FRANKLIN, Raymond

Former Sunshine Coast Daily contributor, Nine Network (Sydney) and ABC TV (Sydney) news journalist, and self-described "raconteur and flaneur" Ray Franklin passed away at Sunshine Coast University Hospital on Friday 3 January 2025. In lieu of a funeral, close friends and family gathered at Ray's favourite fish market cafe to farewell him in the manner in which he entertained so many of us: with Mooloolaba's finest prawns, wine, and the best stories from a life fully lived.

Ray will be much missed by daughter Charlotte Franklin of Seattle USA, by the Stevenson family of Sippy Downs (family of Ray's beloved late wife Kaye), and by sister-in-law Jenny Franklin of Brisbane and niece Nicola Franklin of Melbourne. His absence will also be noted by members of groups as disparate as the Jane Austen Society of Australia (JASA), and the Boot Society retired journalists' luncheon club.

Those wishing to commemorate Ray's passing are encouraged to make a donation in his name to the Montville Rural Fire Brigade, of which he was a proud volunteer member for many years (https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/about-us/frontline-services/rural-fire-service-queensland/donations. Use reference: "For Montville RFB, In Memoriam Ray Franklin").