|
Count Ray AKA Raymond Neilson died Sunday, July 31, 2005 in Toronto from
brain cancer. He was 62. Star Ray TV viewers instantly recognize him as the
off-beat host of "The Creature Feature." Count Ray would dress up ala Bela
Lugosi's portrayal of Count Dracula. With his side kick "Shadow the Wonder Dog"
the Count would introduce Sci-Fi and horror flics with his own perculiar humour.
Through the Internet the Count has fans worldwide.
The Count's alter ego Ray Neilson hosted countless episodes of "Public
Forum," Star Ray's in depth public affairs program. Ray had a knack for
interviewing that was uncanny; he could ask probing questions about any topic,
any time. Ray handled many shows with difficult subject matter, like the show
featuring a mother whose 10 year old son was shot and blinded by a drive-by
shooting who wanted to make a difference. Ray's affable manner and listening
skills put his guests at ease; he was a stunning example of Star Ray's
trademark relaxed neigbourly interviewing style.
Ray's career and labour of love involved the producing of video documentaries
of public transportation systems. Star Ray TV aired about 20 of his
documentaries relating to the TTC and Southern Ontario public transportation
systems. Ray's documentaries incorporated period amateur film footage and
historical media in a format that is fun to watch. Ray was quite prolific in
video production completing a high quality documentary in a month that other
producers would work on for a year. Ray's programs covered not only Southern
Ontario transportation but also locations throughout North America. This
legacy will forever be appreciated by transit enthusiasts and history buffs.
Count Ray's last production for Star Ray TV was a promo for "Enza's Files."
Ray was planning on producing this show with Enza Anderson. Comments Jan Pachul
Star Ray TV's founder, "Count Ray was tremedously talented and giving of his
time and energy to Star Ray TV. The Count felt it was destiny for him to be
involved in Star Ray TV since he for years he called his production company
"Ray TV." Too bad the CRTC prevented us by Mandatory Order and application
stalling tactics from using the Count's talents more the last 3 years. Count
Ray is sadly missed by the staff and volunteers of Star Ray TV especially
Shadow whom Count Ray always had a goodie for. The Count's passing makes us
more determined in fighting the forces preventing us from reaching Count
Ray's vision of Star Ray TV."
Condolences for Count Ray can be left at
tochat.tv,
Star Ray TV's community forum. If desired, donations in Count Ray's memory may
be made to the Halton County Radial Railway Museum, P.O. Box 578, Milton,
Ontario L9T 5A2.
|
