DOUGLAS GORDON GRAY

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DOUGLAS GORDON GRAY

November 27, 1952 - September 12, 2024

Doug, better known as Dougie, had a Lust for Life! While on a 2-week E-biking trip with friends to the sunshine coast, Doug took his last ride on Squamish trail.

Douglas Gordon Gray was born November 27, 1952 in Brandon MB to Gordon and Ada Gray. An only child who was raised in a loving, hardworking and disciplined home. There was no end to homemade bread, the piano singing and Grandpa laughing.

Doug went to the University of Brandon and then got a job at Pelican Lake training center. It was there Doug met the love of his life, Joanne. They were married on July 14, 1978, moved to Boissevain in 1981 and raised their 3 children; Andrew, Lana and James in a house full of love. Together with his wife Joanne, they ran a photo studio for 30 years. Family portraits, weddings, school photos, hockey, ringette, Grad, passports etc. They invested their yard, home and life in photography and enjoyed all the rewards within this, especially the connections with the people.

Doug also worked at the Boissevain School for 33 years. It was a second home to Doug and he loved working there. Not necessarily the work itself but the students and teachers. Doug stopped to talk to all the students, getting to know each and everyone on an individual level and developed lifelong kinships with the staff and teachers. Boissevain became home for Doug, he enjoyed biking around town and running his errands. He never passed up a good conversation, whether it was at the post office, grocery store, pringles, drug store, bakery…all the stops along his route with all the friendly faces that greeted him.

As empty nesters Joanne and Doug were faced with an unforeseen hardship in life and spearheaded it with dignity, love, compassion, humour and partnership. Throughout this journey they were blessed with 4 Grandchildren; Oliver, Lily, Vada and Wyatt. They brought SO much joy into their life’s. Joanne taught them what unconditional love was.

Doug showed them how wonderful it is to have a family and the true meaning of “do as I say, not as I do.” After Joanne’s passing, Doug opened his eyes and heart to the new adventures life would bring him. He flew to Mexico to spend time with his childhood friend, Murray and his wife Heather.

Dad came home with a good tan, great stories and some fantastic new friends. Then Dad made the move to buy an E-bike. He was so excited! He went for 3 weeks on a biking trip to Costa Rica with friends, he traveled to Aruba with Andrew and his family and lots of trips out to Hosmer B.C where his daughter lives.

Doug was always keen to lend a hand and helped with SO many projects. Building a tiny home, barnwood sliding doors, decks, docks, greenhouses, boot rooms, bathrooms, roofing, he did it all. He would just show up when you needed him, with a van full of tools and a smile on his face, ready to take it on.

He really enjoyed his free time and loved telling everyone how great retirement was. He sure deserved it and never wasted a day. His passion for E-biking grew and so did the Boissevain biking gang. They became known as the Forest Rangers of the Turtle Mountains, keeping an eye on the trails, lakes and cabins. Dad also spent a lot of time with the “adventure group.” Friends that would get together to snowshoe, cross-country ski, kayak, full moon adventures and day trips to white water. Endless fun. Doug is survived by his children Andrew (Amanda) with children; Lily & Wyatt, Lana, with children; Oliver and Vada, James (Rebecca), honorable mention to his mother-in-law Luella Kowal.

The Gray family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to everyone in the Town of Boissevain for the overwhelming show of support and kindness during this difficult time.

Doug will be missed intensely. We will listen for him in the wind and the trees and we will all try to live a little more like Dougie.

Messages of condolence may be made online at www.wheatlandfs.com.



Wheatland Funeral Service

204-523-7791 www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 12, 2024, Oct 12, 2024