Cory Alexander Bray passed away September 16, 2009 at home after a short battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 20th at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel. A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. Saturday, September 19th also at our Isanti Chapel.
Cory Alexander Bray was born January 9, 1985 in Fridley, Minnesota to Ted and Debbie Bray. When Cory was three years old his family moved to Isanti where he was raised and attended school. Cory was employed at American Manufacturing and he enjoyed his work. He loved fishing, frisbee golf, bowling, camping, playing cards, fireworks, movies, comedies, and music. He also liked cooking ever since he was very young and made his own concoctions.
Cory Bray passed away September 16, 2009 at home after a short battle with cancer at the age of 24 years, 8 months and 7 days. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Harvey Bray and Roscoe Schwieger.
Cory will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Ted and Debbie Bray of Isanti; two sisters, Cassie (Eric) Lang and their son Nathan of Cambridge, and Shannyn Bray of Isanti; grandmothers, Sylvia Schwieger of Andover, and Helen Bray of Cambridge; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Mark, Jill, Chuck & Andy Reller says
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Don’t forget, call if you need anything.
Love,
Jill, Mark, Chuck and Andy
The Vita Family says
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy Buchholz says
To Debbie, Ted, Cassie and Shannyn: Our deepest condolences in the loss of Cory. It is a travesty and was a shock to hear the news. Our hearts and prayers are with you and while distance and circumstance may prevent us from embracing… with prayer, there is no distance, and no circumstance too great that God’s Hand cannot reach down and comfort. We pray that God will hold and keep you all in the hollow of His Hand.
You are loved, your sister Cindy, (Caleb & Gabriel) Buchholz, Owasso, Oklahoma.
Alicia deBernardeaux says
I love you Cory. The effect you have had on all our lives is so great. You were an amazing friend, you will be greatly missed. I don’t think I’ll ever laugh the same again.
To Cory’s parents you had a great son, I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Chief Guadalupe Cruz, So. San Antonio Police Dept. says
My condolences to the Bray family on passing of your beloved son and brother.
I know Cory is watching over the balcony of Heaven wishing all a farewell, and saying “Blessings…until we meet again.”
My prayers and Blessings go out to you all.
Carmen Carter Family- Ontario,Canada says
To The Bereaved Family
Although we have never met, I am deeply sorry for the passing of your son, brother,nephew and friend.
I am a friend of Cindy and my heart grieves with you all at the sudden loss of your beloved family member, Cory.
The Holy Bible says to give thanks for all things, That means that we need to practice being grateful in both the good things and triumphs in life as well as the painful tragedies that sometimes come our way. I lost my little girl who was less than a year old, 34 yrs ago and I am happy to know that you had your son for 24 years. Our children are not our own, but they are gifts from God, imparted to us to teach,to nurture and love and train up in God’s ways.
I know that it hurts real bad right now my friends but be encouraged as God only takes the best and He does not make mistakes. I have learned from experience that sometimes God must allow drastic tragedies and events to transpire in our lives to get our attention.
Many things will happen to us, that we just cannot understand but God only asks that we trust Him.
After all God is the one who created us all and we must accept that even our children belong to HIM and only He decides when their earthly life begins and ends. God knows your pain and wants you to come to Him and lay it at His feet. We can grieve and cry over the loss of a dear loved one or we can rejoice in the time that we were blessed to have them live amongst us.
I will be praying that God will open your hearts and draw you unto Himself so that when it is time for you to depart this life, you will be blessed to stand in His Presence. Isn’t that an awesome thing ? To know that no matter what, when we give our hearts and lives to Christ, then He bears our sin and shame and yet He forgives us and empowers us to press on. God loves you soooooooo much ! Do be encouraged in ALL matters my friends, because there is hope.There is help in time of need, love and comfort in time of loneliness , peace in times of crisis and healing in times of sickness, all in The Name Of Jesus. Go ahead, just call out to God because He is waiting to hear from you. God bless you, keep you, make His face to shine upon you and grant you peace.
with love
Carmen Carter and Family
Cindy Buchholz, (Caleb & Gabe) says
Debbie and Family….
You have been heavy on my heart this weekend as you said your final goodbyes to Cory. I pray that this post ministers to you… and encourages you on days that feel overwhelming… and God uses them to help pull you through to peace. I wrote this a couple of years ago for a friend I lost to cancer. I believe every word applies to Cory, because God is faithful to the children He creates, and His mercies reach beyond our limited comprehension of His Sovereignty. We may not understand His Ways… but there is always a purpose, ultimately fulfilling His Master Plan. From our hearts to yours…
JOY UNCEASING
Among the cloud of witnesses, there is a great and glorious light Immersed into the heavens, I see His Fullness radiant white.
I stand in awe, upon my knees, of One so Holy, as I bow Before the King of Kings awaiting patiently my crown.
I feel so humbled by His Presence, I feel so healed and whole this day I see His Majesty, His Glory as I extol His Holy Name.
The instant I was taken from this earth to meet my Lord All pain, and fear released as I was pulled through Heaven’s Door.
Led through the Valley of The Shadows, I watched you weep and pray and mourn. As your compassion and your love reached through the heavens I was torn.
But I could not take my eyes off couldn’t focus on your grief For I know that God is faithful, for my reward is at His Feet.
I suffered in such agony, and I’m no longer in great pain I see Life for all He is and He consumes me every day.
With joy that is unceasing, inexplicable to men
Words cannot describe Majestic Beauty with no end.
Do not grieve for me beloved, for I am whole and healed this day I have run my race, obtained My Prize, and I praise His Holy Name.
If you could only see His Glory could see beyond the thoughts of man You would see that you’re secure in the Hollow of His Hand
You would know the depths I feel, that death is not the finished work That there is more beyond the glimpse, beyond the veil of upon this earth.
Look beyond your understanding, seek His Face and read His heart See beyond the veil toward Mercy, and pluck the others from the dark.
Concentrate on fellowship, He longs to walk with you
To guide you in your steps, release your fears and comfort you
When you close your eyes to sleep, rest in assurance I’m at peace. All your prayers were not in vain, for they have brought me great release.
And thanks to you, I know His Fullness and I pray for you this day That you will know His Joy Unceasing as you call upon His Name.
For He promises that tears will only last for but a time That joy comes in the morning for those who cling upon The Vine.
Please don’t grieve for me, beloved, for I am happy and content I finally know The Love beyond the veil that has been rent.
I have a brand new body, I suffer no more earthly grief I spend my days with Joy Unceasing, placing Crowns at Jesus Feet.
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(excerpt taken from http://www.royal-diadem.com/T2L_Devotions2.htm)
Carol Dustins Mom says
Cindy is a dear friend. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. I lost my only child at age 16. I know all too well the pain you are feeling.
Remember this, Those we love and lose are no longer where they used to be, They are now wherever we are. Cory will always be in your heart. When you feel like he is so far away from you, reach down inside your heart and pull out a memory, his love will always be with you.
Carol
Dustin’s Mom
3/86 ~ 12/02
Audrea (AJ) says
All of us @ American Mfg want to give our condolences to Cory’s Family. He was a wonderful person and always worked hard. He will always be in our thoughts. It’s not fair it was so quick. Every star and sunshine that shines its Cory. He sure did know his 80’s music..
Debbie Bray says
Thanks to all who loved Cory and who expressed their sorrow upon his loss. He loved and cared for people unconditionally and was loved by many.
Brianna says
Im very sorry for your loss, I knew Corey For a while. We Hung out with the same friends. He was a charming young man and always knew how to make me laugh. When our friend joey emailed me and told me that he had passed, i cried. He ws a good friend and will always be missed..
Brianna
Carly Pederson (Allina) says
To the Bray Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Cory for a very short time, but could tell in my first meeting with him that he had a huge zest for life, a contagious smile, and a positive attitude! My thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with your family.
Dana Kinde (Village Bank friends) says
Debbie and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort at this difficult time. God’s blessings upon each of you……until you meet again.
John Buchholz says
Deb and family, Sorry for the late response and also for your unexpected loss. May God’s peace, mercy and grace be with you in this troubling time. Draw close to God for Cory is resting in the arms of the Father for a time and will be waiting to escort you around Heavens vast expanse when the Father calls us home as well. Love and God’s grace , John
Laura Perry (Martin) says
Last night I had a dream about Cory as I do a few times a year. He is always recovering from his cancer in my dreams, or he comes back to life.
So today I felt the need to search his name on the internet and found this online guest book. I just felt like writing about him, I wanted to speak at his funeral and imagined what I would say when I found out how bad his cancer really was. When the time came I was too grief stricken to do anything but cry. So here it goes..
Cory was an amazing person, selfless, funny, witty and extremely intelligent. He was different then anyone else. He always liked everyone regardless if I or anyone else didn’t. He was always smiling, kind and positive no matter the circumstances(unless complaining about a girl,lol). I remember when we first met. I barley knew him but somehow he seemed to know me well, or at least acted like he did. We took a walk around town just talking about everything. He told me the story about how he got kicked out of school, for having an Anarchist Cookbook. I thought he was so cool!! Laughing as I write this, and that is the way I will remember him.
When I found out Cory had cancer, I cried and cried like he was already gone. I just couldn’t believe it. How does a 24 year old get cancer? I hadn’t seen him in over a year, as our lives had taken different paths. Once he was released to his families, I visited several times. The first two times I sat in bed with him, talking until I fell asleep. He was the same Cory, still trying to make everyone feel good, not letting anyone really know that he knew what was going to happen. Staying positive, talking about his goals and how proud he was that he hadn’t drank in over two months. The last time I saw him, he wasn’t in very good shape, in and out of sleep and in pain. Still he had managed to make a joke, no matter how hard it was. I cried on the way home saying how I couldn’t go back again, and I never did(except after the funeral) because he passed away two days later.
So the reason I am writing this? I don’t honestly know. I missed him today, as I do every time I dream about him still being here or when I see a really ugly sweater. ;)Maybe its because I regret not being able to speak at his funeral, or maybe because I want him to be at my side as I write this. I know he is with me often, as he is with all of his friends and family. Now he can be by all of our sides, as often as possible. I love you Cory, LIKE A COOKIE.