Wayne B. Koral

Just had Wayne's obituary forwarded to me... Wayne was a great guy... one of the original "Boone Boys" who I would play basketball with in the school lot.
Marc J Ostrof

Mr Koral was a great mentor in my life. He coached my brother Harold in baseball and he also coached basketball for the Police Athletic League. He truly was a shining example of what a Man was. I saw you and I learned!! You will be missed but what you shared with me and the other kids in Rogers Park will not be forgotten! Reat in paradise.

When I was just a baby I met Wayne for the very first time. His booming voice scared me so much that I started balling and my aunt began reprimanding Wayne, or so I was told. Wayne´s larger than life personality may have overwhelmed me at first, but it didn´t take long to become enamored with his big heart and infectious energy. Whether it was going to a park or having a Chicago dog together, I always looked forward to Wayne´s visits. He was one of my mom´s very best friends but Wayne made sure that I knew it wasn´t just my mom that he considered a friend and family. I always felt Wayne´s support and care whether he was 50 or 1,500 miles away. It was hard not to as Wayne loved with his whole self. I´m so thankful to have had such a beautiful person in my life.

I met Wayne 47 years ago when he was a police officer at O´Hare and I worked the car rental counter on midnights. Wayne would come up to the counter to make conversation & I would try to ignore him as I fancied myself this new college graduate with anti establishment ideals. I made my distaste of police officers very clear to him but we all know Wayne´s determination and perseverance, and after several weeks I finally capitulated.
It was one of the best decisions of my life and a lesson learned from Wayne who always had an openness and acceptance of people without judgment.
I was so lucky to have had him as my friend, confidant, teacher, the best brother you could hope for. He showed unwavering love and support that I will cherish forever.

Mary Elizabeth told me this story years ago and I love it.
 
Wayne was raised without any pets and he had no interest in having any.  Mary Elizabeth always had pets and came to the marriage with a cat, Gloria Jean.  Wayne was emphatic that Gloria Jean would be their last pet.
 
Yet one day he announced a coworker was looking to rehome a golden retriever and asked if she was interested.  Knowing this was a rare opportunity, she said yes. Enter Billy Wade, who quickly became very attached to Wayne.  Billy Wade could hear Wayne´s car coming from a block away and would greet Wayne at the door bouncing and kissing.
 
After experiencing several of these greetings, in that sweet emotional sentimental voice known to all who knew Wayne, he shared:
 
"Mary Beth, Billy Wade loves me."
 
"Well of course he does, Wayne."
 
"No," with tears in his eyes, "I mean he REALLY loves me."
 
After that, no time passed without a pet or two in their care.
 
Rose