EDWARD JAMES GRAY

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EDWARD JAMES GRAY April 23, 1927 - March 3, 2002 With great sadness, the family announces the passing of Edward Gray on Sunday, March 3, 2002 at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 74 years. Edwards memory will live forever in the hearts of his son Curtis (Heather) Gray; daughter Janet (Alistair) Robertson; grand-children, Riley, Carson and Connor; brother John (Alma) Gray; sister Joyce (Herman) Laidlaw; as well as many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Edward was pre-deceased by his wife Irene in 1995; grandchild Amy in 1989; his parents, Doris and William; and brothers, Douglas and Cameron. Edward was born in 1927 in Snowflake, MB, and attended school in Cartwright. Always an entrepreneur, he started at an early age selling ice blocks he cut himself, sawed wood, hauled coal and delivered the Saturday Evening Post. In 1950, he followed Irene, the love of his life, to the bright lights of Winnipeg where he worked in the automotive industry at Dominion Motors and Gelhorn Motors. In the late 1950s he opened Grays Brake & Auto Parts with branches in Winnipeg and Killarney. After building up a very successful company, he sold it in 1965. Edward then purchased Canadian Diebold Safe Company and became one of the founding members of the Manitoba Locksmiths Association. As children, we loved to hear his stories of his escapades as a master safecracker. As a sideline Edward had entered the alarm industry and was one of the founders of AAA Alarm Systems Ltd. When AAA expanded, Edward sold his interest in Canadian Diebold and focused solely on the alarm industry. He retired from active involvement in AAA Alarms after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1985. With his children at the helm, AAA Alarms went on to become one of the largest alarm companies in western Canada, which was always a source of pride for him. Throughout his life, Edward gave freely of his time to many organizations. Many of these organizations have grown and prospered due to his passion and involvement. He has been a lifelong member of the Manitoba Historic Lodge No. 1, Independent Order of Oddfellows and served as Grand Master of Manitoba in 1970. He also belonged to the Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans, Manitoba Darts Association, G & G Curling League, Army Navy & Air Force Veterans Branch No. 1, Monte Cassino Royal Canadian Legion as well as many others. If there was something to organize, Edward was there! Some of his best memories came from his 43 year marriage to his life partner and soul mate, Irene, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren. He represented Canada at an International Dart Competition in Ireland and loved the game of curling, especially his 8 ender! He was the recipient of many awards and certificates of recognition for his involvement with so many organizations. Edward was one of the most honest, genuine and upstanding people you could ever meet. He always had a kind word and smile for those he met, treated everyone with respect and took all of lifes joys and challenges without complaint. We thank him for being such a wonderful role model. The family wishes to thank the medical staff at both Kildonan Medical Centre (especially April, Anne and Dr. Clayton Dyck) as well as the staff on 5th floor Unit 4 of Seven Oaks Hospital. Your kindness will always be remembered. As well, Dad made many new friends in his later years at Fred Douglas Place and, most recently, at Fred Douglas Heritage House. His table friends were a source of great joy and friendship during his time there. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. with Rev. Terry Hidichuk officiating. We graciously decline gifts of flowers, but if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Room 0N109, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 06, 2002