Follow up: Ray McKenzie and Len Ashton die
The entertainment world was shocked over the weekend, by the deaths of two well-known and long-standing Brakpan entertainers and residents, Ray McKenzie and Len Ashton
Country singer Ray McKenzie (67), also known as “Big Ray”, passed away on Saturday, after a long illness.
McKenzie shone on the country scene and had a successful career which spanned almost 50 years.
He was dubbed “South Africa’s Don Williams” after winning a nation-wide Don Williams contest back in 1982.
His easy-going manner of performing was a joy to watch and over the years he became a household name.
His repertoire seemed limitless and, perhaps, the key to his success was shedding the “Don Williams image” he acquired after winning the competition and building his own image.
Mc Kenzie was one singer who never had to rely on others for backing.
He was the complete one-man band and chipped in with the mouth organ wherever necessary. He was a master cover-singer, but also a writer and composer.
McKenzie’s wife, Juanita (67), who had been married to him for 47 years, said that her husband was a true gentleman who loved and cared for his family.
They had three sons, Darryl (33), Gary (38) and Warren, who died in an accident at the age of 19.
The news of the death of entertainer and singer Len Ashton (58), who passed away on the same day as McKenzie, also left many fans in shock.
Ashton who became known for his astonishing balancing tricks, could balance almost anything on his chin.
He was doing a show at Badplaas over the weekend and, according to his son, Fabrieze Meyer (28), his father collapsed soon after the show, when he suffered a heart attack.
Ashton who wowed many crowds with his unbelievable balancing acts had a huge fan base.
He balanced items such as beds, lawnmowers, fridges, boats, chairs and even people and animals on his chin.
He was also a popular singer and had brought out a couple of CDs.
“My father had been in the entertainment business for many years,” said Fabrieze.
“He enjoyed entertaining young and old and he had a very soft spot for children.”
Ashton regularly performed at Brakpan schools to the delight of the children, who could not believe the talent of the man.
Funeral arrangements will follow.
