Daughter pays tribute to ‘well-loved’ Crayford dad who was found hanged at Barnehurst Golf Course

The body of Ray Large, formerly of Crayford, was discovered at the popular golf course in Mayplace Road East on June 6 - just one week after his birthday.

After being contacted by News Shopper, his daughter Claire Lake, 38, of Elm Road, has paid tribute to the 63-year-old and expressed her shock at the situation.

She said: “He was a working class, intelligent man who had a wonderfully wicked and dry sense of humour and was well-respected and a true gentleman in and around the local area.

“It has been very hard for myself and my brother to one minute be with our dad on his birthday and the next week, he is no longer with us.

“At times we find it difficult to accept what has happened and it leaves us with lots of unanswered questions.

“But, as I have a young family I’ve had to carry on for them and my dad would not want it any other way – he’ll be missed so much.”

Mr Large leaves behind three grandchildren, Callum, 12, Joshua, 10 and six-month-old Lola-Rose.

About 40 people, consisting of family members and close friends, attended his funeral at Eltham Crematorium on June 29.

Ms Lake was informed that her dad had not been home the night before his death.

She told News Shopper: “As he hadn’t returned, this was out of character for my dad and we were obviously concerned.

“Once I heard about the news article regarding a body being found at Barnehurst Golf Course the following day, I called the police.

“I just had a feeling it might be my dad seeing as this was so close to where he lived - they were able to confirm that unfortunately it was him.”

She added: “We were shocked as nobody expects this to happen, especially not to one of your parents.

“We just can't get our head around the fact that this totally came out of the blue.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed Mr Large’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

Shortly after his death, locals claimed bodies had been found in the woods, behind the course, in the past.

Speaking the day after the news broke, a resident, known only as Mrs Berryman, said: “It wouldn't surprise me. It happened before, behind the course.

“But, last night we didn't hear a sound.”