WILLIAM ROBERT GRAY

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WILLIAM ROBERT GRAY William Robert Gray was tragically taken from us on Thursday, October 11, 2001, at the age of 38 in Shamattawa, MB. This sad event occurred while he was fulfilling his passion as a pilot on a medical evacuation mission. Will is survived by his parents, Josephine and Robert; brother David; sister-in-law Ellen; nephew Isaac; sister Catherine; brother-in-law Glen and niece Jillian. Born in Lloydminster, SK on August 8, 1963, Will followed his interest in flying by joining the air cadets and obtaining his private pilots licence. He began his post secondary education in engineering but later changed his direction and earned a degree in economics at the University of Saskatchewan. Will experienced life to the fullest by working at a diverse variety of jobs all across the country. He eventually returned to his love of aviation, obtained his commercial pilots licence and became an instructor at the Victoria Flying Club. Following this, Will worked as a First Officer at Navair out of Victoria before moving to Winnipeg in May of 2000 to accept a Captains position at Perimeter Airlines. Will did everything with passion. He was extremely dedicated to his many interests including remote control model plane building, baseball, bicycling and windsurfing to name a few. Sincere and to the point, Will always had an opinion and was never afraid to voice it. He was technically inclined and practical, and a solution to anything was offered in a helpful and selfless manner. "Willy Gs" watchful eye and enthusiasm will forever live on with his Perimeter family. A memorial service for Will and his First Officer Bradley J. Hellum will be held in Winnipeg at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, 958 Ferry Rd., on Thursday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in High River, AB on Tuesday, October 23 at 1:00 p.m. No bird soars too high, if he soars with his own wings. - William Blake

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2001