MINING stalwart Raymond Beer has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer.He leaves behind an extended family and a legacy in Bendigo’s mining history.Ray was mine manager at the Central Deborah Gold Mine - appointed in 1978 - and led the team that made possible the underground project at the second level. He had a vision to allow visitors to go underground and experience Bendigo’s mining heritage first hand.Ray was responsible for developing the new battery, shaft and poppet head to make this a reality.It took persistence and lots of hard work.Friend and work colleague Bill McNamara said Ray was as good as 10 men.His enthusiasm and work ethic were unprecedented.Ray will be sadly missed by his wife, Thelma, six children, 15 grandchildren, seven brothers, three sisters, his extended family, and friends.He will be remembered for his kindness, tenacity and strength of character.In recognition of his contribution to Bendigo’s mining history, after more than 20 years of service at his retirement, a bronze life-sized statue was unveiled in his honour.It can be seen at the Central Deborah entrance.Former Central Deborah Mine executive officer Myra Potter worked with Ray for almost 20 years and has fond memories of their time as colleagues.She recalls the commitment he made to giving mine visitors underground access.“Ray was most anxious to be able to do this - it was right up his alley, he just loved mining,’’ Ms Potter said.On June 20, 1986, Premier John Cain and his wife attended Central Deborah for the official opening of the underground facility for tourists.“On that day, Ray was bursting with pride,’’ Ms Potter said.“He and his team had worked inordinately hard to get it finished.“Ray took the Premier and Mrs Cain on the first underground tour.“It was always Ray that we invited to take special guests, he was just so completely at home in what he was doing.’’Ray Beer’s funeral will be held at Napier Park at 1pm today.