(Image: T&A)
SCORES of people turned out for the funeral of a firefighter who served Bradford for decades.
Raymond Banyard died on July 16 aged 80, after beginning his career in 1973 as a control room operator at the Nelson Street fire station.
A fire engine was named after Mr Banyard in 2011 in recognition of his service.
He was remembered at his funeral as "all heart" and a man with an extraordinary knowledge of Bradford's history.
Raymond Banyard in front of the fire engine named after him.
(Image: Newsquest)
Jav Khan, a watch commander currently serving at Keighley Fire Station, recalled first meeting Mr Banyard in 2007 after being given responsibility for preserving memorabilia at Fairweather Green Fire Station.
"The door opened and there stood Ray," he said.
"He was such a genuine person. I know those words can sound cheap and hollow, but he was. He was selfless, he just wanted to please."
Firefighters in front of a fire engine as colleagues pay tribute to former West Yorkshire Fire Service member Ray Banyard.
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Lifelong passion for photography and history
Colleagues said Mr Banyard's greatest passion was photography, particularly documenting the history of the fire service and Bradford.
Mr Khan called him an “encyclopaedia of information” who regularly answered historical queries.
His interests extended to Bradford’s wider social history, and he spent his life collecting photographs, newspaper cuttings and historical information.
A fire appliance from Fairweather Green Fire Station formed part of the ceremonial tribute to Ray Banyard.
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A familiar face long after retirement
Benji Bush, Bradford district commander, first met Mr Banyard in 2003 and stayed in regular contact with him until his death.
Although Mr Banyard retired more than 30 years ago, Mr Bush said his enthusiasm for the service never diminished.
"I've never met anybody with as much enthusiasm and passion for our job still," he said.
"Everything fire service. He loved it…his knowledge and his memory was unbelievable."
Mr Bush said Mr Banyard was particularly helpful when he was researching the Bradford City fire disaster, providing first-hand information about the tragic event after serving in the control room on the day.
'He lived for the fire service'
Richard Chapman, a long-time friend from the workshops department, said Mr Banyard stayed deeply involved with the service after retiring in 1992.
"He lived for the fire service," he said.
"He'd do anything for the fire service and people in the fire service."
A fire appliance and colleagues form part of the ceremonial tribute to Ray Banyard.
(Image: T&A)
Final farewell
Mr Banyard received a ceremonial fire service send-off at his funeral.
His hearse was led by a fire appliance from Fairweather Green Fire Station, a station with which he had long-standing connections.
Firefighters escorted the procession, with blue lights and sirens adding to the final tribute.
Mr Khan said: "Ray didn't have any immediate family, but collectively the fire service was his family,"
"We decided to give him a good fitting send-off and hopefully we've managed to achieve that."
'A presence that will be missed'
Speakers said Mr Banyard’s death would be felt across West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They said he was valued not only for his decades of knowledge, but also for his kindness, generosity and unflagging enthusiasm.
Mr Bush said: "His presence as a person, but also that knowledge and experience.
"There aren't many people left who've got that depth of knowledge of where we came from and our history.
"That's really impressive to see and it's going to be sadly missed."