FREDRICK (FRED) KNOX GRAY

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FREDRICK (FRED) KNOX GRAY

After sharing a very special time together as family, Fred, our dad and lifelong loving companion to Bertie, left us on Friday, June 19, 2020, to begin his next journey.
Fred is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bertie; daughter Wanda (Gary) Creith; son John (Karen); sister Carol Bruce; sisters-in-law, Helen Arnold, Donnie Roome and Helah Meadows; brother-in-law Jack Britton (Lynda Wilson), along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and a grandnephew.
He was predeceased by his parents, Knox and Ruby, along with other family relations and in-laws.
Fred was born on July 3, 1938 in Birtle, MB and was raised and schooled in Graysville, MB.
Fred began his CIBC career in 1956 as a teller in the Winkler Branch. He transferred to the Grandview location where he met the love of his life, Bertie. He then accepted a transfer to Winnipeg and worked in several locations, commuting to Grandview in his little Volkswagen as he courted Bertie. Fred and Bertie were married July 8, 1961 in Grandview and spent the next six years living in Winnipeg.
In 1962, they were elated to welcome their first child Wanda. John arrived a few years later which especially delighted the grandparents as he would be the first Canadian boy born to the Britton/Gray families. Family vacations consisted of many camping adventures across Canada creating lasting memories. Throughout Fred and Bertie's life, Fred was never one to ever miss a Britton family gathering. He especially loved to sit down with his brothers-in-law discussing world events and politics - no topic was sacred. Through it all, he always stood up for what he believed in, staying true to his beliefs. They navigated even the toughest of subjects cause that's how they rolled!
In 1967, Fred became the youngest CIBC employee to be promoted as a Bank Manager which took the family to Kenton, MB. Over the next 30 years, Fred's career included moves to Gilbert Plains, Neepawa, Ashern and lastly Brandon where he retired in 1997. In 2001, Fred and Bertie moved to Carman and this became their forever home.
Fred served an active role with the Kinsmen Club while in Gilbert Plains. This gave him the opportunity to see the building of the Sunset Lodge Personal Care Home as well as the rebuild of the Curling Club that had been destroyed by fire. He became a Lion's member in Neepawa and took on an active role providing great support on the Grounds Committee of the Neepawa Golf & Country Club. Fred maintained his Lions association joining the chapters in Ashern and Brandon with many projects always on the go.
Every community they lived in Fred made many friends as he followed his passions with golfing and curling.
Fred and Bertie spent 22 years as Winter Texans in Pharr, Texas where they looked forward to sharing visits with family and friends. Seldom did Fred miss a Saturday night of dancing, floating Bertie gracefully across the floor. On their return trips from Texas, occasionally they would detour to Branson, Missouri to get their music fix for the year. Together they also loved to downhill ski, hitting the slopes at Agassiz, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Thunder Bay, Breckenridge, Lake Tahoe, Taos, New Mexico which was always the highlight for the year.
In his retirement, Fred found solace and purpose in gardening, landscaping and grooming yards of not only his own home, but those properties of his children. There was always a batch of wine or beer on the go being bottled to perfection. He took up oil painting and continued to immerse himself in reading the most recent Dick Frances (and the like) hardcover. His love of nature and animals found him closely bonded with the family 'fur kids' who shared many quiet walks and rambunctious play time together.
Honouring his wishes, Dad has been cremated and a private family service will be held.
Our family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare, Dr. Wong, Dr. MacIntosh, Dr. Bard and the teams at Boundary Trails and Carman Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care of Fred and consideration to our family. Also thanks to friends and family who called, emailed, sent cards, gifts and baking.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's memory to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

That man is a success -
who leaves the world better
than he found it;
who has never lacked
appreciation of earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had.

Arrangements by:
ARNASON FUNERAL HOME
Ashern - Lundar
1-204-768-2072
1-866-323-3593

Publish Date: Jun 27, 2020

FREDRICK (FRED) KNOX GRAY

After sharing a very special time together as family, Fred, our dad and lifelong loving companion to Bertie, left us on Friday, June 19, 2020, to begin his next journey.
Honouring his wishes, Dad has been cremated and a private family service will be held.
A longer obituary will follow in next Saturday's edition June 27, 2020.

Arrangements by:
ARNASON FUNERAL HOME
Ashern - Lundar
1-204-768-2072
1-866-323-3593

Publish Date: Jun 20, 2020

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020, Jun 27, 2020