Thomas Brayley Copp
June 20, 2012
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.
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(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
The times that I met your Dad were very memorable, he was one of a kind. He was one of those special who was able to make everyone feel part of the family. He will be greatly missed, know that at this trying time our prayers and thought are with you. Marty and Cindy
Dear Marjorie and family,I am so sorry for your loss.I too will always remember Brayl's warm smile,"thumbs-up"and caring heart.It was a privilege and an honor to have been able to care for him over the past year.Sincerely, Lisa
So sorry to hear of Brayl's passing. He was one of the "good guys", a true gentleman. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sincerely Ray and Susan
We are thinking of the family at this very sad time.Brayl will be greatly missed at Fawn Island. Regards Ken & Cheryl Muxlow
To Lisa, Dave, Sam and Emma, and the entire Copp family, we're very sad to learn of Brayl's passing. It's always tough losing a loved one who has had such a positive and powerful influence on our lives, but that much we can celebrate, even in saying good-bye. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.
Harvey, Linda and the Staff at Total Laminating Products extend our deepest sympathy to the Copp's Family. Mr. Copp took a chance on our business 26 years ago and we still have a great business relationship today. Thank you for believing in our business. Rest in Peace Mr. Copp Sincerely Harvey & Linda Gardner Tammy Walker David Jackson and all our crew
Please accept my condolances to the family and friends of Mr. Copp. Having just seen my Mother go through chemo and radiation and then losing her, I sympathize with all of you. May you find peace in your hearts.
Please accept our deepest sympathy to Steve and all the Copp's family Your Dad will be greatly missed. May the Lord give you and your family lots of peace , and strength at this time of your great loss.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the London Home Builders' Association, we send our deepest sympathy to Steve and the Copps family; Brayl was a generous and giving man and a positive influence and role model in the construction industry.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement, I want to convey our deepest sympathy to all of the Copps family. Brayl was a true friend to Junior Achievement. His support can be traced back as far as 1963, when JA first came to London and moved into its building on Wharnecliff. JA is all about inspiring today youth to be tomorrow's business and community leaders. Brayl was a true role model for us all. He will be missed greatly.
Dear Marjorie and family, My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to Junior Achievement of London)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London )
(Donated to FCHS Foundation)
To Melinda & Family We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to you and your entire family on the passing of your wonderful father. His legacy lives on in his beautiful children and grandchildren . Cherish the memories of his wonderful life and caring ways . Dan, Michele, Heather and Brittany
We are so sorry for your loss. It sounds like the world has lost an exceptional man who will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so saddened to hear about Brayl's passing! I will always remember his kind smile and great laugh the many times I had the pleasure of hanging out with my parents' wonderful posse at Devil's Glen. I also recall times when my father had such funny anecdotes about Brayl - whether from The Glen or travelling - so many good time over the years; he was a big fan! My deepest condolences to the entire family, especially Marj; you are such a lovely lady!! Be strong and take good care of eachother, Sue
Steve, please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Sincerely, Marko Merhar and all of us at Boise Cascade
Our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all, and we wish you the very best.
Dear Mrs. Copp and Copp family, please accept my deepest condolences for your great loss. Mr. Copp was truly a wonderful man, I will miss our little chats. When he called the office, one could feel the warmth in his voice and the smile on his face. Take comfort during this difficult time that He's watching over his beautiful family with so much care and love. You are all in my prayers, Maria
Dear Marj and family, Ron and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Brayl. We know how brave his battle was and how much he was loved and supported during his last struggle by all of his family and friends. His was a life well lived and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. With love, Barb
Dear Marg and family: John and I were so sorry to read your sad news this morning. He was a great guy - we send sincere condolences.
My deepest sympathies at the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. I know you will miss him terribly. Aunt Ellen you too will miss the many smiles and jokes from your brother. Brayl was so proud of all of you and I will miss running into him at the many London events and having him share with pride many stories of family. Take good care of yourselves at this really sad time.
To the Copp family, we extend our sincere condolences on the loss of Brayl. As you know Brayl, Marge, and my father David and my mother Carolyn were all friends through school and in Lambeth. I know how enriched my father's life was because of Brayl's friendship through personal experience as I grew up and by the stories my father told with such fondness. Brayl's many kindnesses will always be remembered. We are thinking of all of you at this time.
To the Copp family, I am so very sorry for your loss ~ please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers~ from a former employee of Copp's Buildall, Leslie
Our deepest condolences to the entire Copp family. Brayl always had a smile and a kind word for all the employees of Copp's, I am proud to have known him.
Our deepest sympathy to Steve and the Copp family. We enjoyed Brayl's visits to the marina. His sense of humor & laughter always brightened up our day. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this sad time. We feel your loss. He was such a nice man. He will be missed by all of our staff. It was a pleasure knowing him. Brenda & Brad McDonell and the entire Ecarte Marine Staff.
My dearest Marge and family,It goes without saying that Brayl was a well respected man in our community-I really only got to know him for about the last year when he was ill.We did have a few good laughs and some "thumbs up" situations during his care. I will always remember his smile.It was a joy to look after him even though for a short time.My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.Laverna Genereaux - Bayshore Nurse.
Melinda, Jim, Annie, Geoff and Steph, It is without a doubt that your father and grandfather was a great man. I could see how important he was to your family in the way that you would light up when you spoke about him, and again when he was ill, just how affected you were by his declining health. You have been blessed to have such a man in your life, and he, to have you all as his family. Clearly, he has also influenced many others in his social, work and family circle and will be missed by his entire community. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Hugs, Brooke
My condolences to the entire Copp family on your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
My sincere condolences to the entire Copp family. It was my great pleasure to have known and worked with Brayl Copp. He was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Both in business and in life, Brayl was caring and always helpfull. He will be missed by many but forgotten by few. Peter Van Geffen
Our condolences to the entire Copp family on the loss of such an wonderful husband, father, grandfather and incredbile community supporter. Our thoughts and prayers are will you all. Arisa, Steve and Michael
Dear Copp family, I only met Mr. Copp twice at various functions revolving his Grand daughter Annie's swimming. He treated me like I was his next door neighbor. He had a beaming smile and a heart full of passion for his Grand daughter. You could see what a great father/Grand father he was immediately. It is my hope that in sharing this, it can give you some relief in a time of great hardship and pain. My deepest condolences from my family to yours, Sean Baker
Our deepest sympathies to the Copp Family on the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. May your wonderful memories of him sustain you during this difficult time. Love, The Jordan Family of Oakville
We at Mission Services of London extend sincere sympathies to the Copp family; our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Brayl was a blessing to many in the London community and he played a significant role in helping Mission Services to meet the need of our neighbours in this city; he made a difference that reached far and wide through the years...this is a better place to be because of him. We will remember him fondly.
Most sincere condolences for a true gentleman as well as a great and generous friend. Real sympathies for Marj and family.
It is so nice to see such deserving tributes to a great man who has always been so amazing to me and my family. My Grandfather Mac and Grandmother Helen Dennis adored Brayl and the entire Copp family so much as my mom, Bob, Natalie and I do to this day. I will always treasure our times together, especially at Fawn Island. Our thoughts are with you. God bless.
To all the Copp Family, please accept my sincere sympathy in your very great loss. Brayl was very respected by everyone that worked at Copp's and all the builders and trades people that he dealt with over the years. He has been involved with so many charities that it almost seems impossible. You have to read the recent newspaper articles about Brayl to even begin to understand how much he did. He will not be forgotten.
To all the Copp Family, Our deepest sympathies are extended to all the Copp family. I had the pleasure of working with Brayl and was fortunate enough to have him as a client. Brayl was a man whose word was as good as any contract could ever hope to be. Brayl conducted himself with class and grace, and was an example to all business people on how honour and integrity drives bottom line and not the other way around. We will surely miss our friend, but he won’t be forgotten.
Marj and family - I was saddened to hear to Brayl's passing. Cherish all your wonderful memories and they will help you through this difficult time.
Lisa and Dave, we know that there are no words that help the pain, just know that we are thinking of you and that you are in our prayers. The Ciaramella family
We, the Canadian Salmon Club employees and management were deeply saddened to hear this week Mr. Brayl Copp passing. We are offering our deepest sympathies to the Copp Family. Management and Staff Canadian Salmon Club.
Steve & Family Very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. From reading some of the comments it is evident that he touched many lives, made many contributions to society and left and incredible legacy. May your great memories help you and your family get through this very difficult time. Craig & Jennifer Caplan (TASK TOOLS)
Zoltan and Chris and the staff at Pioneer Family Pools would like to extend our condolences to the Copp family. It was an honour and a privilege to have known Brayl, and we will remember him as a sincere and kind gentleman, with a warm, welcoming smile.
To Steve & the Copp family: Gemini Remodelling (namely Judy & Paul James) are saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad. May pleasant memories be forever in your hearts.
Dear Marg & family--a very sad time to connect with the family as we recall the many years at Port Franks. Also, I had the pleaasure of being in Brayl's soft spoken company in his office. He will be missed in the City of London.
To all of the Copp family, Adrian and I just wanted to add our condolences on the loss of such a great man. Brayl will be fondly remember for all the kindness and support that he has shown us over the years. He always had some wonderful advice for us and was never too busy to visit. We will miss his smile and friendly face as I'm sure many more will as well. Our thought are with the whole Copp family and close friends at this time. He will be missed.
Our most deepest condolences to Marjorie and family. Brayl was a beloved volunteer at St. Joseph's and continued to be so supportive long after he retired from our organization. He did so much good for so many in our community. A true icon of both business and community leadershp.
To the Copp Families, Our sincere condolence on the passing of Brayl Copp. We know the loss will be felt by all the members of the Copp families. It will also be felt by the City of London and all who met or knew Brayl.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It was a privilege to have known a true gentleman.
I had the pleasure of many lunches and meeting with Brayl while living in Oakville and managing our Ontario Operations in the late 80's.Always a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. My condolances to the Copp family. Douglas Goodfellow-Delson QC
To all the family of such a wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. It is a great testament to your Dad Lisa that he left such a wonderful family. He obviously did a great job raising such a fabulous family. I am sure your Mum had a hand too as I am also sure your Mum will miss him terribly too. Our prayers are with you all now and in the future. If you need any help in Calgary Lisa, please let us know. Take care and safe travels everyone.
Jim & Melinda, Mike & Stacey, My deepest condolences go out to your families and your mother during this sad and difficult time. Mr. Copp will continue to live on through his loving gifts of his selfless contributions he made to others. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa, Dave, Emma and Sam: Sincere Sympathy to you and your entire family. Treasure the many wonderful memories and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do for you here.
On behalf of myself and all the staff at Castell homes, Our deepest condolences to family and friends. Brayl's Ongoing contributions to the city of London are greatly appreciated and will be missed.
Lisa and Dave, Emma and Sam -- you are in our hearts and prayers and we send our deepest sympathy to all your family members.
Lisa, please accept our deepest symphaty to you and your extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times. John & Shelley
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(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Head and Neck Cancer Program)
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