AUBURN – Chase Pray passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, 2021, at the age of 76. Born in Lewiston in 1944, he was a leap year baby who celebrated his “19th” birthday in 2020. He was the son of Charlie and Norrine Pray.

Chase will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and for having a giving heart. As anyone who knew him could attest, his number one mission in life was mentoring upcoming athletes. Fondly referred to as “Coach Chase” he gave hope and provided opportunities to competitors young and old. He helped countless athletes fine-tune their craft and always made sure every kid had a snack, had the sneakers and shorts they needed, and many times went out of his way to provide for those in need. He was a man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone else. Chase was a father-figure and positive role model for many young people teetering on the edge and always provided an encouraging word. He had a never-quit attitude and believed that there were no short cuts; for Chase, hard work was the only way to success. Running was his passion and until he moved to Clover Manor in Auburn he could be seen running throughout Lewiston and Auburn, never missing a day. Always the athlete, he was challenging people to push-up contests well into his 70s. He was truly one-of-a-kind.

As a member of the dining services family at Bates College for more than 40 years he will be remembered for his spunk, his hard-working nature, and for never quite tying his shoelaces tight enough.

Chase is predeceased by his wife, Minnie Pray, and his sister, Connie.

He was survived by his brother, Greg Pray (and wife Dawn) of Auburn, and sisters, Betty McCrillis of Jay, Peggy Larlee of Minot, and Cathy Lelansky of Turner; sons, Nelson (and wife Annie) of Portland, and Keith (and husband Sebastien) of Lisbon; his grandchildren, Nelson Pray (and wife Brianna) of Bowdoinham, Hannah Pray of Lewiston, and Carolyn Pray of Lisbon; and stepgrandchildren, Finnegan and Sawyer Sutton of Portland; and great-granddaughters, Skylar and Charlotte Nalos of Bowdoinham.

A viewing will be held at Funeral Alternatives in Lewiston on Monday, February 22, from 4-6 p.m. The Pray family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Clover Manor in Auburn for their compassionate care. Rest in peace Coach Chase Pray.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.facebook/FALewiston or http://www.funeralalternatives.net.

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