THE death of former Orange resident Peter Marshall “Raffo” Raffin, on October 26, just short of his 86th birthday, in Sydney was a time to reflect on the important legacy he has left the city, according to Orange mayor John Davis.
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“He was a larger-than-life character who left his mark in so many ways and on so many levels when it comes to Orange,” Cr Davis said.
Mr Raffin’s wife Janie said her late husband was passionate about his community.
“We first met at the Wellington Picnic Races when we were both at school and when I married Peter he was on 17 community committees,” she said.
“We had an absolutely magical life together for more than 60 years.
“I am so proud of the way he put money in to start the Orange Regional Arts Foundation which remains a wonderful organisation.”
Fem Hawke who knew Mr Raffin well and is a member of the Orange Regional Arts Foundation, said his dedication to Orange, where he lived for many years, before the couple moved to Sydney, was enormous.
“Peter started the Orange Regional Arts foundation which has given away more than half a million dollars to organisations in the arts and individuals,” said Mrs Hawke. “Janie (his wife) and Raffo were always such a team.”
Mr Raffin was a successful businessman running Raffin’s menswear in Orange where a private art gallery was established on the first floor of the building in Summer Street to encourage artists and bring important exhibitions to the city, prior to the existence of the Orange Regional Art Gallery.
A special tribute to Mr Raffin also appeared in the King’s School newsletter where his long list of achievements at the school was lauded.
As a young man at King’s School Mr Raffin was a crack rifle shot, excelled at rugby and cricket and won the Buckland Cup for the Open Boxing championship and was held in high regard after he left the school.
While living in Orange “Raffo” was awarded life membership of Orange Apex, was a member of the Wolaroi then Kinross Wolaroi School Council and served on Orange City Council.
He was also heavily involved with the Bathurst/Orange Development Corporation and the Central Western Regional Advisory Council.
Peter Marshall Raffin 8.11.1930 - 26.10.2015
