tu mélangeais l’intelligence et la convivialité, puis laissais reposer dans la chaleur de ta famille et de tes amis. C’est ainsi que tu offrais le plat unique qu’était ta présence.
Ray, tu laisses aujourd’hui le goût précieux d’un plat rare, un goût unique, impossible à reproduire.Tu as quitté la table comme une invitation en nous laissant une recette d’humanité, de curiosité et d’amour, dont la mémoire nourrit pour toujours les âmes qui t’ont approchées.
Une âme sage remplit de bienveillance et de tendresse.
Me voilà incapable d'imaginer, de réaliser ton absence , ton rire et ton accent si singulier.
Je te souhaite de faire bon voyage, n'importe où où tu décide de te rendre et de retrouver ceux qui t'ont tant manqué.
Je t'embrasse si fort.
A bientôt, mon tonton chéri .
A strategic and visionary Head of School, Ray's mark on our community can still be felt today. It was during his tenure that ISB acquired the Cambridge campus where the school is situated today. During the 2003-2004 school year, Ray’s leadership helped ISB receive full membership in the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), accreditation from the Council on International Schools (CIS), and a recommendation for accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Combined, these accreditations offered ISB local, national, and international prestige. Ray also oversaw the addition of the Elementary School’s bilingual time and the School’s theater program. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained deeply humble. In his 2004 Yearbook letter, Ray wrote, “It is not just for us to sit on our laurels. Yes, we can feel justifiably proud of what we have achieved, but there is still much to be done. In fact, the quest for quality improvement is never-ending.”
We send our condolences to Ray’s family and friends.
Dr. Mehdi Lazar
Assistant Head of School
My condolences to Cecile, Oceane and the entire family.
Our thoughts are with you all and we are sending you lots of love and healing as you cope with the feelings of such a loss.
We hope your memories together will continue to be source of comfort as you go through different stages of grieving.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Dirk Jacobs & Romy Roodnat
As a parent, I crossed paths with Ray during his time at ISP, and while his tenure was brief, his presence was deeply felt. His warmth, integrity, and belief in the mission of international education left a meaningful and lasting impact on those around him.
We are grateful for the time he shared with our community and hold his memory with great respect.
You live on in our hearts!
Although his time with us was brief, Ray left a lasting mark on our community through his thoughtful and humanist approach to leadership. His tireless dedication, his warmth, and his good-humoured spirit uplifted those around him. He inspired staff, students, and parents alike to feel valued, capable, and part of something greater.
In the summer of 2013, two grade 6 students interviewed Ray before he formally took over as Head of School and he noted, “What I see here [at ISP] are happy, smiling faces of students from different nationalities all working together. For me, this has always been a powerful symbol of international education”. He further explained that during his time at ISP, he wanted to “ensure that ISP students are well challenged academically and that they grow as well-balanced individuals with a strong sense of their own identity, of ethical behavior and direction in life.”
I did not have the opportunity to meet Ray myself, but those at ISP who knew him recall his deep belief in the mission of international education. In his own words, ISP represented “happy, smiling faces of students from different nationalities all working together — a powerful symbol of international education.” His vision continues to resonate within our community today.
We will remember Ray not only as a distinguished educational leader, but also as a man of kindness, energy, and humanity. The ISP community sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and to all his loved ones.
He will be missed, but his legacy endures in the values he embodied and the lives he touched.
Antoine Delaitre
Head of School
The International School of Paris
Service
The following gatherings have been planned as a way to honor Raymond's life, celebrate the love shared, and remember the moments that meant so much. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
2 cr Reverseaux, Saintes, France, 17100
8 rue de la Bouchanière, Plassay, France, 17250
Donate
FR: Bien que fleurs et plantes soient les bienvenues, la famille a également choisi quelques organismes auxquels il est possible de faire un don si vous le souhaitez.
- LA MAISON DES FAMILLES (Poitiers, France):
EN: A place where Cécile and Océane were warmly welcomed during his hospital stay in Poitiers. This organization does beautiful work in making families feel at home during difficult times. Website : maisondesfamilles-poitiers.fr/participer/faire-un-don/
FR: Un lieu où Cécile et Océane ont été chaleureusement accueillies durant son séjour à l’hôpital de Poitiers. Cet organisme accomplit un travail précieux pour que les familles se sentent chez elles dans les moments difficiles. Site web : maisondesfamilles-poitiers.fr/participer/faire-un-don/
- FONDATION DES 17 LAURIERS (Saintes, France):
EN: The art association co-founded by Raymond, Cécile, and the family in recent years. Supporting it helps ensure that his creative work continues to shine brightly. To donate, please contact the family via the website : les17lauriers.com
FR: L’association artistique cofondée par Raymond, Cécile et la famille ces dernières années. La soutenir, c’est permettre à son œuvre créative de continuer à rayonner. Pour donner, veuillez contacter la famille via le site web : les17lauriers.com
- MYELOMA UK:
EN: Even though he was not living in the UK at the time, supporting Myeloma UK is a way to support ongoing research into this disease. Website : myeloma.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donations/
FR: Même s’il ne vivait pas au Royaume-Uni à ce moment-ci, soutenir Myeloma UK est une manière de contribuer à la recherche sur cette maladie. Site web : myeloma.org.uk
- BIOOR (Madrid, Spain):
EN: A heartfelt nod to his many years in Spain. BIOOR was founded by the Roddom family and friends in honour of Olivia Roddom and has links to the British Council School of Madrid (the school is now called Inspired). BIOOR works with CRIS Contra el Cáncer. Please mention BIOOR when doing donation. If not, they still go to cancer research. Donations go directly to cancer research. You can either transfer straight to the Banco Santander ES46 0049 0627 9924 1071 9675 or directly online criscancer.org
FR: Un clin d’œil affectueux à ses nombreuses années passées en Espagne. BIOOR a été fondée par la famille Roddom et ses ami·es en mémoire d’Olivia Roddom et est liée au British Council School of Madrid (aujourd’hui appelée Inspired). BIOOR collabore avec CRIS Contra el Cáncer. Merci de mentionner BIOOR lors de votre don. Si ce n’est pas le cas, les fonds seront tout de même destinés à la recherche contre le cancer. Vous pouvez soit le faire par virement bancaire : Banco Santander – IBAN ES46 0049 0627 9924 1071 9675 ou directement sur le site web criscancer.org
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