Raymond "John" Wakeling

John was born in Portsmouth , England. He came from a Royal Navy family, his father, William served during World War Two, and was a Coastguard, protecting the eastern coast of England from enemy invasion. John became a boy cadet and went on to join the Royal Navy and served on many British ships, and overseas. A career lasting three decades. John was a jovial fellow who loved to "spin a yarn"! he had a huge repertoire of war stories, and stories of his naval career that he was ready to share with his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He was an avid fan of football and rugby, and was somewhat of an expert, given his varied career as a sports coach.. His accomplishments range from coaching a British Olympic swimmer, being part of the Royal Navy gymnastic team, swimming team and representing Great Britain in Boxing.. He refereed an international Boxing tournament at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, which was televised. He and his wife, Frances ,of seventy years met at a ballroom school in Portsmouth, and have two children. Their love of ballroom dancing remained their hobby well into their golden years, while enjoying a close family life in the desert of Las Vegas, Nevada. John is survived by his sister Betty in Hampshire, England. His wife, Frances now living in Las Vegas. Their son and daughter, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren on both sides of the Atlantic. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. When tomorrow starts without meAnd I'm not here to seeIf the sun should rise and find your eyesAll filled with tears for meI wish you wouldn't cryThe way you did todayWhile thinking of the many thingsWe did not get to sayI know how much you love meAs much as I love youEach time that you think of meI know you will miss me tooWhen tomorrow starts without mePlease try to understandThat an Angel came and called my nameAnd took me by the handThe angel said my place was readyIn heaven far aboveAnd that I would have to leave behindAll those I dearly loveBut when I walked through Heaven's gatesI felt so much at homeWhen God looked down and smiled at meFrom his golden throneHe said this is eternityAnd all I promised youToday for life on earth is doneBut here it starts anewI promise no tomorrowFor today will always lastAnd Since each day's the exact same wayThere is no longing for the pastSo when tomorrow starts without meDo not think we're apartFor every time you think of me, Remember I'm right here in your heart

Raymond "John" Wakeling

July 31, 1929 - January 16, 2021