Photograph: Ray Strong 'Glenbrae' Jaspers Brush by Therese Sweeney.

Introduction: Glenbrae home to 6 generations of Strongs who lived on Strongs Rd.

Ray Strong is the grandson of William & Eliza Jane Strong (nee:Boyd).

Rays grandfather William arrived on the Ocean Empress in 1864 with his cousin Alexander-both were 15. They had grown up together in a densely packed house on Loughros Point, County Donegal Northern Ireland. They then steamed down the South Coast to Broughton Creek Wharf. 40 members, from 6 related irish families had arrived on the Ocean Empress.

William & Eliza had 5 sons and 3 daughters - 2 children dying in infancy. They built a home named Glenview, now known as Strongs Rd.Jaspers Brush. Their youngest born William John Strong b 1888 is Ray's father.

William married Margaret Clelland he passed in 1942. Ray was 6 years old.

Ray's grandfather William became an astute cattle judge and cattle breeder. His bulls and heifers were famous and a great success in the show ring. He had one of the best shorthorn milking herds in the Illawarra. He was a committed member of the Berry Wesleyan Church & passed in 1916 age 68. His wife Eliza Jane passed away 3 years later age 75. They are both buried at Berry cemetery.

Ray Strong sadly passed away peacefully on 1st November 2025, age 90.