Raymond Bernard, who died on the top floor of Grenfell Tower surrounded by people who had sought refuge in his flat, has been remembered as a hero by his family.
On the seventh and final day of commemoration hearings at the inquiry into the fire, Bernadette Bernard paid tribute to her brother, who lived on the 23rd floor of the building.
Born in rural Trinidad, Bernard came to England in 1969 aged 15, went to school in Ladbroke Grove, west London, and left to take up an apprenticeship as an electrician at the House of Lords. He later worked at Buckingham Palace.
Known affectionately as Moses, he also ran a reggae sound system and nightclub in nearby Shepherd’s Bush. He was a keen follower of the West Indies cricket team.
“Ray was a kind, gentle, compassionate man, a leader and adviser,” his sister said.
“He always said life is too short, try and be happy. He had lived on the top floor of Grenfell for over 30 years where he tragically lost his life.”
Seven bodies were found in his flat. “There was no way down, so the only alternative for many (in the fire) was to head up to the top floor. There they met Ray and took refuge in his flat,” Bernadette Bernard said.
Several of them were found lying on his bed. “He was resting beside the bed. Ray was probably the last to die. He was the strongest. He would have been so alone. We know he was a hero on that tragic night,” she said.
Bernadette Bernard said one of her daughters raced down to the tower on the night of the fire: “She stood outside the tower, watching the inferno engulfing the building, feeling helpless and weeping – not knowing what to do. “He did not deserve to die in that way.” Only 30% of his body was recovered from the ruins of the tower, she added: “Where there is no justice, there will be no peace. I will never forget, I will never forgive.”
The commemoration hearings were suspended for an hour during the afternoon after an elderly relative of the Choucair family collapsed during a video tribute to the six members of her family who died in the fire. She later left the hall to receive further medical care.
Hamdan El Alami then told the inquiry about his daughter, Farah Hamdan, who died in her flat with her husband, Omar Belkadi, and their children Malak and Leena.
The family were originally from Morocco. Farah was a teacher, a religious person and wore respectful clothing, he said. She was born in London and lived in Kensington and Chelsea all her life.
“Death has separated us and it has left me torn into pieces,” he added.