John Gray

Peacefully, with his family by his side, John Gray passed away at the age of 74, on Monday September 03, 2018 at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Martha Ricard; children Ian (Holly) Gray, Jane (Dwayne) Campbell and Kim (Rob) Zabowski; grandchildren Kaitie Gray, Garick Gray, Sarah (Jordan) Major, Julian Major, Tristen Sokolosky, Skyler Sokolosky, Emily Zabowski and Nick Zabowski; siblings George (Val) Gray, Peggy (Sandy) McKimmie and Jimmy (Judith) Gray; siblings-in-law Marcel (Louise) Ricard, Shirley (Clarence) Allard, Wayne (Brenda) Ricard and Louis Ricard; many nieces, nephew, family and friends.

John is predeceased by parents William and Jane Gray; brothers Willie Gray and Archie (Sharon) Gray; sisters-in-law Val Gray and brother-in-law Sandy McKimmie.

John was born in Scotland on January 21, 1944 where he spent his childhood on the family farm. In 1955, at age 11, he made the move to Canada by boat with his parents and siblings. Once there, he lived in Ontario until 1976, from there he and his immediate family moved to Manitoba. On October 6, 1993 John met his soulmate Martha, and together they moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

John’s love of the outdoors carried on throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and spent many hours on the boat with his family and a beloved dog going fishing, water skiing, or just enjoying a cold drink.

Like most Scotsmen, John was a strong willed and hard working man. He had a quick temper, but an even quicker smile; he loved a good joke and could often be found at the center of attention charming all of the young ladies and teasing the boys.

John spent countless hours at the rink with his children passing on his love of sports, which carried on to his grandchildren. He never missed a chance to cheer them on at the rink or field as their #1 fan. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

The last 15 years were happily spent at his cabin in The Narrows where he would drive his golf cart around with his best friend Taz to visit with the many great friends he had made there.

In earlier years John had said that when his time came his only request was that friends and family raise a glass and have a laugh, so raise one up in his honor.  Here’s to you John, cheers!

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and close friends.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association, 301 – 1 Wesley Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4C6 or Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com