Ronald Harvey Gray
April 28, 1934 - October 19, 2024
As published in the October 28, 2024 World-Spectator
Ron was born April 28, 1934 in Minnedosa, Manitoba to Jean and Harvey Gray.
During the war when his father was stationed in Halifax he lived with his mother in Toronto. After the war, the family moved to Belmont where he spent the rest of his school years.
He was an only child but had his wife Alvine’s brothers and cousins as good friends. He dated his late wife, Alvine, in high school and they were married shortly after in 1953.
Dad tried to follow in his father’s footsteps and became an elevator agent at Pierson, Manitoba, but quickly realized that did not appeal to him. With children Brent and Laurie in tow they moved to Moosomin, Saskatchewan to begin a new career.
Dad drove a fuel truck for Gulf Oil under the supervision of Ken Curtis for a short while but later decided to start a career in car sales.
The family moved to Wapella for a short spell before dad accepted a job with Lloyd Bradley in Moosomin. Dad worked as a salesman there for many years before becoming General Sales Manager under Lloyd’s son Donnie.
Lloyd was like a father to dad and helped him in many ways. Lloyd persuaded dad to build a new house in 1962 and to serve on the town council for many years. Dad thoroughly enjoyed his job there and told us the customer is always right. He always wanted to find the right vehicle for everyone. He also stated that there was an ass for every seat.
Dad was a proud long term member of the Moosomin Elks and had many friendships with his brothers in the club. Mom served as a member of the Royal Purple as well.
Dad was an excellent athlete and played many sports. Sports were his life, in fact.
At the age of 14 he played with the Belmont A’s baseball team and could pitch and bat left or right handed. The 1952-1954 team he played with was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.
He tried out for the Saint James Canadians hockey team when he was 15 and made the team but was told he was too young and to come back the next year. For some reason he decided not to.
In 1952 he skipped the high school curling team to win the Provincial Championship and came in second in the Nationals to the team from the University of Saskatchewan. Dad curled in Moosomin and was often on winning teams. He played baseball and hockey until he hurt his knee during a baseball game.
After this, he took up golf which was his love for 65 years as a member of the Moosomin Golf Club. He played golf until his 90th year. He had the pleasure of playing with his great-grandson Cohen, for the last few years.
Dad won many trophies in his lifetime but never boasted about any. He excelled at every sport he ever played.
His other activities included hunting and fishing. He brought home many moose, deer, pheasant, geese, duck and elk—which mom did not care to cook for us. Most was given to needy families.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Alvine in 2012, parents Harvey and Jean Gray, brothers-in-law Gordon and Belle Hesse, Lorne and Ruth Hesse, and Carmen Hesse.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Brent (Debra), Laurie (Dale), Blair and Shelley (Tal); grandchildren: Terry, Cherish, Megan, Sage, Jennifer, Brady, Jaden, and Kelsey; great-grandchildren: Kennedi, Cohen, Aubree, Avrie, Blayre, Jesse, Talon and Violet; sister-in-law Marion Hesse, and numerous relatives and friends.
The family wishes to thank everyone in the town of Moosomin for their show of support and kindness during this difficult time.
As per dad’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A private family gathering will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Moosomin Golf Club or the Southeast Integrated Care Centre.
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