Don Bray and Beryl Bray lived very close to Howard and his family from the age of about 3. They went to the same infants and junior schools. Don & Howard became really close friends when they shared the same air raid shelter diring the nightly bombing of their area during WWII. 
During Howard’s and Don’s teenage years they shared many common interests. Mainly electrical devices, sciences and then motorcycles. 
When Howard was about 15 he made a transistor radio from components to give to Don for his birthday. 
Howard also found out how to make explosives! He put together an explosive device and the two of them went to test it on waste ground at the back of their school. They buried it in soil and some other rubbish and moved back. It went off far more spectacularly than they anticipated and they were both covered in soil and dirt!

Don recalls many occasions when he and Howard worked on motorcycles in the garage. One occasion working all through the night so they could use the bike to go on holiday. Don also recalls an occasion when they were far from home and Howard’s motorcycle was stolen. Luckily the police managed to get it back to him.
Don and Beryl, Howard and Iris have been great friends all these years. They attended each other’s weddings and every special event or anniversary together. They went on many holidays, parties and were always close. 
Howard is sadly missed but they have so many fond memories to look back on and be grateful for. 
sending love and best wishes from the Bray family. 
Don, Beryl, Grant and Darrell.