Raymond McCormack was a quiet man but he did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by the scores of people who showed up on Thursday evening to a vigil in his honour.

While recollections of his love of ice cream, egg sandwiches, and peace and quiet drew laughs, there were tears, too, as people reflected on a life lost prematurely.

Cath Blakey, a Wollongong councillor and nearby resident, said she was sickened to learn of what allegedly happened to Mr McCormack but the turnout at the vigil in recognition of his humanity was heartening.

Story by Natalie Croxon in the Illawarra Mercury, 16 May 2024.