2018 OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)

Subject: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: Schantieman
Date: 29 Sep 02 - 09:48 AM

Those of you who knew him will be sad to hear that Ray (my father-in-law) died last night (Saturday, about 9).

He had been suffering from lymphoma for a few years, and after temporary recovery, deteriorated rapidly in the last few weeks. His wife, Mu, and daughter, Judith were with him. I'm not sure whether Jonny, his son, was there.

Ray was like a father to me (more so than my own) and a fund of songs and stories. He was a (founder?) member of Jockey Men's Morris in Birmingham, dancing, playing the fiddle and lately playing the Fool (completely in character!) He also taught Southport Swords to dance Longsword and has a letter from the late lamented Fred Jordan thanking him for the words of a couple of his songs.

A sad loss to us, and to the folk world generally. I shall miss him.

Steve

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: GUEST,Fat B****rd
Date: 29 Sep 02 - 03:12 PM

Please accept my condolences. fB

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Sep 02 - 06:52 PM

Sorry to hear the news, Steve and Judy. Though I'd never met him, his name was very well-known. He sounded quite a character. Tell us more about him, when you have time?

Noreen

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: Schantieman
Date: 30 Sep 02 - 07:38 AM

Jockey have put an obit on their website

(hope the clicky thing works)

Steve

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: GUEST,Richard A
Date: 30 Sep 02 - 09:58 AM

He was a great man, so passionate about the Morris and English traditions. I have a lot to thank him for in encouraging me over the years, he will be greatly missed in life and in JMMC.

Richard

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: GUEST,Les B
Date: 30 Sep 02 - 02:32 PM

I have many happy memories of Ray from back in the days when he ran weekly dance class in Litherland & I was nobut a lad. Where we danced to live music (the beginnings of the Acme Band).
My sympathies to Judith & John.
Les Brown

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: Schantieman
Date: 01 Oct 02 - 03:56 AM

Funeral will be on 11th October. More details to follow when I know them

Steve

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: GUEST,Schantieman
Date: 01 Oct 02 - 09:44 AM

Moose's funeral will be at Worcester Crematorium at 2:30 p.m. on Friday 11th October. It will last an hour or so and will include LOTS of singing and no religious bits.

All are welcome but there are (only) 150 seats and it is requested that those who knew him longest are allowed in! The singing will be heard not only outside the building, but probably throughout Worcestershire.

The cremation will be follwed by a celebration of Moose's life. Venue tba.

Steve

Subject: RE: OBIT: Moose (Ray Cope)
From: Schantieman
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 03:28 AM

The funeral will be run by a Humanist part-time-folkie. Mu is organising it like a military campaign!

Immediately after the funeral at Worcester crem. (All Morris Men in kit, please) there will be a wake/celebration of Ray's life at:

Avoncroft Arts Society
Stoke Heath
Bromsgrove

Worcs

Since the funeral's at 2:30 and likely to last an hour, the wake will probably start about 4ish.

See you there!

Steve