The Bermuda Powerboat Association yesterday held a special memorial gathering at Cross Island in Dockyard to honour the life and memory of Rickai “Pugi” Raynor, who tragically lost his life earlier this year during a powerboat race in Hamilton Harbour.
The memorial was held on what would have been Rainer’s 29th birthday, bringing together family, friends, members of the Bermuda Powerboat Association and people from various walks of his life to celebrate his life and remember the impact he had on those around him.
TNN News spoke with Raynor’s older brother, the Hon. Jacha Adams, Minister of Public Works, who described the event as a meaningful gesture by the Powerboat Association.
“I think it’s a wonderful gesture,” Minister Adams said. “I think today, being what would have been his birthday, his 29th birthday, this is an exciting time for people from all walks of his life to be here to honour him, to remember him, and to appreciate what he has meant to the Powerboat Association.”
Adams said the gathering provided an opportunity for the family and the wider powerboat community to come together during what has been a difficult period of grief.
“It’s something that is exciting to see, as, you know, my baby brother, if you will,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here, not only in memory of him, but to support those who are, you know, at the end of the day, I think we’re all family, right?”
The loss of Pugi came as a shock to his family and the wider powerboat community, and Adams said everyone continues to navigate the healing process.
“It was all such a shock to us all, and so we’re all in the healing phase,” he said. “An opportunity for us to collectively get together and honour and remember him and who he was is an exciting time.”
Asked how his mother has been coping with the loss of her son, Adams said she is doing as well as can be expected.
“Yeah, she’s doing well, you know, as well as can be expected,” he said. “I think a tragedy such as that is pretty traumatic, not just for her but the entire family.”
Adams said the memorial was also a testament to the importance of family and faith during times of tragedy.
“But this is a testament for us to, you know, collectively come together as a family, as a unit,” he said. “This has come through time where you sort of have to look onto the higher power and the higher being at these times, right?”
He added that while the family will never simply “get over” the loss, they will continue to move forward while keeping Raynor’s memory alive.
“And appreciate the time that we had with him,” Adams said. “And, you know, we’ll never get over it, but we’ll always be here and get through it and remember him.”
Adams also made a point of acknowledging Pugi’s father, Ricky Raynor, during the emotional conversation, underscoring that the impact of Pugi’s passing extends throughout the entire family.
The Bermuda Powerboat Association’s memorial served as both a tribute to a young life lost and an opportunity for those who knew and loved Pugi to stand together, reflect on his life and continue the process of healing.
TNN News was there as family, friends and the powerboat community came together to remember Rickai “Pugi” Raynor on what would have been his 29th birthday.
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