CHRISTOPHER ROBIN GRAY

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CHRISTOPHER ROBIN GRAY

August 29, 1947 - April 10, 2025

In Loving Memory

It is with great sadness that the family of Christopher Gray announces his passing on April 10, 2025, at the age of 77. Chris passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. A cherished individual known for his kindness, caring nature, and great sense of humour, he leaves behind a lasting legacy filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born in Ottawa on August 29, 1947, Chris was adopted and often said he chose his parents, Eleanor (Norie) and William (George) Gray - a reflection of the deep love and gratitude he held for them throughout his life.

His career began at the RCMP Training Academy (Depot) in Regina. In 1967, he proudly wore the uniform of a First Class Constable, posted in Kindersley, Saskatchewan - where he met his future wife and began raising a family. The family moved across Canada before eventually settling in Winnipeg, the city Chris would come to call home. Chris was quickly promoted to Corporal and during his career with the Mounties, he received specialized training with the RCMP’s Security Engineering Section, which led him into his next chapter as a Security Consultant - a role he held until 1985. That year, Chris was invited to join the Security Division at Manitoba Lotteries, where he would be instrumental on helping launch the two major Casinos in Winnipeg.

In 1995, Chris and his wife, Glenda, founded Corporate Security Supply - an amalgamation of three unique businesses: two newly acquired companies and one that Glenda had been running from their family home since 1985. It was a venture that demanded every ounce of their dedication, determination, and belief in making it work. It quickly became a full family effort, with their children, Angie and Geoff, joining as full-time staff - helping with everything from accounting to marketing. Together, they built it from the ground up. Although Chris officially retired in 2010, he remained closely connected to CSS, always offering his support whenever it was needed. At company event days, you could still find him behind the BBQ, cooking up a storm and telling stories to young Mounties - reminiscing and laughing about the good old days of policing in Saskatchewan. Today, the family business has grown remarkably - from a small home-based operation into a thriving, nationally recognized company with over 100 employees across Canada. It’s a true testament to the vision, hard work, and perseverance that Chris and Glenda poured into it from the very beginning. While the company has expanded far beyond what they first imagined, the small family values they built it on remain firmly at its heart.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Chris’s love of nature led him to join the Boy Scouts as a youth. His involvement spanned more than 50 years and included leadership roles with the 49th Beaver, Cub, Scout, and Venturer Groups. He was deeply honoured to serve as Manitoba’s Provincial Commissioner. Chris was a dedicated mentor and role model, leaving a lasting impact on generations of young people.

Twenty-five years ago, Chris retired his rifles and began capturing wildlife through the lens of a camera instead. This deep and newfound passion for photography became a defining part of his life. He travelled the world on photo safaris - alongside family and friends - embarking on unforgettable journeys to Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Japan, and Alaska. Most of these adventures were with a remarkable group called Squiver, taking him to some of the planet’s most breathtaking and remote locations. Chris’s images, featured in publications such as National Geographic, are a powerful legacy of his adventurous spirit and creative eye. His full collection can be viewed at photogray.ca.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda; daughter, Angela; son, Geoff; daughter-in-law, Jill; sister, Marnie; and brother-in-law, Fred Fielding. He also leaves behind two grand-puppies, Lincoln and Churchill, who gave him endless opportunities to get away with being a “bad grandpa” - sneaking treats, breaking rules, and loving every minute of it. Chris will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

He will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his dedication to service, and his ability to lead with quiet strength and compassion. Chris always showed up - whether it was to lend a helping hand, share a laugh, or simply be there for the people who mattered most. He had a gentle way about him, paired with just the perfect amount of mischief to keep things fun and everyone smiling. Whether he was telling stories around the dinner table or a campfire, mentors young Scouts, capturing the world’s natural beauty through his lens, or building a legacy with Glenda, Christopher made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Charleswood United Church (4820 Roblin Blvd.) in Winnipeg. All are welcome to gather and share in the memories, joy, and legacy of Christopher’s life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2025