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Lewis Martin Coray

January 12, 2023

At Elmwood Place, on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 97. Lewis is predeceased by his wife Beatrice Lorene Coray (2006). Loving Dad of Pamela Coray, Stacey Coray, and daughter-in-law Karen Howes. Dear grandfather of Reid Coray Mitchell and Parker Coray Mitchell. Det. Sgt. Lewis Coray was the first Black officer hired by the London Police Services in 1951. There is an annual Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award that continues to celebrate his contribution to policing and the London community. Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., and on Monday, January 16, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., where a funeral service will be conducted the next day, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lewis are asked to consider Congress of Black Women of Canada, London Chapter to support their bursaries for the annual recipient of the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award.

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I used to work at Chartwell Royalcliffe, and the constant pleasure of seeing Lewis most every day. From the day I started working as a server he was a kind, joyous, and funny man. Over the course of my time there I spent many hours talking with Lewis every chance I got. I remember him poking fun at me pretty regularly, joking back and fourth. My favorite memory is him asking me about my age, I was 20 at the time. And he says "My sons a bit older than you." I asked how old he was, and with a big laugh and a bellowing voice he goes "71!" On another occasion I made him laugh so hard it silenced the dining room. Lewis brought me an unbelievable amount of joy when I was at Chartwell, and I just found out today, 9 months later, that he passed. The last time I saw him was in the winter when he was bundled up walking outside before he left Chartwell, I said hello and told him who I was and he got a big smile on his face. Thank you Lewis for being such a lovely man in the short time I knew you.

~ Gibson Szafran

My Big Guy, It was a true honour to have met you and a privilege to have served you at Elmwood Place. I loved talking to you, getting to know you and your family along with your experiences from your career! Your smile brightened up the room, I could be stressed or overwhelmed but you would go to your room you would smile and from that moment on it made my shift better. Every time I see a bright light coming from your room and feel the warmth of it I will know you are there smiling. I will miss your smile, and playing around with you, saying: “freeze, put your hands up, you’re under arrest”. I send my deepest condolences to Stacey.

~ Amanda Young

Your smile will forever be with me. Your pure kind heart was a true blessing. It was a great honour to serve you. Keep smiling paps

~ Tanya

A donation has been made to Congress of Black Women Canada, London Chapter. Message from the donator: A donation has been made to Congress of Black Women Canada, London Chapter. Message from the donator: A life well lived. Bud was a true gentleman and good copper. He had a great sense of humour, too! I have many fond memories of him from our days serving on the London Police Department and in the years after. Sincere condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace, Bud.

~ Lory Moro

Pam and Stacey - so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He certainly was respected through the years all the way back to the old neighbourhood. May his memory be a blessing to you all.

~ Trudy Rose (nee Harrison)

A true gentleman full of kindness, empathy and care that resonated into a forever smile on his handsome face. The honours and respect from the London Police Services and London Life are only a few embraces Mr Coray so rightfully deserved. A friend to all. Pamela, I know how deeply your dad loved you and you him. He was so proud of you in all that you accomplished from being a top fashion model in London to the career choices you made in championing those in need with the charitable organizations that were so fortunate to have you. Like father, like daughter. May his memory be eternal and May God bless you and your family.

~ George Georgopoulos

I was so lucky to have the chance to care for Lewis at Elmwood. He was so good to me and I will miss the lovely chats we had over the past year. He had great advice to share from his incredible life and career. As I begin my own career I will remember him sharing that if you just look inside yourself you will find the answer. I want to extend my sincerest condolences to all his family.

~ Jaime Dutz

My Condolences to Stacey, Pam and the entire family. Uncle Bud will surely be missed. I pray you find comfort in the many joyful memories 🙏🏽 ❤️

~ Lisa Richardson

Dear Pam and Stacey We have lost touch over the years but I treasure the many hours I spent at your home. Your Dad was a wonderful man. Please know I am thinking of you. Love Chris

~ Chris Hodson Dampier

Dear Family: I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy, no matter their age. I remember working with your Dad at the London Police Department. He was great to work with. Back in those days he would have to dictate his court reports and I would type them up. He was great to work with. May your happy memories of him help you through the process of grieving. Air Hugs LJJ

~ Linda J. Johnson

Saddened to learn of Bud’s passing! Such fond memories of chats on Sackville and in Grand Bend. Hugs for Stacey,Pamela and grandkids! Life lived to the fullest!❤️✌🏼 Regards, Rick

~ Rick Wilson

Thoughts and prayers are with severe condolences to Lou's family.

~ Joan Turner

My heart goes out to family and those who loved him. This is such a huge loss. A life well lived. Much love.

~ Terri Baird

A donation has been made to Congress of Black Women Canada, London Chapter. Message from the donator: On behalf of the London Police Association, our sincerest condolences on Bud’s passing. He was and will continue to be a leader and an inspiration. His work lives on.

~ Rick ROBSON

Dear Stace, Pam, and the Coray Family, Sincere Condolences on the passing of your Dad. As we witness the passing of this great generation, let us carry on their strength, class and resolve, they endured for us.

~ Dave Kumagai

Mr. Coray held a special place in our hearts! He came to our home to watch Grey Cup and Super Bowl. When our grandchildren asked him what he wanted for dessert, he said everything!! Also, you better be cheering for your team! ( especially Seattle!). We will miss you!❤️

~ Anne and Steve Guay

Mr. Coray held a special place in our hearts. He joined us every year for Grey Cup and Super Bowl. Our children and grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed his company. When our grandchildren asked what he’d like for dessert, he said everything! Also, we needed to cheer during the football games- especially for Seattle!! We will miss you!❤️

~ Anne and Steve Guay

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