Tributes have been paid to local Harrow shopkeeper, Suresh “Ray” Morjaria from Long Elmes Supermarket who sadly died this week after a battle with coronavirus.
Known in his community as ‘Ray’, Suresh was 67 years old when he passed away earlier this week. He had worked at Long Elmes supermarket for the past 30 years and was known for being very kind and welcoming to the local community, he always remembered everyone’s names.
People have been sending tributes to Ray on social media posts since he passed. One post said: “He knew my boys, he always had a smile on his face and was pleased to see people.”
Another person said: “He is the shop keeper of my childhood right up to a few years ago! We grew up going to his shop, always chatting away to him like an old friend…. RIP to Ray”.
In a fitting tribute, another member of Harrow Online said: “Ray has had a big impact on many of our lives, knew him from a baby free sweets were always handed out to me and my sisters he was a gentleman! Always had a catch up when I went in this shop, he will be missed, send my love to his family god bless x”
Another tribute said: “So sad, got told yesterday. He was such a big part of our lives from when we was kids all the way though. He was such a big part of the community and will definitely be missed and remembered for a long long time to come. RIP Ray”.
We have set up a Just Giving Page to help Ray’s family at this extremely upsetting time. Please feel free to donate what you can and leave tributes on the page or in our comments.
The message from Ray’s daughters Esha and Shriya reads: “Our beautiful dad Ray passed away this Monday on the 20th April. Not only was he our pride and joy, but we are proud to say he was also a pillar in his local community.
“Over the past 30 years, he owned and ran his small and humble shop originally called ‘La Esha Off licence’ which was then expanded to AM2PM on Long Elmes. Many of his customers would simply and affectionately refer to his shop as ‘Ray’s’.
“It would be fair to say that alongside his family, his customers were his everything. He worked day and night to make sure his customers and community always got what they needed. He cared for them, loved them, shared in their happiness and sorrows, he was there for them, even giving away his stock for free if people had hit hard times.
“The children were his favourites, he used to give them maths questions and rewarded them with a secret stash of sweets he kept under the counter. The truth is, he gave them sweets even if the answers were wrong.
“During this virus outbreak, he put himself at risk for his customers, even though he was vulnerable to the virus himself. Sadly this is what took him in the end. However, he wouldn’t have changed a thing, he loved taking care of people.
“Since his passing, we have found so much peace in all your messages of support and have been truly overwhelmed by your love towards our dearest dad. We miss him, we love him and he truly was a ‘Ray’ of sunshine.
“Thank you for all your support in this very difficult time. Your generosity would help us remember him a way fit for the great person he was. Please look after yourselves and your dearest.
Love,
Esha and Shriya. Dad, we love you always. x”
Donate to Ray’s family here.
