WILLIAM (BILL) GRAY

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WILLIAM (BILL) GRAY William (Bill) Henderson Gray, born in Winnipeg June 8, 1919 died peacefully February 2, 2004 at Victoria General Hospital. Predeceased by his father William. H. Gray (1956) mother Sarah (Sadie)(1981) younger brother Jim (1965) youngest brother Bob (1944) beloved wife for 37 years Mary (1983) and his second wife of nine years Dorothy (2000). Survived in B.C. by sister and brother-in-law Joan and Al Crofts and their family, Ruth/Alf Konrad, Read and Trent; Paul/Noelle Crofts, Helen and Anna; Anne/Mike Thicke, Alexandra, Graeme and Julia; Neil/Shannon Crofts, Megan and John. Sister-in-law Jessie (Jim Gray) Strouts and their family, Evelyn/Brian Edwards, Julie/Dean Recksiedler, Jensen and Derek Edwards; Barbara/Darrell Morris, James and Jessica; Susan/Jim King, Angela/Scott Emsley, Gail/Brian Cyr, Brianna and Tammy/Chris Falle; Gordon/Vicki Gray, Michael and Jonathan; Harry Gray, Carly and Niki. Stepsons Tom/Mila Clague of Winnipeg, Bob/Diane Clague and Kevin, Cindy/Jeremy, Parker and Hailey of Edmonton. Many, many children of his legion of friends also called him "Uncle Bill", especially dear are Nancy (Dracass) Peters, Winnipeg, Corinne/Mike Bokitch and family Rhea, Alyssa, Rhett and Quinn, Regina, Ralphe Tylor, Vancouver. Bill worked for the City of Winnipeg, Parks Board at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory for 49 years, starting as apprentice and retiring as Superintendent of Floriculture. From 1941 to 1946 he served in R.C.N.V.R. as radar operator aboard destroyers HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Kootenay on North Atlantic convoy duty. Bill was a loyal member and Past Worshipful Master of Windsor Lodge, A.F. and A.M. Bill was Director and Past President of Red River Exhibition since its inception. Bill was an active member and officer of the Manitoba Horticulture Society, Winnipeg Horticulture Society, liaison with the Carman, Starbuck, Charleswood and St. James Horticulture Societys, Rose Society, Gladioli Society. He travelled the province annually judging Home Grounds, Industrial Grounds and Flower Show Exhibitions. He latterly was a member of Laryngectomies "New Voice Club". Bill is remembered fondly for his humour, diligence, untiring work ethic, devoting untold hours to each of his groups and, for his unfailing loyalty, generosity and support of family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all of us. A Family Service was held February 7 at Ladner United Church, Ladner, BC. A memorial service will be held at Thomson Funeral Chapel, Winnipeg on Thursday, February 12 at 11:30 a.m. The family wishes to thank all doctors, nurses and caregivers who gave Bill such wonderful attention over the past several years. Donations in Bills memory may be sent to CancerCare Manitoba, 109-675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2004