Obituary of Donald James GRAY

We are saddened to announce the passing of Donald James Gray. October 14, 1932- July 6, 2020 Don peacefully passed away at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus Ontario, at the age of 87. He fought a long battle against bladder cancer, but defied the odds and lived 3 yrs. past what doctors expected. We are comforted knowing we all pulled together and helped him to be able to stay in his own house right to the end. Don was predeceased by his wife Lillian of 61 years. Don and Lil enjoyed their cruises together, to the Caribbean, Alaska, and also a Mediterranean cruise, but Don didn’t like that one too much because the food wasn’t as good! (not Canadian enough) They loved their many trips to Myrtle Beach, and visiting their friends from Indiana that they had met there on one of the trips. He was also predeceased by his brother Ken (1992), and his brother Charlie who died in Italy, in 1944 in WW2. Father Oliver (1963) served in WW1, originally from Blackhill, Co. Durham, England, and mother Evangeline (1964) from Leighton Buzzard, BDF, England. Don was very proud of his family’s service to Canada. Don will be dearly missed by his daughter, Kelly Ford and her husband Doug, and his 2 cherished grandchildren, Ryan (Emma) and Stephanie (Mitch). He was really looking forward to becoming a great grandfather this August, but sadly, that was not to be. He will be missed by his friend Kelly Rabstein of Fergus who kindly brought him dinner every night and was always nearby to help him if she could in any way. The family is very grateful for her support and help for dad/grandpa over the past few years. We are also very thankful to his wonderful nurse Heather who was his go between with the different doctors in his life. She also was always there to help Don, and us, if she could. Also, a big thank you to all the PSW’s from Carepartners that came to make sure he had lunch and a little conversation daily. It was a huge comfort for family to know that they were coming each day, and he really looked forward to their visits. His greatest joy was to see his 2 grandchildren happy, and he was famous for spoiling them, and giving in to their every want. He wasn’t a huge sports fan, but if either of them were playing hockey, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, or even dance, he was always there cheering them on. They will miss him dearly. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Don may be made to Children’s Make a Wish Foundation. We had talked many times about how unfair it is for children to experience cancer, and we know this would bring him some comfort to know his death might help a child have some joy while dealing with the pain and trials of cancer. Rest in peace now, Dad Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, a private family memorial service will be held for Don. In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Gray Family.