TRIBUTES have flooded in for a dad from Thornbury who inspired thousands of young people, after he died of cancer aged just 65.

Ray Goudie, co-founder and creative director of Thornbury-based charities Inspire Arts Trust and New Generation Music (ngm), passed away on July 25 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April last year.

The father-of-two had a passion for helping others realise their potential, after discovering his own love of music at 13 when he started drumming.

Moving to Thornbury from their native Scotland in 1980, Ray and his wife Nancy founded ngm(corr) as a place to bring together their love of music with their strong Christian faith.

Ray had two sons, Daniel and Aidan, and they and Nancy have been left devastated by his death, but have found comfort in all the tributes paid to him.

As director of the Bristol Academy of Live Performing Arts (BALPA), a key part of Inspire, Ray worked with around 120 young people from the Thornbury area each week, training them in street dance, musical theatre and vocals.

Inspire also produces Broadway Live, which Ray directed, and the show was performed around the country and did Christmas specials in Thornbury for the last two years.

BALPA also formed strong partnerships with events such as the Thornbury Carnival and Christmas Lights, giving a fresh chance to perform for many of its students – many of whom led the tributes to Ray.

“What Ray taught me is immeasurable. I feel like I knew a real life superhero,” said BALPA tutor Emma Fentiman.

“He called out the leader in me, he nurtured the performer in me, and he encouraged raw honesty in me.”

Jane Parish, whose daughter Lucy currently trains at BALPA, said: “He touched our lives and his words to Lucy inspired her enormously.

“It is because of his achievements that Lucy has the opportunity to pursue singing.”

Joe Harmston, who co-wrote the production The Prodigals with Ray, said he was inspirational.

“Ray is an inspiring figure and his work will live on in the many things he created and lives he touched,” he said.

Greg Oliver, from The Prodigals cast, said he was devastated by Ray’s death.

“I am in complete shock,” he said. “Ray Goudie was such a special person and I can’t handle that he’s gone. I will always remember him and working with him – he taught me, and the whole cast, so much.”

In a statement from Inspire, Ray was praised as “an inspiring creative director, always encouraging creativity and excellence through all he did.”

“He loved to see the young people of Thornbury grow and develop in their talent,” it added. “He had a huge heart for the local community here in Thornbury and was passionate about us being involved in events such as Thornbury Carnival and the Christmas lights switch on.

“In the days following his death, Nancy and the family were inundated with emails, private messages, cards and public tributes on Facebook from so many music, dance and musical theatre artists that Ray has inspired and helped through the years. We will miss him so much here at Inspire.”

Ray had recorded more than 100 songs and is credited on albums dating back to the 1960s.

A celebration of his life has been arranged for September 17 at The Edge in Aztec West. For details call Zoe Wickham on 01454 414880.