Published: January 25, 2008
Ambulance staff pay tribute to Burnham-On-Sea man

The staff of South Western Ambulance Service have paid tribute to a Burnham-On-Sea man who has died this week after several years as one of their Non-Executive Directors.

Ray Lock, pictured right, was one of their Non-Executive Directors and died earlier this week on Monday (21st January).

Mr Lock, a highly experienced Chartered Management Accountant and Director, was an expert in his field, and his knowledge was much admired and valued by colleagues at the South Western Ambulance Service.

A financial analyst by training, Ray had great strength in both planning and executing strategy and although officially retired, enjoyed playing an active role in the Burnham area and has held a Non-Executive Director post with the former Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust.

South Western Ambulance Service Trust's Chairman Heather Strawbridge said was shocked and saddened to learn of Ray's death.

She said this week: "Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere condolences and sympathies to Ray's family. It is indeed a tragic loss and he will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues at the Trust. As well as a deep knowledge and passion for his areas of expertise, Ray was highly skilled, well respected and very popular and his death is certainly a great loss."

The Chief Executive of the Trust, Ken Wenman, also wanted to pay tribute to a gentleman who he held in high regard: "I was deeply saddened to learn of Ray's death. He has played an integral role in the Trust's development as one of the Non-Executive Directors from the first day of his employment with the service on August 1st 2006. My heartfelt sympathies go to his family and friends and I know that his future absence will be felt by all who knew him."

Mr. Ray Lock joined the Trust in August 2006 and has been a valuable asset to the team of Non-Executive Directors.