Ray Farrelly
Ray grew up in a family of four, living on Banks Peninsula and in Christchurch. He completed his education at Canterbury University and teachers college. In his early twenties, Ray married and relocated to the top of the North Island, taking up teaching roles in Kaitaia and Auckland. His family was devoutly Anglo-Catholic, deeply involved in their community.
As his father’s health declined, Ray returned to Christchurch to support his parents. Following his father’s passing, he spent time in The Netherlands and Wales, where he worked, furthered his education, and developed interests in dream analysis and relationship counseling.
Upon returning to Christchurch, Ray secured a teaching position and remained there for nearly 30 years, retiring at 67. To ease his transition into retirement, he embarked on an extended holiday. During his travels in Jakarta, he embraced Islam, surrendering to Allah and declaring “La ilaha illallah.” This spiritual journey brought him profound joy, with his life now centered around daily prayers and Quran study.
Ray currently serves on two boards, with a significant role at Asturlab, where he aims to give back to the community, grateful for Allah’s generosity.