Not every client’s legacy ends up in a museum.
Recently, Matthew and Samantha from the Sharp Tudhope Trust team made a special visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum — not just to see the exhibits, but to go behind the scenes and view the butterfly collection of former client Ray Shannon.
The visit offered a unique chance to see how Ray’s legacy continues to contribute to science and conservation, more than 15 years after his passing.
Ray Shannon (1917–2008) was a long-standing client of Sharp Tudhope, and a passionate butterfly collector whose interest began during the Second World War. While he was stationed as an electrical engineer in the Solomon Islands, Ray took up butterfly collecting — a hobby that soon became a lifelong pursuit.
Over the decades, Ray assembled an extraordinary collection of more than 13,000 butterflies, along with a specialised library of books. His specimens were collected from across Asia, South America and the Pacific, and carefully preserved and catalogued.
As part of his estate planning, Ray established a charitable trust in his will, leaving his entire collection to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. That collection is now used by researchers, entomologists, and border officials to support the identification of rare and protected species.
Today, Sharp Tudhope continues to manage the charitable trust, helping ensure that Ray’s gift is protected and used in line with his wishes.
Ray’s story is a reminder that legacy planning goes beyond just assets — it can also be about values, passions, and purpose. His planning means that the work he dedicated his life to is now making a public and lasting contribution to conservation and education.
Whether you’ve built a business, a collection, or have a cause close to your heart, our team can help you create a plan that reflects what matters most to you — and ensures your legacy continues long after you’re gone.
Contact the Trust team
Read more about the Ray Shannon and the collection
The Ray Shannon Collection – Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum LinkedIn post