World Mourns Loss of Iconic Beatles Bass Player and Beloved TV Weather Presenter
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The world is mourning the loss of two remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
Chas Newby, an iconic bass player known for his brief stint with The Beatles, has passed away at 81.
Ray Wilkie, a distinguished meteorologist and beloved TV weather presenter, also bid farewell at 98.
Chas and Ray will be sorely missed, and their contributions will continue inspiring future generations. We want to take a moment to look at their accomplishments and honour these remarkable men.
Chas Newby's passing was announced by The Cavern Club in Liverpool, the legendary venue where The Beatles first rose to fame in the early 1960s.
The club's spokesperson shared the sad news on Facebook, expressing their deep regret at the loss.
The announcement read: ‘It's with great sadness to hear about the passing of Chas Newby.’
'Chas stepped in for The Beatles for a few dates when Stuart Sutcliffe stayed in Hamburg and latterly he played for The Quarrymen.’
'Interestingly, he was also the first left-handed bass guitarist in The Beatles. RIP Chas Newby thoughts and well wishes from everybody at The Cavern Club.'
The spokesperson conveyed thoughts and well wishes from everyone at The Cavern Club, emphasising the impact Chas had on the music scene.
Renowned Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn also paid tribute to Chas Newby on social media, acknowledging his talent and character.
Mark Lewishon described Chas as a ‘fill-in Beatle and fair chap’ who stepped in for Stuart during crucial moments, including the momentous Litherland date.
It should also be noted that Chas later joined The Quarrymen, further enriching his musical journey. Mark Lewishon fondly remembered Chas as a charming man, always a pleasure to meet.
Chas Newby's life took a different path when, in 1960, he was asked to tour with The Beatles in West Germany.
However, he made the conscious decision to decline the offer and pursue his studies in chemistry at university.
In an interview with the Sunday Mercury in 2012, Chas shared his perspective on this significant turning point in his life.
He said: 'Music was never going to be a living for me. I wanted to do chemistry.’
'John, Paul [McCartney] and George [Harrison], they just wanted to be musicians.'
When asked about any regrets, Chas confidently stated that he had none. His contentment with his choices reflected his character and resilience.
Chas Newby's life serves as a testament to the strength of character and the pursuit of one's passions.
Despite having the opportunity of a lifetime to join The Beatles, he made a choice that aligned with his true calling, and he embraced it without regrets.
Chas went on to become an honourable teacher and a loving father, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
In another loss felt deeply by the community, Ray Wilkie, a distinguished meteorologist and TV weather presenter, passed away at the age of 98.
The news was shared by Brisbane 4BC radio host Spencer Howson, who received the tragic information from Ray's son.
Ray Wilkie's meteorological journey began after serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War.
Following his military service, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Queensland and furthered his studies in meteorology in Melbourne.
Ray went on to work for the Bureau of Meteorology for over three decades, rising to prominent positions such as regional director in Brisbane and Darwin.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, Ray Wilkie received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984. This prestigious award acknowledged his significant contributions to meteorology.
Ray then became a trailblazer, transitioning from the Bureau into the world of television reporting.
In 1985, he became a weather presenter for Eyewitness News in Brisbane, which marked the beginning of his influential career on the small screen.
Ray's popularity soared in the 1990s when his forecasts were featured on national late-night news bulletins, notably for what was then Channel 10.
Beyond his captivating presence as a TV weather presenter, Ray Wilkie was instrumental in establishing the Tropical Cyclone Warning Service for Northern Australia.
His expertise and dedication ensured that communities were informed and prepared during severe weather events.
Since news of Ray Wilkie's passing, heartfelt tributes have poured in from all corners.
A Brisbane weather Facebook page announced his passing, paying respects to a man known for his kindness and earning immense respect throughout his career.
As we bid farewell to Chas Newby and Ray Wilkie, we reflect on their extraordinary lives and the legacies they leave behind.
Chas exemplified the power of making choices aligned with one's true calling, while Ray demonstrated expertise and passion in his field.
Their remarkable contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
Our deepest sympathies go out to their families and loved ones who have lost two exceptional individuals. May their memories be a source of comfort and inspiration during this time of mourning.
Are you a fan of The Beatles? Or have you watched Ray Wilkie present the weather news before?
Chas Newby, an iconic bass player known for his brief stint with The Beatles, has passed away at 81.
Ray Wilkie, a distinguished meteorologist and beloved TV weather presenter, also bid farewell at 98.
Chas and Ray will be sorely missed, and their contributions will continue inspiring future generations. We want to take a moment to look at their accomplishments and honour these remarkable men.
Chas Newby's passing was announced by The Cavern Club in Liverpool, the legendary venue where The Beatles first rose to fame in the early 1960s.
The club's spokesperson shared the sad news on Facebook, expressing their deep regret at the loss.
The announcement read: ‘It's with great sadness to hear about the passing of Chas Newby.’
'Chas stepped in for The Beatles for a few dates when Stuart Sutcliffe stayed in Hamburg and latterly he played for The Quarrymen.’
'Interestingly, he was also the first left-handed bass guitarist in The Beatles. RIP Chas Newby thoughts and well wishes from everybody at The Cavern Club.'
The Beatles fans mourn the passing of bassist Chas Newby who was confirmed dead at the age of 81. Credit: YouTube.
The spokesperson conveyed thoughts and well wishes from everyone at The Cavern Club, emphasising the impact Chas had on the music scene.
Renowned Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn also paid tribute to Chas Newby on social media, acknowledging his talent and character.
Mark Lewishon described Chas as a ‘fill-in Beatle and fair chap’ who stepped in for Stuart during crucial moments, including the momentous Litherland date.
It should also be noted that Chas later joined The Quarrymen, further enriching his musical journey. Mark Lewishon fondly remembered Chas as a charming man, always a pleasure to meet.
Chas Newby's life took a different path when, in 1960, he was asked to tour with The Beatles in West Germany.
However, he made the conscious decision to decline the offer and pursue his studies in chemistry at university.
In an interview with the Sunday Mercury in 2012, Chas shared his perspective on this significant turning point in his life.
He said: 'Music was never going to be a living for me. I wanted to do chemistry.’
'John, Paul [McCartney] and George [Harrison], they just wanted to be musicians.'
When asked about any regrets, Chas confidently stated that he had none. His contentment with his choices reflected his character and resilience.
Chas Newby's life serves as a testament to the strength of character and the pursuit of one's passions.
Despite having the opportunity of a lifetime to join The Beatles, he made a choice that aligned with his true calling, and he embraced it without regrets.
Chas went on to become an honourable teacher and a loving father, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Former Channel 10 weather reporter Ray Wilkie passed away at the age of 98. Credit: YouTube.
In another loss felt deeply by the community, Ray Wilkie, a distinguished meteorologist and TV weather presenter, passed away at the age of 98.
The news was shared by Brisbane 4BC radio host Spencer Howson, who received the tragic information from Ray's son.
Ray Wilkie's meteorological journey began after serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War.
Following his military service, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Queensland and furthered his studies in meteorology in Melbourne.
Ray went on to work for the Bureau of Meteorology for over three decades, rising to prominent positions such as regional director in Brisbane and Darwin.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, Ray Wilkie received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984. This prestigious award acknowledged his significant contributions to meteorology.
Ray then became a trailblazer, transitioning from the Bureau into the world of television reporting.
In 1985, he became a weather presenter for Eyewitness News in Brisbane, which marked the beginning of his influential career on the small screen.
Ray's popularity soared in the 1990s when his forecasts were featured on national late-night news bulletins, notably for what was then Channel 10.
Beyond his captivating presence as a TV weather presenter, Ray Wilkie was instrumental in establishing the Tropical Cyclone Warning Service for Northern Australia.
His expertise and dedication ensured that communities were informed and prepared during severe weather events.
Since news of Ray Wilkie's passing, heartfelt tributes have poured in from all corners.
A Brisbane weather Facebook page announced his passing, paying respects to a man known for his kindness and earning immense respect throughout his career.
As we bid farewell to Chas Newby and Ray Wilkie, we reflect on their extraordinary lives and the legacies they leave behind.
Chas exemplified the power of making choices aligned with one's true calling, while Ray demonstrated expertise and passion in his field.
Their remarkable contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
Our deepest sympathies go out to their families and loved ones who have lost two exceptional individuals. May their memories be a source of comfort and inspiration during this time of mourning.
Are you a fan of The Beatles? Or have you watched Ray Wilkie present the weather news before?
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