CHARLES EDWARD GRAY
1918 – 2021
Charles (Charlie) Edward Gray was born March 5th, 1918 to Frank and Ellen (Sawyer) Gray at Grayburn, SK in the farm house on his parent’s homestead. He came into this world without the aid of a doctor who was delayed delivering the baby of a nearby neighbour. Charlie passed away at the age of 103 years on Sunday, April 4th, 2021 at Providence Place in Moose Jaw, SK. He was the fourth child of five children, with three brothers and one sister. He was predeceased by his siblings: Jean (Wagg), John, Bob, and Dave Gray; and his wife of 66 years, Gladys (Ferris) in 2007. Charlie is survived by his children: Darl (Judy), Calvin (Shar), Colleen (Jake) Hamm, Katherine (Dwight) Purdy, and Ron (Maria); 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Charlie received his education from Grade 1 to Grade 8 at Grayburn School, which was a short one and a half mile walk from home. After taking High School by correspondence, he attended Prairie Bible College in Three Hills, AB and the Briercrest Bible College at Briercrest, SK. With the outbreak of WWII, he enlisted in the Air Force and was posted to bases in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, serving as an airframe mechanic maintaining air craft involved in anti-submarine patrols. He often spoke of the hospitality of the Maritime people, and he made many friends there. Charlie took advantage of his “leaves” and travelled to Miami, and often spoke of one New Year’s Eve on Times Square in New York.
After discharge from the service at the end of the war, Charlie spent one winter hauling cord wood in the bush of Northern Ontario that had been cut and stacked by German POW’s. He returned to Grayburn in 1947 to make preparations for a place to call home for him and his new bride Gladys. They thrived on building their family and their farm life. They worked together caring for their family and Charlie enjoyed farming and fixing machinery, as well as always working on a building project. He completed his last project in his 80’s.
Charlie loved to travel and when the children were young, the family made several trips to the mountains, British Columbia, and Ontario. After the children were grown, he and Gladys took holidays to Alaska, Florida, and he and his daughter Colleen made a trip back to the Maritimes where he could relive his time spent there many years before. He always made time for day trips to Lovering Lake and Besant Park, and built a new cabin at Arlington Beach, which was a great gathering place for his children and grandchildren.
Summer was a busy time at the farm and in winter, Charlie enjoyed curling and watching Hockey Night in Canada on the black and white Rodgers Magestic TV. The Pool Bonspiel was a favourite that he always looked forward to participating in. Charlie was a long-time member of The Gideons and particularly enjoyed delivering bibles to the school children.
As much as Charlie loved farming, his passion was for his family and his God. He always put his family before himself and was an example of a consistent Faith in God. His bible was well worn and his prayers were sincere.
Charlie loved to be surrounded by his grandchildren and he always made time for them. He could often be found in his big recliner with kids piled on top of him, with him reading to them. He left us with a great legacy and many memories.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course,
I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Family Service will be held to honour Charlie with interment following at Sunset Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to watch the service virtually on Saturday, April 10th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Charlie’s name may be made to The Gideons International in Canada, PO Box 3619 Stn Main, Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
I have such great memories, starting from early grades walking to school with Ron. Every morning Mr. Gray would ask me, “how’s your equilibrium?” Even until today I still smile and think of that statement. His humour was such a of joy to others. Having lost my own father at an early age he was such a blessing in my life.
To Katherine Dwight and families I offer my sincere condolences in the loss of your Dad. Continued prayers for strength and courage as you say goodbye for now. ❤️
My sincere sympathies for the loss of your Dad. He was a special person, so kind , gentle, with a lively sense of humour. It was nice to reconnect with him when he was in Crescent Park where Mom was at the time. It is a loss to loose a parent, but you will have only good memories of your Dad. Hello to each of you, Daryl, Calvin, Colleen, Katherine and Ron, it has been a long time since those days on the farm. Our condolences. Jo-Anne Heggie ( Bishoff)
Darl, Judy; Calvin, Shar; Colleen, Jake; Katherine, Dwight; Ron, Maria; and families: Deepest sympathies on Charlie’s passing. He was a great man everyone loved, admired and deeply respected. He inspired everyone with his love of God and family. He blessed us all.
The Gray Family,
It was a pleasure to know Charlie. I had the pleasure of having his children and grandchildren at schools I was at. They were great kids to teach.
Charlie lived in Park Avenue. He was a wonderful person. A great sense of humour and a kind and gentle man.
May happy memories sustain you at this difficult time
I
To the Gray families.
Our sincere condolences on Charlie’s passing. So many memories!! Cherish them. He had such a wonderful caring spirit. I always remember him quoting psalm 127:5 “blessed is the man whose quiver is full”. His was with all the grand and great grandkids
Katherine, Dwight and family: Thinking of you on the loss of your Dad and Granpa. Praying for comfort as you say “good-bye for now” to someone so special to all of you. Cherish all the wonderful memories—they’re “God’s way of letting us hold on, while letting go.”
The Gray family, I was so privileged to get to know Charlie and Gladys through the MJAC . He was a man of character, integrity, and humor… that twinkle in his eyes said a lot. I believe it was passed on to his children. You will miss him. My condolences to all of you.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. I (Janice) have many fond memories of Mr. Gray, as I knew him through Moose Jaw Alliance Church and lived with Darl, Judy and family for a time. We are praying for you all, and may your memories bring you comfort – he leaves behind a wonderful, Godly legacy.
Gray Families, our deepest condolences to you. Your dad was always a delight to visit with, such great humour and tease. Threads of our families lives have been woven through the years and what an encouragement and blessing it has been. What a godly heritage you have been left with. May God’s sustaining grace be your comfort.
Dear Gray Families, we wish to express our sincere condolences on the passing of a family patriarch who so faithfully followed his LORD and has left a legacy of faithfulness in his children and grandchildren.
May the God of all hope encourage your hearts and lead you into the future with assurance that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
I was sad to hear about Charlie. I express my deepest condolences to you all. I know he will be missed
There are so many memories. Always enjoyed seeing your mom and dad at the farm in the summer.
Thinking of you all today!!
What a beautiful honouring of a great life! Prayers and love to all of you as you grieve the loss of this pillar to many.
The best memory I have of Charlie, was his wonderful contagious laugh.
Remembering and praying for you at this time.
Our deepest sympathy!
Glen & Donna-Joy Tuplin
To the Gray families,
Our sincere condolences on Charlie’s passing.Thankyou for sharing his celebration of life with us….what a poignant tribute to a wonderful man! May beautiful memories comfort you during this difficult time and in the future.
To all the Gray family, our sincere sadness at your loss! You will miss him dearly! With such an extra specially long time with him, you must feel so blessed as well. My memories are many, as I stopped at your house every school morning to walk with you Colleen. He never missed giving a greeting and making each of us feel so welcome and part of the family. I would not have missed it for anything.
I will always be grateful that God led me to serve at Caronport where we met & enjoyed many special times with Charlie & Gladys & their family. After 23 years in BC and returning to Moose Jaw, the first time I saw Darl I thought “There’s Charlie Gray. No, he’s too young.” But Charlie will still be around. Darl has Charlie’s twinkle & humor. Gob bless you all. He is your comfort & strength.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father, Ron. Condolences to you and Maria and Family. Our thoughts are with you. Gabe & Craig Hill.