Well known Gosport and Portsmouth builder with 'heart of gold' took own life

Raymond Langwell, 46, died by suicide on May 24 last year when he was found hanged, a coroner has ruled.

Ray died at Forton Lake Boatyard, Otamere Ferrol Road in Gosport, Portsmouth Coroner’s Court heard.

Ray was a well known builder who lived and worked in Gosport and Portsmouth. He was also known for living on a boat and appeared in The News in 2018 after a row with Gosport Borough Council after leaving his boat, Catchphrase, moored at Hardway in Gosport for weeks.

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Ray, who was also known to have lived in Rochford Road, Cosham, said in 2018 he had lived in “marinas for the most part” and revealed how he likes to be a “productive member of society”.

A tribute from his daughter after his death said: “My dad was so loved and cared for by many. He made so many people laugh out loud with his sense of humour and his silly ways. He truly had a heart of gold.”

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