Gray, Albert George
May 12th 1953, Winnipeg
January 28th 2016, Nanaimo, BC
With many happy memories, but heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of Albert George Gray. Al grew up in Winnipeg MB with his father, Albert James, mother, Myrtle Doreen and three sisters, April, Susan and Patricia. Ever surrounded by women, Al is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Gillian; his girls, Jennifer (Steven), Heather (Kent), Ashleigh (Zach), and Tamsyn (Joe) and, his mother-in-law, Beryl. Al’s absolute joy were his grandchildren, Nathan, Ana, Mackinnon, Adam and a little girl on the way.
As a young man, Al, with his adventurous soul, left Winterpeg as soon as he could to travel the world before finally settling down in Nanaimo. He continued to share his travel stories over many years, always with wonder, delight and incredible detail. A charming and humourous man, Al was the consummate salesman. It is no wonder that Al had so many good friends, each and every one greeted with a friendly, “Yo!” and a Wildcat in hand. Al, and his two great friends, Keith and Brian, spent countless hours on the deck, spinning tales and telling jokes. In true Al style, a man of colourful sayings and quick wit, they are sure to continue the tradition of, “If I had a dog”. Al was a loyal and reliable man, every Sunday morning for over 25 years was spent enjoying a glass of champagne in bed with his wife, whom he deeply loved, and who drove him nuts!
An avid and talented chess player, golfer, pool shark, and an excellent cook who enjoyed his own food better than others’, Al was a man who appreciated all that life has to offer, as long as he was getting the best deal! He has left a lasting, wonderful impression on us all.
Kind, strong and intelligent, Al was also exceptionally stubborn, which only added to his charm. He will be remembered particularly at Christmas with his vast array of cookies and pedantic decorating of the tree. The cat whisperer, who could tame all but one, will be dearly missed as he continues on, to drive that Lavender Lincoln in the sky. Time to Hit the Road, Jack! All good things come to an end.
As per Al’s wishes, an Open House Celebration will be held at his home on February 13,2016 at 2631 Starlight Trail,Nanaimo B.C., Please feel free to stop in for a refreshments between 1:00PM - 4:00 PM.