Tributes are flowing for the City of Onkaparinga’s first mayor Ray Gilbert, who died last week aged 92.

Ray was an elected member for the then-Noarlunga Council, becoming mayor in the mid-80s. He then became the City of Onkaparinga’s inaugural mayor after a council merger in 1997, serving until he retired in 2006.

Current Onkaparinga mayor Erin Thompson shared a tribute on her Facebook page, saying Ray had an, “indomitable passion for his community and worked tirelessly for our city for 34 years".

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Ray for his passion and energy and the difference he made to our city and to so many people’s lives.”

Ray received an Order of Australia Medal for service to local government and health services in 2002, and he and his wife Edith received the Key and Freedom of Entry to the City of Onkaparinga in 2006, for their outstanding service to local government and the community.

Other local dignitaries took to Facebook to pay tribute to the former mayor.

Member for Reynell Katrine Hildyard said: “Ray's energy and passion for our community, and his willingness to give of himself in the service of others was extraordinary". 

“His lovely nature, wisdom and kindness made a difference to many and helped shape the generosity and connectedness that our southern community prides itself on. Vale Ray; thank you for being a shining example of integrity, representation and kindness to all of us.”

Member for Kingston Amanda Rishworth described Ray as a, “kind and caring man who was deeply committed to his community".

Ray was a prolific volunteer, and Member for Kaurna Chris Picton paid tribute to Ray’s work with organisations such as the RSL, Rotary, CFS, Port Noarlunga Primary School and more.

“Always a kind and approachable person, he was passionate about our southern suburbs and helping people in need,” Chris said.

“He always paid tribute to the love of his life Edith for her support and her own hard work for the community.

“A lifelong member of the Port Noarlunga community, he will be sorely missed by so many of us.”

Another of the many organisations Ray was involved with was the Fleurieu Harmony Chorus. 

The group reacted on their Facebook page with "great sadness" to the passing of their, “retired member and friend Ray Gilbert.

“Mayor Ray Gilbert was often in the audience when we entertained at local functions and upon retirement joined our chorus and became a valuable member and good friend."

With a photograph, they shared how the chorus performed at Ray’s nursing home recently, saying: “of course he had to join in with the singing, a lovely memory for us to treasure. Vale Ray.”