Bray, Mel

BRAY, Mel - In loving memory of Mel Bray, 62 years, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 6:13 a.m. with his wife Lenore, sister Sharon and sons Ryan and Gavin by his side. Loving husband and best friend of Lenore (nee Lamont). Cherished father of Ryan Bray (wife Kathy, nee Falconi) of Woodbridge, Gavin Bray (wife Alisa, nee Grylls) of Coniston. Beloved grandfather of Nolan, Megan, Harper and Sarah Bray. Predeceased by dearest parents Carmen and Margaret Bray, and parents-in-law, Dallas and Helen Lamont. Cherished brother of Sharon Zahorouski (husband Bill), Barbara Deschamps (husband Guy) of Coniston. Mel is predeceased by his sister Lynn Cleaver and brother-in-law Jerry Cleaver. Loved and admired brother-in-law of JD Lamont (wife Susan), Raymond Lamont (wife Sandra), William Lamont, Patricia Tye (husband Peter), and Norman Lamont. Mel was a special nephew, uncle, cousin and friend and will be missed by all. There must be much joy in Heaven now that Mel is there. Mel always had a great friendship with God, and understood what he was called to do here in this life. Mel will be welcomed by so many of the family and friends who guided him there, especially in the last days of his life. Even though many here had a chance to say good-bye, we didn't really want him to go. Mel had a life that was well-lived, and he really wasn't afraid of death. He often remarked that he would be “off on another great adventure“. Mel always seemed to have life figured out. He cherished the importance of family and friends, and the more love he gave, the more love he received. The bigger the challenge, the harder he worked. He inspired others to love and be better than they thought they were. He allowed others to be human, and forgave faults easily. Mel used his energy to build and make ideas grow. He was a man of action, and a man of his word. Mel could inspire others to think and do great things. Mel was blessed with much talent, faith, leadership, intelligence, humour, courage, kindness, hope, strength, wonder, awe and understanding, and he never wasted any of these gifts. He was so good at being a great husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, family man and friend, and that is why we will miss him so much. We will find him again if we follow his lead. Mel and Lenore shared a love which has continued to grow stronger every day and will last forever. Mel loved his sons Ryan and Gavin and was so proud of how they have grown into such fine men, each with a loving wife. Mel cared for Kathy and Alisa and enjoyed a special relationship with their wonderful families too. The circle of love was completed with his dear grandchildren, Nolan, Harper, Megan and Sarah. Mel loved his parents, sisters, and his whole family. Mel loved and was loved by all of Lenore's family. He cherished the many dear friends who touched his life. Mel had so many things he was passionate about in his life. He really loved the Eucharist and being involved in his parish community. He enjoyed fun, music, hunting, fishing, growing trees, nature, golf, boating, playgrounds and parks, Manitoulin Island and the Wahnapitae River. He was honoured when being a Minister of the Eucharist, a Lector, part of the Funeral and Confirmation Teams, a member of the choir, or even when painting the church or helping with some of the “heavy lifting“. Most important to Mel was his relationship with people, and you always felt that when you were with him. Mel was fortunate to have a close relationship with friends from childhood through his adult years. Many of those friends and neighbours were especially close to him during the times when he was most ill. He loved and was thankful to his church community and the St. Paul the Apostle Choir, all things Coniston, the people he worked with because of INCO who were also close friends, the Birch Ridge Hunt Club, Camp Quality, the Coniston Improvement Group, the Coniston and St. John Cemetery Teams, the Wahnapitae River Management Committee, Princess Margaret Hospital and Lodge, the Sudbury medical and hospital community, and all those who cared for him during his illnesses, especially his family doctor, Dr. Garrioch. He admired the work of and was grateful to the Legion and the Lions Club. Mel would want us to celebrate his life, to live our own life to the fullest, to nurture our spirit, to find out and focus on what is important in life. He would want us to know that he is happy, without pain and “off on another great adventure“. Resting at the Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury. Funeral Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 38 Cedar St., Coniston Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium. Donations to your charity of choice is appreciated. (Friends may call from 2-5 & 7-9 p.m. Sunday). Flowers, donations or messages of condolence available online at www.lougheed.org