Obituary of Thomas Brayley Copp

It is with great sadness that the Copp family announces the passing of Thomas Brayley “Brayl” Copp on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012. Beloved husband of Marjorie for 53 years. Father, friend and inspiration to Stacey and Mike Jaczko, Lisa and David Surmon, Melinda and Jim Harrison, and Steven and Anne Copp. Adored Papa to Kate, Stephanie, Geoff, Kristen, Sam, Mackenzie, Annie, Emma and Averil. He will be greatly missed by his sister Ellen McKim and his nieces and nephews. Brayl was well known in London as a top businessman, strong community supporter and, most importantly, loving family man. He was born in London on August 27th, 1933 and attended high school at Ridley College in St. Catharines. Brayl joined the family business, Copp’s Buildall, in 1952 becoming owner and President in 1963. He oversaw the expansion of the Company, which enabled it to become one of the largest, independently owned building material companies in Southwestern Ontario. In addition to this, Brayl gave time to many organizations. Over the years he has been a director and founder of several private, public and non-profit companies and organizations. Past positions include director of Junior Achievement of London & District, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Commstar Ltd., D.H. Howden & Company Limited, Greenhill’s Corporation, Conklin & Garrett Limited, TigerTel Communications, Sifton Properties Limited, Millennium Downtown Corporation and Ridout Downtown Corporation. He was a Past President of the Canadian Builder’s Supply Association, the London Hunt & Country Club and St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation. Brayl believed strongly in giving back to our community. In 2002, he became Co-Chair of Mission Services of London Campaign of Compassion that successfully raised the funds needed to complete the new Men's Mission on York St. in London. He was inducted into the London Business Hall of Fame in 2005. As well as these formal community involvements, Brayl was always there to provide advice and assistance to friends, colleagues and family. He touched so many lives in a positive way. In his personal life, his enthusiasm and zest for life were evident in everything he did. He loved his boats, playing cards, fishing, travel and going out with friends. Above all, his one true passion was his family, spending as much time as possible with them particularly at his beloved cottage on Fawn Island. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses who made his struggles with cancer bearable over the past year, especially Dr. Ron Komar, Dr. John Yoo, Dr. Nancy Reid, Dr. McCarty, Dr. Baker and the entire cardiac and palliative team at University Hospital and the nurses from Bay Shore Health Services. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday from 5:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. The memorial service will be conducted at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, on Monday, June 25th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Private family interment will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Junior Achievement of London, Mission Services of London or the London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program.