Long-serving agent Ray Attwell's work to 'live on through the team he built'

Prominent livestock agent Ray Attwell has passed away after 64 years of working in the agriculture industry.

Mr Attwell passed away after a long battle with illness on April 14 at the age of 81.

He began his career at sixteen-years-old as an admin and book clerk with the dairy company Gippsland and Northern, before moving into the stud stock industry selling beef cattle and sheep.

He worked at Nutrien Ag Solutions for over 60 years where he managed stud stock agents in Victoria, the Riverina and Tasmania until he retired in 2022.

Mr Attwell's colleague and mentee Peter Godbolt took over as Nutrien's south-east stud stock manager after his retirement.

Mr Godbolt, who worked under Mr Attwell for 13 years, told Stock & Land that he was an "outstanding boss" and a "lifelong friend".

"He made me the agent I am today," he said.

"Ray was always a very honest, direct and an all-round good bloke.

"Whatever Ray was doing, there was always going to be a bit of joking and bantering, but he was also serious about getting the job done well.

"I will miss being able to lean on him and have a good joke and laugh when needed."

Mr Attwell's son Luke Attwell described his dad as a "quiet person" and "one of life's true gentlemen".

He said his dad was extremely dedicated to his work but also his family when he wasn't at work.

"His record speaks for itself," he said.

"Agriculture was part of his life and he had a great delight in identifying and mentoring young people who wanted to be agents."

He said his dad was a "mad sports fanatic".

"He never missed a day with us kids during our sporting activities," he said.

"He was an avid Collingwood supporter and the family thing to do was to go to Victoria Park and watch the footy as young kids.

"Later on, he continued to go to the football with my sister but in the last few years he couldn't go due to his health.

"He has lifelong membership in the Hurstbridge football and cricket clubs."

In a statement, Nutrien Ag Solutions said it was with "much sadness" that they announced the passing of their "much-admired colleague".

"In a career spanning 64 years with the one company, Ray was widely respected by fellow agents, clients and friends," the statement said.

"Ray was held in high regard by his clients for his commitment to their business, knowledge and honesty.

"Ray was an incredible man and an inspiration to so many people.

"His dedication to his companies Gippsland and Northern, Dalgety, Landmark and Nutrien Ag Solutions was second to none as he literally dedicated his life to the service of clients, the company and mentoring the next generation of agents.

"We will certainly miss Ray but his work will live on in Nutrien through the team he built."

Mr Attwell was born in Footscray and was the second-youngest of six siblings.

He is survived by three children and a host of grandchildren.